A Look at Anti Inflammatory Joint Pain Supplements and MSM
Osteoarthritis / osteoarthroses, which causes chronic pain due to cartilage breakdown, may require several treatments in order to effectively be brought under control. Here are some recommended methods, including both pharmaceutical products and OTC joint supplements.
1. Acetaminophen (even aspirin) can offer temporary relief of joint pain. It may momentarily ease discomfort, but isn’t a means to repair the underlying problem.
Product example: Precise Pain Relieving Cream by Tylenol
2. Anti inflammatory supplements / pharmaceutical drugs can reduce swelling and inflamed joints. Pharmaceutical products like oral NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have been the primary treatment along with a cycloxygenase COX-2 inhibitor. NSAIDs plus cayenne pepper creams may also be applied. One of the prescription formulas is a topical gel with diclofenac. Diclofenac (not available in all regions) can offer relief. It’s a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory / analgesic and contians phenylacetic acid.
Product Example: Voltarol gel contians diclofenac and if ordered online will ship from the UK. Buy 100 g tube of Voltarol.
OTC topical joint pain products to try:
1. ActivOn Topical Analgesic – extra strength joint and muscle pain relief by ActivOn
2. Capzasin Arthritis Pain Relief Gel with sponge applicator / 1.5 ounce / by Capzasin
OTC / prescription analgesic / anti-inflammatory products don’t cure the underlying issues associated with articular disease, and the side effects (of oral supplements for pain and inflammation) can include gastrointestinal problems, and when balanced by cycloxygenase inhibitors (to alleviate side-effects), COX -2 inhibitors may damage kidneys and the cardiovascular system.
Since both NSAID drugs and their accompanying COX-2 inhibitors are symptomatic treatments, not cures, many individuals seek relief elsewhere. That’s lead researchers to investigate the use of chondroprotective drugs. These are not quick-fix solutions to pain, but an attempt to treat underlying issues of osteoarthritis by stimulating connective tissue repair.
Do chondroprotective drugs work?
In theory, certain chondroprotective preparations (designed to inhibit the deterioration of the articular cartilage, and stimulate chondrocyte metabolism in OA patients), like glucosamine / chondritin sulphate / diacetylrhein / diacerein, should provide longer-term relief and perhaps even retard the structural breakdown of cartilage – repairing (not just masking) the problem.
Initial clinical trials using diacerein showed evidence of being more effective than placebos, however it’s not available in all countries. In the United States there are chondroprotective joint pain / anti inflammatory supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin (in oral OTC preparations).
Product Examples:
1. Kirkland Extra Strength Tablets Glucosamine HCI plus MSM
2. Joint Free Plus / powdered chondroitin, glucosamine and MSM by Schiff
Do oral joint supplements work?
Studies using glucosamine and chondroitin joint supplements offer inconclusive results. Yet many frustrated individuals who haven’t found relief from deliberating joint pain have reported benefits of using oral joint supplements.
Since a CURE for osteoarthritis isn’t available, there’s little reason not to try the available joint pain supplements to find out if they may have a positive result in your individual case.
Which are the best joint supplement product to try?
Is methylsulfonylmethane (known as DMSO2 or methyl sulfone as well as dimethyl sulfone or dimethyl sulfoxide) a possible solution to inflammation / joint pain?
Methylsulfonylmethane (an MSM supplement) is a sulfur derived from vegetable / animal sources and, in theory, could help repair connective tissue. A healthy body uses amino acids and sulfur to build connective tissue for bones, ligaments, cartilage, joints, etc, but clinical studies conducted on oral MSM supplement formulas haven’t offered conclusive proof that the powders, capsules, tablets or liquid preparations can be absorbed. Despite controversy, many people find that taking an oral MSM supplement or using a topical methylsulfonylmethane solution, alleviates pain, reduces inflammation and aids to restore mobility. Even if MSM doesn’t repair connective tissue, it appears to act as an analgesic, and when there’s less pain, movement is easier.
Product Example: MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) 60 / 120 or 240 tablets – each contains 750mg / by Source Naturals
While sulfur requirements should be obtained through a healthy diet with various protein sources, individuals who may be deficient can supplement their diet with up to 3,000 mg.
One of the best joint supplement formulas sold over the counter is the blended version with MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin, B vitamins and extracts of shark cartilage. Try one of these anti inflammatory supplements by Dr. Miller’s Joint Repair.
Another one of the best joint supplement products that people use to control pain, in order to remain active despite osteoarthritis, is Joint Relief Complex II by Healthy Choice Naturals. This is one of the natural joint pain supplements that’s sold in capsule format and contains glucosamine, chondroitin, quercetin, hyaluronic acid, omega-3 from flaxseeds, and methylsulfonylmethane, as well as manganese and collagen boosting amino acids.
