If you’re one of the 30 million adults who suffer from joint discomfort, you know how terrible it can be. It can make keeping active difficult, and even ordinary duties seem impossible. You may not realize that your doctor can treat you with methods other than medications or surgery. Depending on the intensity of your pain, injections or other medication forms may be another option for relieving joint discomfort and getting you back on your feet. Glucosamine and hyaluronic acid are common medications that work for joint pain. Let’s discuss both separately.
Glucosamine
It is a substance occurring naturally within the body. These supplements are present in different forms, such as glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl glucosamine.
The body uses glucosamine to create other compounds that help develop tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and fluid surrounding joints. The fluid and cartilage that surrounds joints provide cushioning. Taking glucosamine may enhance cartilage and fluid around joints and prevent joint degeneration.
For osteoarthritis, glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride are often used. Glucosamine is also used to treat joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and various illnesses. However, there is no proper scientific evidence to support these claims.
How Long does it Take for Glucosamine to Work For Joint Pain?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis (OA). It is estimated that 6.5 million persons, or 2.6 percent of the population, have used one or both of these products. Although research on glucosamine and chondroitin has been conflicting, some data suggest that they may help reduce OA joint pain and stiffness.
For those with osteoarthritis, taking glucosamine sulfate orally for at least four weeks can provide some pain relief and improve function. Products containing glucosamine hydrochloride do not appear to work until combined with other substances. Taking glucosamine sulfate does not seem to lower the chance of developing osteoarthritis.
Safety of Glucosamine
- When taken orally, glucosamine sulfate is probably safe for most adults to consume for up to three years.
- When administered for up to two years, glucosamine hydrochloride may be safe for most adults.
- N-acetyl glucosamine may also be safe to take for up to 6 months.
- Some moderate adverse effects of glucosamine include bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
- N-acetyl glucosamine may be safe for up to ten weeks when administered to the skin.
- N-acetyl glucosamine is likely safe when given as an enema (rectally) in quantities of 3-4 gms daily.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid, commonly known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate, is a gel-like material found naturally in the human body. Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are frequently employed when corticosteroid injections fail. However, they are often only approved for use in the knee.
If you don’t have evidence of inflammation, your doctor may recommend HA injections initially. If you have diabetes, HA is a better alternative because corticosteroids can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
HA injections, often known as gel injections, are chemically identical to your natural joint fluid. The joint fluid becomes watery when you have osteoarthritis. As a result, this injection aids in the restoration of the fluid’s natural qualities while also acting as a lubricant and shock absorber.
HA acts as a cushion or buffers against inflammatory cells in rare joint situations; it can cause the knee to produce more natural HA. Some doctors believe that HA reduces pain by covering nerve endings within the joint.
How Long does it Take for Hyaluronic Acid to Work For Joint Pain?
Pain alleviation does not occur immediately and usually begins during the fourth week following the initial injection. Relief periods might last anywhere from two to six months. Typically, the most successful period is between weeks 5 and 13.
One therapy, which may include one to three injections, usually provides symptom relief for four to five months but can sometimes last up to a year. Pain and stiffness, on the other hand, will return. Most insurance companies will only cover one HA injection every six months. Natural hyaluronic acid serves various functions in the joints, including:
Lubrication
Hyaluronic acid binds to water well, resulting in a thick, jelly-like consistency. This viscous fluid lubricates the joint while also acting as a shock absorber.
Bone and Cartilage Development
Hyaluronic acid promotes the creation of new cells and tissues, which aids in the growth and development of joint cartilage and bone.
Inflammation Reduction
Hyaluronic acid aids in the reduction of joint inflammation and discomfort caused by injury or tissue deterioration.
Hyaluronic acid also functions as a moisturizer in the joints and body, keeping tissues moisturized. A 154-pound person’s body contains around 15 oz of hyaluronic acid. The most significant amounts of hyaluronic acid are found in the joints and the eyeballs, where it aids in protecting the eye lenses.
You can get expert advice before using any of the medications. To consult with an experienced orthopedic, visit Marhamand book your appointment with the Best Orthopedic Doctor in Lahore with just a few clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1- What dosage of hyaluronic acid should I take to relieve joint pain?
Using 80–200 mg daily for at least two months has been proven to considerably improve knee pain in persons with osteoarthritis, particularly those aged 40 to 70.
2- How could you differentiate between glucosamine and hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is approved for knee osteoarthritis but not for hip osteoarthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are present naturally in cartilage and “wear out” in osteoarthritis.
3- How long does it take for glucosamine to become effective?
Pain relief from glucosamine sulfate can take four to eight weeks.
4- Can you take vitamin D and glucosamine at the same time?
These drugs should not be taken together.
