Osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition that can affect anyone, but it most often happens in older people, especially women after 50.
Whether it’s pain, lack of mobility, or loss of joint function, osteoarthritis can severely limit your movement and quality of life.
But there is good news: joint supplements can provide osteoarthritis relief.
Today at SiR, l discuss how these natural products work specifically in the case of seniors.
Effects of Joint Supplements on Osteoarthritis
They reduce pain
Joint pain is one of the hallmark signs of osteoarthritis. It can get worse when you move or after a period of inactivity. This can limit your day to day functioning.1
The reason why joint supplements are so popular amongst seniors is that they can significantly reduce joint pain. To the point where you can move free again.
A prime example is Boswellia Serrata, also known as Indian Frankincense. This supplement is shown to block enzymes and molecules in your body which aggravate pain-causing processes. The potential benefits of Boswellia for osteoarthritis are so potent it is considered a drug in Europe (classified as a phytopharmaceutical). 2 3
Compared to synthetic drugs which can cause negative side effects, joint supplements like Boswellia offer a safe and healthy long-term alternative to tackling aches and discomfort.
They help to manage inflammation
Hand in hand with joint pain often comes inflammation. This inflammation can negatively impact your joints beyond just the visible symptoms such as pain and swelling. It also damages cartilage and other joint tissues when chronically elevated.
Taking joint supplements that lower inflammation may help you:
- Move without discomfort
- Improve flexibility and range of motion
- Relieve swelling
- Counter the long-term damaging effects of osteoarthritic inflammation
Three of the most effective anti-inflammatory supplements for OA relief in seniors include curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, and MSM. These supplements have been shown to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis. Some of them such as curcumin may even rival anti-inflammatory drugs.4 5 6
They may protect cartilage
Cartilage is a rubber-like tissue cushioning the ends of your bones at the joints. It helps to reduce friction and absorb impacts when moving.
With age and constant physical strain, cartilage can wear down. This can lead to symptoms of osteoarthritis worsening. One of the ways you can combat this is by taking joint supplements shown to protect and maintain cartilage health.
Two of the most popular ones for this purpose are glucosamine and chondroitin. These two compounds are natural parts of your joints, playing a vital role in joint health and integrity.
While solid human research proving their benefits as supplements is lacking, some studies show a relief in stiffness, pain, and other osteoarthritis symptoms.7 It’s been suggested that by supplementing these ingredients, you provide your body with the building blocks for protecting and maintaining joint tissues.
Another supplement worth considering is type-II collagen, which might work especially well in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin in protecting from pain and loss of joint function—especially as you get older.
They help to lubricate joints
Joint lubrication is crucial for smooth movement and protecting from impacts and shocks of physical activity.
There are suggestions that joint lubrication can deteriorate with age, which can play a part in symptoms of OA getting worse.
To counter this, some people use hyaluronic acid, which is a natural component of joint fluid (also known as synovial fluid). Some go to their doctors for hyaluronic acid injections, which have been shown as effective for joint pain relief and other symptoms of OA.8
But if you’re not a fan or needless or are looking for a less expensive treatment, oral hyaluronic acid is beneficial, too. It has been shown to work for managing symptoms of OA—including improving knee strength, reducing knee pain, and lessening synovial inflammation.9
Further Reading:
- Exploring Joint Supplements for Effective Osteoarthritis Relief
- Exploring Supplements Role in Osteoarthritis Relief
- Exploring Natural Joint Supplements for Osteoarthritis Relief
- Tailoring Joint Supplement Regimens for Advanced Osteoarthritis Management
- Joint Supplements for Active Seniors With Osteoarthritis
References
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms/ ↩︎
- Yu G, Xiang W, Zhang T, Zeng L, Yang K, Li J. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 Jul 17;20(1):225. doi: 10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6. PMID: 32680575; PMCID: PMC7368679. ↩︎
- https://examine.com/supplements/boswellia/ ↩︎
- Kuptniratsaikul V, Dajpratham P, Taechaarpornkul W, Buntragulpoontawee M, Lukkanapichonchut P, Chootip C, Saengsuwan J, Tantayakom K, Laongpech S. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts compared with ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter study. Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Mar 20;9:451-8. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S58535. PMID: 24672232; PMCID: PMC3964021. ↩︎
- Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Waters RF. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006 Mar;14(3):286-94. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2005.10.003. Epub 2005 Nov 23. PMID: 16309928. ↩︎
- Deng W, Yi Z, Yin E, Lu R, You H, Yuan X. Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation for patients with osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2023 May 24;18(1):381. doi: 10.1186/s13018-023-03855-w. PMID: 37226250; PMCID: PMC10210278. ↩︎
- Zhu X, Sang L, Wu D, Rong J, Jiang L. Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res. 2018 Jul 6;13(1):170. doi: 10.1186/s13018-018-0871-5. PMID: 29980200; PMCID: PMC6035477. ↩︎
- Oe M, Tashiro T, Yoshida H, Nishiyama H, Masuda Y, Maruyama K, Koikeda T, Maruya R, Fukui N. Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review. Nutr J. 2016 Jan 27;15:11. doi: 10.1186/s12937-016-0128-2. PMID: 26818459; PMCID: PMC4729158. ↩︎
- Oe M, Tashiro T, Yoshida H, Nishiyama H, Masuda Y, Maruyama K, Koikeda T, Maruya R, Fukui N. Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review. Nutr J. 2016 Jan 27;15:11. doi: 10.1186/s12937-016-0128-2. PMID: 26818459; PMCID: PMC4729158. ↩︎
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