Glucosamine
 

Just wondering if there is anyone out there that knows enough about glucosamine to give me some advice.

I've had somewhat bad knees since highschool, and am starting to get a ripping sound in my shoulders when I workout with weights. My dad has had problems with his shoulders and says the only thing that really helped him was glucosamine and physical therapy.

Do you think 30 is too young to start taking this? I'm not feeling any pain right now, but the sounds of my joints moving scares me.

Thanks for your help.

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most widespread type of arthritis, is a degenerative disease of the joints. Although sometimes capable of causing acute inflammation, it is most commonly a "wear-and-tear" disease involving degeneration of joint cartilage and formation of bony spurs within various joints. Trauma to the joints, repetitive occupational usage, and obesity are risk factors. Most people over 60 years of age have this affliction to some extent, with approximately 16 million sufferers requiring medical care. The main goal of treatment is to relieve pain
In recent years, glucosamine and chondroitin have been widely promoted as a treatment for OA. Glucosamine, an amino sugar, is thought to promote the formation and repair of cartilage. Chondroitin, a carbohydrate, is a cartilage component that is thought to promote water retention and elasticity and to inhibit the enzymes that break down cartilage. Both compounds are manufactured by the body.

Research Findings
Laboratory studies suggest that glucosamine may stimulate production of cartilage-building proteins. Other research suggests that chondroitin may inhibit production of cartilage-destroying enzymes and fight inflammation too. Glucosamine supplements are derived from shellfish shells; chondroitin supplements are generally made from cow cartilage. Human studies have shown that either one may relieve arthritis pain and stiffness with fewer side effects than conventional arthritis drugs. But two problems remain. First, there has not been enough high-quality or long-range research to determine whether their use is practical. Second, because dietary supplement manufacture is not regulated, product quality (especially of chondroitin products) is not assured.

I take Glucosamine and have found that I have no knee pains any more. I have not read of any problems cause by its use. It can take a few months to start working. If you take it and it makes no difference, then I would persue a different fix. I would quit the shoulder workout anyhow as it sounds like you are creating a problem. Perhaps you should see a specialist to get the shoulder looked at first.

Mike

I agree with Mike. Definitely stop the shoulder workouts, immediately. Rotator cuffs are easily damaged and in some cases can never heal properly, you don't want to mess with that kind of pain.

Your problem could be form related or it could be something requiring medical attention, it's best to be safe and not sorry later. I'd have someone look at that shoulder ASAP if I were you.

-Nat