"Prescription" Chondroitin Improves Knee Osteoarthritis

No wonder osteoarthritis patients become confused about treatment options. There is a report out that chondroitin slows progression and relieves symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Sounds great but the news competes with a previous report which says chondroitin is not helpful for severe knee osteoarthritis. This is an example of where reading carefully really makes a difference to your understanding.

In the February 2009 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, the effect of chondroitins 4 and 6 sulfate (CS) on osteoarthritis progression and symptoms revealed positive results. CS has been approved as a "prescription symptomatic slow acting drug" for osteoarthritis in many European countries -- unlike other chondroitin sulfate products sold as dietary supplements in the U.S. Study results showed that long-term administration of CS over 2 years can prevent joint structure degradation in patients with knee osteoarthritis but the results pertained to the prescription CS available in Europe and the results cannot be applied to other chondroitin sulfate products or compounds.

Related Resources:

• More About Chondroitin
• Chondroitin Not Effective for Severe OA Pain
• 16 Non-drug Treatments for Osteoarthritis
• Effective Dose for Glucosamine or Chondroitin
• Dietary Supplements: An Alternative Treatment for Osteoarthritis

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