Study: Topical Glucosamine Effective in Relieving Arthritis Pain

The tablet form of glucosamine and chondroitin has proven to be very popular in reducing pain related to osteoarthritis of the knee. Now researchers are testing a topical version.

As reported in the March issue of the Journal of Rheumatology, researchers have found that a topical application of glucosamine and chondroitin is also effective an effective pain reliever for the condition.

The study involved 63 patients who received either a topical glucosamine and chondroitin preparation or a placebo used over an eight-week period.

The effectiveness of the topical preparation was assessed using a visual analog scale for pain (VAS). Such scores indicated a greater mean reduction in pain for the glucosamine/chondroitin preparation group compared to the placebo group after four weeks.

Other sources: Journal of Rheumatology 2003;30:523-8