Osteoarthritis (OA) is common in the elderly. It is important to know that osteoarthritis (OA) is different from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis, since RA and osteoporosis require different treatment.
Available therapeutic options for osteoarthritis (OA) are exercise, weight loss, medications, surgery. Many people nowadays take supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, hoping to relieve pain and improve function. However, these supplements are often incompletely effective.
A 2005 meta-analysis study of glucosamine showed a significant improvement for pain relief. However, the largest randomized placebo-controlled study did not show significant differences in pain after 24 weeks of treatment with glucosamine, chondroitin, or the combination of both supplements [N Engl J Med. 2006 Feb 23; 354(8): 795-808]. Further clinical research studies are needed.
Adverse effects of these supplements are minimal. Most common symptoms are abdominal bloating, diarrhea.
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