Benefits of Glucosamine and Chrondroitin

Although glucosamine and chrondroitin is found naturally in the body, animal-derived supplements of these nutrients benefit people strengthening their joints and bones. Whether the supplements are precautionary, or part of a healing regimen, they are available without a prescription. Glucosamine and chrondroitin pills are sold at health food stores, the vitamin section of large grocers and at pharmacies.

Pain Relief

• People who suffer from osteoarthritis have noticed pain relief from taking glucosamine and chrondroitin supplements, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The anti-inflammatory nature of the supplements are believed to be the root cause for pain relief.

Joint Health

• Sufferers of osteoarthritis will notice a strengthening of cartilage between the joints when taking glucosamine. The Mayo Clinic reports users of glucosamine for osteoarthritis often use less non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, than patients who choose not to take glucosamine supplements. Chrondroitin is also attributed to improving the symptoms of osteoarthritis and may stop or reverse the degenerative process of the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Knee Problems

• Young athletes may experience chondropathia patellae, a knee disorder. The use of glucosamine and chrondroitin has shown to benefit athletes by increasing flexibility and reduce damage to connective tissues in the knee according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Athletes of all ages can use glucosamine and chrondroitin to strengthen their knees during periods of training, competition or when healing from a knee injury.

Bladder Health

• Inflammation of the bladder may be reduced by taking chrondroitin supplements. Patients suffering from interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder or unstable bladder control have shown improvements in their condition after taking chrondroitin, according to the Mayo Clinic. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports irrigating the bladder with a liquid form of chrondroitin provides relief for patients with interstitial cystitis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Although glucosamine supplements cannot cure rheumatoid arthritis, the Mayo Clinic reports an improvement in joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. When used in combination with a doctor-prescribed regimen to manage rheumatoid arthritis, glucosamine supplements help reduce swelling in the joints.