Can supplements really help my stiff/sore knees?

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debgore

Cathlete
Does anyone know if there is any benefit to taking supplements such as "Osteo Bi-Flex," or other similar ones that claim to help "lubricate" joints and reduce joint pain and stiffness? I sure would spend the money on them if it would make my knees feel better, but for some reason, I'm a bit skeptical. Anyone know anything about it? Thanks a bunch!
 
I'd like to know too! I just started taking a supplement for my knees and am anxious to hear if anyone thinks it will help at all.

Allison
 
I just read an article today on CNN about this, here's a blurb:

5. Glucosamine for joint pain
"It's safe, and it looks like it's effective," says Dr. Frederick Hecht, director of research at the University of San Francisco Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. "It may be the first thing that actually reverses cartilage loss in osteoarthritis."


Here's the link to whole article:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/10/04/ep.alt.med/index.html


Lori
 
I think that it helps me. My ortho doc recommended that I started taking glucosamine/chondrotin supplements. He said that with some people there is no effect, but with him he found it really helped his knees. So, I went and bought it (even though it is expensive) and I take it religiously. I can tell a difference in my knees if I miss it for a couple of days. Also, if you start taking it I think that you don't see an effect for 3 or 4 weeks (that is if it does make a difference for you at all). So make sure you give it enough time to work before you decide to throw in the towel.

HTH.
 
I have had luck with glucosamine. I've had even better luck with going to PT and learning that my tight IT bands are the cause of much of my discomfort. With proper stretching and icing my knees after exercise I am delighted to report they are much better!
 
I notice a difference when I take liquid supplements as opposed to pill form. Most liquid glucosamine is rather gross, but Joint Juice tangerine flavor is actually pretty good...kind of like soda. They sell 4 packs at walmart and you can buy more at Sam's Club. I know they sell it other places as well but I've definitely seen it in those two places.

My knees have been bothering me again lately so I've been thinking of starting up with the liquid glucosamine again.
 
I've been taking glucosamine for the last couple yrs. I'm only 30 but with running I figure every little bit helps!! I do notice a difference, but just a warning that it takes a good 30 days after you start taking it to notice a difference! HTH!
 
I just wanted to thank everyone for the great input. I think I will start taking glucosamine and give it a try. My husband has been taking it since a knee injury and surgery, so I can just dip right into his supply. I may check out that liquid as well. Thanks a bunch. Everyone on this forum is such a great resource!
 
I take Osteo-biflex and it absolutely helps my knees. I love this stuff! I tried cheaper brands but they gave me such a stomach ache. Ugh. The same thing happened to one of my friends, and she also had no tummy problems with Osteo-biflex and her knees felt better. I buy it at Target. That's the cheapest place I can find it. I noticed a difference in 3 days--I know it's supposed to take 30, but mine felt significantly less achey in 3. Good luck!

Jonahnah
Chocolate IS the answer, regardless of the question.
 
I have taken both glucosamine and chondroitin and I can't remember which one, but one of them actually made my pain worse. I think it was the glucosamine. Chondroitin gives the cartilage elasticity and I THINK that Glucosamine repairs cartilage or something. In any case, they were both in pill form. Then I took a combo pill of both. When I STOPPED taking them, I instantly did not notice pain anymore. I am sure everyone is different though. Stretching the ITB also is known to help relieve some knee pain. Good luck! :) Clarissa
 
I've been taking TriFlex from GNC for the past couple weeks. I haven't noticed any real change in my knees though. In fact I attempted to do RS last night and my knees were hurting so badly I had to stop before I even finished the warmup. Bummer. I'm going to look into Osteo-Biflex though. I'm pretty desperate at this point. The idea of giving up my step workouts forever is pretty much more than I can bare.... :(

Allison
 
Jonahnah, I just bought some Osteo Bi-Flex due to your good review. I searched online and that product has gotten very good reviews. And they were on sale buy one, get one free at Walgreens today! I am looking forward to something working without it tasting gross. My knees have really been bothering me since doing Drill Max earlier this week and I can't wait for them to start feeling better.
 
Hi Jill,

I'm sorry to hear that DM bothered your knees so much. I hope it works for you as well as it does for me. Thanks for the tip about it being on sale at Walgreens!

Jonahnah
Chocolate IS the answer, regardless of the question.
 
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