Suffering from pain? You’re not alone. Whether you’re an athlete, getting older or have an injury, many people reach for pills for relief. But a common pain treatment may not be worth the money.
“I can’t run like i used to run. I want to feel active,” said Alejandra Morales.
She’s not alone. One in two adults will eventually develop knee pain from osteoarthritis. In their search for relief many consumers try dietary supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin.
Flashy commercials make claims that the supplements can ease joint pain but Consumer Reports advises caution.
“There’s very little medical evidence that these two supplements will ease your joint pain,” says Dr. Orly Avitzur, Consumer Reports’ medical advisor.
And some medical experts believe that glucosamine and chondroitin can pose risks, including an increase in blood sugar levels and a greater chance of bleeding when taken with blood thinners like warfarin. They can also worsen high blood pressure and may trigger hearth rhythms.
The “Choosing Wisely” report, released by Consumer Reports and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, encourages those with knee pain to talk with their doctor, who may suggest you getting moving with low-impact activities like walking or swimming, combined with exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the joints.
“It’s likely you’ll still need something for pain flare-ups. We recommend over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen,” says Avitzur.
If you’re still having pain, it’s recommended that you see an orthopedist who can evaluate actual damage to your joints.
In response to Consumer Reports’ concerns about glucosamine and chondroitin, a trade group for the supplement industry, The Council for Responsible Nutrition, had this response: “For most people, these supplements help without safety concerns … however, people should be dialoguing with their doctor about their supplement use.”
