A couple of months ago we gave a summary of
what’s new in a feature called
PAIN - THE TAKE AWAYS.As Arthritis Care Week approaches (21st-27th April 2003), we
add stop-press news about protecting joints and bones.
Relieving
knee pain
Paracetamol no, glucosamine yes seems to be the latest conclusion in terms of
pain relief.Paracetamol is widely recommended as first-line
pain-relief treatment for hip and knee as an alternative to nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatories (NSAID).Now a study published
in the Archives of Internal Medicinesuggests that it just doesn’t work for knees.
A group of 82 patients with
knee osteoarthritiswere given paracetamol or NSAID or a dummy pill over a period of 12 weeks.The NSAID
worked, and the others didn’t. Plans for further research are in the pipeline.
Glucosamine, in a report from
Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin, did
considerably better.A daily dose of 1500mg was shown to help relieve
pain from osteoarthritis and cartilege damage.And
a second report in The British Journal of Sports
Medicine confirms the finding.A dose of 2000mg
daily given to 26 patients and compared with a placebo showed 88% in the glucosamine group
reporting improvement at 12 weeks and better life quality compared to 17% in the placebo
group.(Yes,
the powers of persuasion without actual drug therapy are sometimes surprisingly effective,
though not usually long-term.)
Collagen hydrolysate can help
maintain healthy and pain free joints and bones according to a recent report from US
rheumatologist, Professor Roland Moskowitz.Collagen is the
most abundant protein in the body, making up 33 per cent of total body protein. It is
found predominantly in bone, cartilage (joints), muscles and other connective tissue.Collagen hydrolysate is a form of gelatine, broken down
by a natural process (hydrolysis) to allow easy absorption into the blood stream.
Professor Moskowitz, at Case
Western Reserve University, headed an international study on osteoarthritis, including
almost 400 patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee in 20 hospitals in the USA, the UK and Germany. In Germany,
93 per cent of patients produced extremely positive results. Even after a period of only 2
months, the patients receiving the collagen hydrolysate preparation had considerably less pain and showed improved mobility.
In
another study of 52 patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis, Professor Milan Adam of the Rheumatism Research Centre,
Prague, found that those on collagen hydrolysate suffered less pain and had less need for painkillers. Improved mobility was also demonstrated,
especially in those with hip osteoarthritis.
Two collagen hydrolysate
supplements are available mail order from health supplement manufacturer, Arthro Vite.One
is Activ Vite and the other is Collagen Plus.Both are
orange-flavour drinks, and contain therecommended daily amount of collagen hydrolysate, based on the
research.They are suitable for all age groups. Collagen Pluscontains in addition, 1000mg glucosamine sulphate
and800mg of chondroitin sulphate. To order, visit
the online shop atwww.arthrovite.com.
These nutritional
supplements have no known adverse side effects and can improve the condition of hair,
nails and skin as well as joints.It is
always a good idea to discuss using alternative treatments with your doctor or medical
adviser.
VETERAN RUNNER DEFIES EXPERTS AND RETURNS TO FORM
“In November 1999 I had
surgery for a knee problem and was told I had worn out my cartilage and would never run
again. Last year, I represented Wales at the International Cross Country Championships and
achieved first place in my age group in 5k, 10k, 10m and half marathon races.”
Annie Conroy, Le
Croupiers Running Club, Cardiff
Long distance runner Annie Conroy, 55, is keeping up
with some of Europe’s leading athletes thanks to collagen hydrolysate.
Annie, and German
sports stars such as triathlete Astrid Benöhr and weight-lifter
Oliver Caruso, are among a growing number of people benefiting from the healthproperties of the natural gelatine
supplement which can help in combating pain and rebuilding cartilage damaged through
excessive wear and tear – the tell-tale signs of osteoarthritis.
“When I was
younger I did a lot of dancing and the strain on my knees
eventually took its toll. Twelve years of serious running didn’t help. I tore the
cartilage in one knee and recovered from that, but my other knee then began to give me
trouble,” Annie explains.
“After being on
the waiting list for three years, I finally had surgery but was
told I should never run again – the cartilage was completely worn away. It was bone
on bone and they were talking about knee replacements.
“I immediately started a three month course of Collagen
Plus after reading about it in a magazine and am now back running and experiencing less
pain than in the previous five years.”
Annie has managed new personal bests over most
distances in the last 12 months and has represented Wales twice in the International
Veteran Cross Country Championship.
laterlife interest
The above article is part of the features section of laterlife.com called laterlife interest. laterlife interest contains a variety of articles of
interest for visitors to laterlife.com written by a number of experienced and new
journalists.
It includes both one off
articles and also regular columns of a more specialist nature such as healthwise, reports from the REACH files,
and a beauty section called looking good in later life.
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Sherman.
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