Chondroitin Sulfate for Joint Pain

Among the many ailments of those suffering from chronic pain, arthritis could certainly be called an epidemic. 16 million Americans are found to be enduring various forms of this inhibiting condition. Many are seeking treatment in new and diverse ways. Among the possible treatments for arthritis and other painful joint conditions, there is a natural substance which patients have been relying on: chondroitin sulfate.

Chondroitin sulfate is a natural substance derived from animal products. It is most commonly used to help individuals with joint pain, whether it be carpal tunnel syndrome, the illness deriving from repetitive actions, or simply the onset of arthritis due to the body's aging process.

Chondroitin Sulfate Can Help Rebuild Cartilage

The cartilage in a person's joints undergoes cyclical change. Cartilage around the joint breaks down and is regenerated. This is where chondroitin sulfate presents a benefit in combating the excessive erosion of cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is taken from the cartilage of certain animals such as the shark. It is refined and made into a dietary supplement and is ingested by the patient. When the body breaks down the products of the cartilage, it theoretically stores these elements for use in building new cartilage. Therefore, scientists have suggested that the ingestion of chondroitin sulfate will facilitate the faster growth of new cartilage and ease the stress load on the joints.

Many studies have shown chondroitin sulfate effective in a patient sample at a higher rate than a placebo. It can be considered 'time-tested', and together with other supplements such as glucosamine sulfate, it is part of a popular treatment for most arthritic conditions.

A positive aspect of using supplements such as chondroitin sulfate is that these are relatively low risk. In the case of the more aggressive cortisone treatments, the injection of cortisone into the joint can cause side effects. The patient may later experience stages of greater pain than before the treatment, or the injection into the joint can cause a bone infection, which can be quite difficult to treat. Chondroitin sulfate, on the contrary, is found to have only minimal or no side effects, and the process is not as risky. For those suffering from the pain and inconvenience of joint inflammations, chondroitin sulfate could be an easy and effective way to treat the illness.

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