[at-l] Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSN only works for some people (was aging...)

[amy]

On Sep 3, 2006, at 8:34 PM, lurker wrote:

> To a large extent, I have had my doubts about these drugs.  I hear
> people swear about them and then there are those that swear at them.
> That was why I asked my question, I was wondering if the kind of
> preparation or chemical formulation seemed to make a difference.  At
> this time I don't have any knee problems so I don't need appear to  
> need
> anything.  Maybe a preventive approach is a good idea but I don't want
> to start something like that on my own.  I'll probably ask the Doc  
> at my
> next annual.  Has anyone here ever used them for thumb or hand joint
> problems?
>


My thumb was unhappy for a couple of years due to a horse-related  
injury.  I started taking glucosamine / chondroitin / msm /  
hyaluronic acid supplements for quite painful arthritis in my foot.   
My foot did feel better, btw.  But I notice that my thumb doesn't  
hurt anymore.  Or rather I didn't notice until I thought about it,  
which is kind of awesome.

I was skeptical when I first heard about these things, years ago.   
But then my large animal vet prescribed joint supplements for my  
elderly horse, and he (the horse) went from just standing around  
staring off into the distance to raising a ruckus with the younger  
horses.  And my small animal vet prescribed joint supplements for my  
elderly collie, and she also started moving a lot better.  Neither  
one of the animals knew a darn thing about the placebo effect.  So I  
thought maybe there was something to it.

Me, I think it's worth buying some supplements and trying them for a  
few months to see if they help you.  They're not that expensive,  
compared to most medical care.  I get mine at the grocery store and  
stock up when they go on sale.

-amy in md