Osteoarthritis affects many and it’s a difficult condition to deal with. People with osteoarthritis can have mild pain or pain so severe they have trouble moving their joints.

The current treatment for osteoarthritis involve replacement of the affected joints with artificial joints. This is a difficult surgery to go through and new problems can result from the procedure. Many people simply decide to bear and suffer through the pain instead of undergoing surgery.

Another treatment option for osteoarthritis is taking a supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin.

You have probably heard of these two ingredients but may not know a lot about them or how they work. Osteoarthritis is the result of damaged cartilage, which is is not replaced fast enough. Over time, this leads to serious problems.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are used to boost cartilage growth, and this improves joint conditions. Glucosamine is thought to prompt cartilage growth and provide protection to the cartilage. Chondroitin, on the other hand, makes the cartilage stronger. Together, these two work to encourage healthy joints with healthy cartilage.

It’s recommended that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements be taken orally, but no scientific study has proven that there is a particular benefit to this method.

Based on research, glucosamine and chondroitin can help as much as prescription medication for osteoarthritis. Unlike prescription medications, though, supplements with these two substances have less side effects and they are thought to slow down the progression of arthritis.

Taking glucosamine and chondroitin supplements is a natural option you can go for instead of taking prescription medications or undergoing surgery for your osteoarthritis. Doctors often advise their patients to take these supplements in conjunction with prescription medication. See your doctor and discuss what the best plan is for you.