Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting 16 million Americans usually over the age of 40. This condition begins gradually with the deterioration of joint cartilage, the cushion between bones causing stiffness. As deterioration increases the bones rub causing spurs, then the spurs grind together causing pain. Osteoarthritis is considered neither preventable or curable but many advances have been made in efforts to slow the advancement of the disease.
Studies have shown Glucosamine as a major cartilage building supplement that has proven effective and the most popular. Often, MSM is combined with Glucosamine as an effective enhancement since MSM has been shown effective in slowing joint cartilage deterioration. Though not a cure this combination is by far the most popular and effective for most.
Chondroitin Sulfate is another proven cartilage builder as well as Niacin amide, a form of Vitamin B, is popular for knee pain relief. The combination of Glucosamine, MSM, Chondroitin Sulfate, and Niacin amide can be found in separate supplement form or often combined in a joint relief, or joint building, supplement formula.
SAMe (Sadenosylmethionine) is a cartilage builder from the Amino Acid Methionine. It has good anti-inflammatory properties and has proven very effective but it is the most expensive and out of reach for most people at this time. Hopefully the effective supplement will come down in price in the future.
In efforts to reduce joint pain the herbs Boswellia, White Willow, and Brome lain have anti-inflammatory affects and are available separately or often combined with the supplements listed above. Cayenne Cream applied to joints topically blocks the pain signals but the short duration time of 3 to 4 hours is the average expectation and fine if the discomfort is temporary.
A number of inroads surrounding diet and osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis as well have been recently coming around. Carbohydrates are being looked at closely; apparently reduced carbohydrate diets are showing some effectiveness as well as certain food sensitivity towards arthritis. Tracking suspected food in relation to joint pain, or a short term low carbohydrate diet as well, is easily accomplished and recommended in 8 week personal trials.
Suspected foods include sugar, grains, and highly processed foods. A diet high in Omega-3 Fish Oils may help arthritis sufferers. Moderate, low impact exercise is also highly recommended with emphasis towards stretching and strength training. Start slow, keep track of pain and changes, its not an overnight cure but effective stop to the degeneration is the first step.

Thomas Recker is a contributing editor for www.iwantvitamins.com http://www.iwantvitamins.com
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Thomas Recker Editor for www.iwantvitamins.com