SAM-e, which stands for S-adenosylmethionine, has become a popular dietary supplement used to treat osteoarthritis. SAM-e has been shown to be as effective as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for the treatment of osteoarthritis. SAM-e can cause certain side effects, especially at higher doses.

SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound in the body. SAM-e is thought to be involved in more than 35 biochemical processes in the body. SAM-e is thought to increase chondrocytes (the cells that make up cartilage), cartilage thickness and possibly decrease chondrocyte damage.

SAM-e has been used for over 20 years in Europe to treat arthritis and depression. Since it is not marketed as a prescription medication in the United States as it is in Europe, be careful and cautious about the brand and quality of the product that you purchase. Choose a dietary supplement brand with a good reputation. Read more about side effects, dosage, and safety warnings in SAM-e: 10 Things You Should Know.

Related Resources:

• Osteoarthritis Treatment Options
• Dietary Supplements for Osteoarthritis
• 25 Effective Osteoarthritis Treatments
• What Is SAM-e? (S-adenosylmethionine)
• SAM-e as Effective as NSAIDs for Osteoarthritis?

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• Join Us in Our Osteoarthritis Forum / Message Board

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Cane use can help reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis progression, according to researchers. The knee is the most common joint affected by osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects a part of the knee known as the inner aspect of the tibiofemoral joint. A source of stress for this knee component is the knee adduction moment (an indication of weight placement while walking). A 20% increase in peak knee adduction moment is associated with at least a 6-fold increase in the risk of knee progression over 6 years. Doctors typically offer two easy solutions for reducing knee load, joint pain, and joint damage in knee osteoarthritis patients:

• cane use
• footwear, such as good walking shoes

Using a cane reduces knee load -- taking stress off of the knee. By reducing the risk of knee osteoarthritis progression, disability may also be prevented. Read more in Cane Use Cuts Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis Progression.

Related Resources:

• How to Choose and Use a Cane
• Before You Buy Mobility Aids for Arthritis
• Shoe Styles Can Impact Knee Osteoarthritis
• Knee Braces Help Painful Osteoarthritis of the Knee
• Arthritis Aids Make Living With Osteoarthritis Easier

_{Photo by Glenn Bo (iStockphoto)}