GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE
By Dr. Russ Ebbets
Off The Road Column
Children Running Can v. Should
Physically active people, particularly competitive athletes are more susceptible to this form of joint degeneration because of the increased stresses placed on the body by a faithful training regimen. The Russians have long taught that competitive athletics is not a natural or healthy thing to do for one’s body. Although the Russian sentiment runs counter to our American fitness movement it is probably closer to the truth.
Exactly what causes this DJD to happen? All the articular joints in the body (ankles, knees, hips, spine, shoulders, etc.) are surrounded by a joint capsule. Inside the joint capsule is cartilage and synovial fluid, a lubricating fluid that not only facilitates movement but also nourishes the joint. The cartilage protects the ends of the bones and to a lesser degree absorbs and dissipates the shock of repeated ground contact of running or walking.
Sleep and rest in a horizontal position allows the joints to regenerate after a long day on one’s feet or after a tough workout. Problems can arise when the days become "too long," the workouts "too hard" or the rest "too short" and the cumulative stress of athletic participation begins to take its toll on the joints and initiates a negative sequence of events, leading eventually to the degeneration of the joint.
Three or four years ago some health practitioners and nutritional gurus began to champion a food supplement called glucosamine sulfate (GS) with the claim that when used regularly GS would not only slow the degeneration process associated with excessive physical activity but would in fact repair the damage.
These claims ran totally counter to established thought and were initially dismissed as yet another unsubstantiated claim of food faddists. In spite of the doubts of the "established thought" individual anecdotal evidence continued to indicate promising results. And in Scandinavia clinical trials began to confirm the anecdotal evidence that GS not only relieved the pain of DJD but that it helped repair the damaged cartilage in weight bearing joints and restore function to those joints.
Trial and error of nutritional protocols have found that a daily dose of 1500mg split evenly between morning and evening works best. Side effects have been minimal with occasional stomach upset and diarrhea. Note that GS is not a painkiller and that immediate results should not be expected. Noticeable results take 6-8 weeks with consistent use. Once the desired relief is achieved a maintenance dose of 500mg every few days should manage future problems.
How would one know if they have DJD or if GS may be helpful? The definitive diagnosis of DJD can be made by taking an x-ray of the painful joint. The problem with radiographs is that they only show DJD after significant damage has occurred.
The development of DJD is usually a long and slowly progressive process. An athlete may have painful, tell tale signs of DJD that elude the definitive diagnosis of a radiograph for months or possibly years.
So how can one know if one is developing a problem? If there is morning joint stiffness that is relieved by activity and this morning pain can be differentiated from tight or sore muscles it is probably safe to assume that these are the early signs of joint arthritis or DJD.
This shouldn’t necessarily cause panic. Remember that the body has tremendous regenerative capabilities if proper attention is given to the basics of good health that include rest, proper hydration, a nutritious diet supplemented by a multiple daily vitamin. Additionally such preventive measures as stretching, massage and weight training used to improve conditioning should also help.
Before one heads off to the health food store there are several other issues that need to be addressed. The critical question – why is the joint getting sore in the first place?- must be asked. A realistic evaluation of one’s training can usually pinpoint a reason or two. Is all of one’s training done on concrete? Are the training shoes of poor quality or worn out (broken shoelaces)? Are the muscles that create propulsion or stability weak or poorly conditioned? And finally is there some postural abnormality such as a functional short leg that predisposes uneven weightbearing stresses on the joints of the lower extremity?
If any of the above are contributing to the joint pain it is senseless to treat the symptom without correcting the cause. Professional help may be necessary to pinpoint the exact mechanism of injury, whether it is from a podiatrist, chiropractor or orthopedist.
The inevitable aging that we all face cannot be denied, but with a sensible training plan, realistic goals and some glucosamine sulfate it may be delayed.