Glucosamine

Glucosamine, which is extracted from crab, shrimp and lobster shells, is one of the hottest nutritional supplements for joint health – and may be with good reason. Although it is not the cure for arthritis as some have claimed, it does appear to ease the pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin are often used in conjunction with oral analgesics.

Chondroitin Sulfate

In the body, naturally existing chondroitin sulfate is thought to draw fluid into the cartilage to help give it its elasticity and slow cartilage breakdown. The supplement, which is derived from cattle trachea, often is taken with glucosamine to ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Like glucosamine, chondroitin appears to be without serious side effects. It can take two or more months for this supplement’s effects to show. Glucosamine and chondroitin are often used in conjunction with oral analgesics.

Warm Water Therapy

You know how good it can feel to soak in a warm tub, especially if your joints are aching, your muscles are cramping and you’re feeling downright miserable. It turns out that being in water not only feels good, it’s good for you. Studies have shown that the benefits of applying heat can include muscle relaxation and decreased pain and stiffness. Immersing your body in warm water is an especially good way to apply heat to many parts of the body all at once.

Braces and Splints

Braces and splints are devices used to support or stabilize a joint. Braces and splints are made from an array of materials, such as metal, plastic, cloth and moldable foam. They may be used after surgery, for example, to hold a joint in position while it fuses following arthrodesis (also called bone fusion), or to support a replaced knee until the supporting muscles have been sufficiently strengthened through physical therapy to do the job. In some cases, they are prescribed to stabilize a joint that is causing disability.

Some people find it helpful to wear braces or splints during the day as they go about their activities; others prefer to wear them at night to keep their joints from bending awkwardly while they sleep. Some people wear them 24 hours a day.

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*Unless otherwise noted, information in this section has been excerpted from The Arthritis Foundation’s Guide to Managing Your Arthritis, by Mary Anne Dunkin, copyright ©2001, Arthritis Foundation. For more information about ways to effectively manage your arthritis, or to purchase a copy of Guide to Managing Your Arthritis, call (800) 283-7800.