If you suffer from the pain of arthritis on a regular basis, consider trying some of the popular supplements available. You'll find a wide range of options on the market today and some have been found to be effective to ease the pain. If you want to try a supplement to see if it can help you, here are some things you should know:
- Find out more about two of the most popular arthritis supplements, called glucosamine and chondroitin. Understand that there are conflicting results on how effective these drugs are, since some studies have shown they have made a difference, while others did not show a measurable benefit.
- Learn more about methyl sulfonylmethane, or MSM, which is also an option for arthritis but is not as well known and hasn't been as well tested.
- Be aware that these and other supplements for arthritis are thought to be safe but no long-term studies have been done yet to confirm this fact. Decide if you want to see for yourself if any of these options will work for you to ease your discomfort.
- Familiarize yourself with the range of brands available that make arthritis supplements.
- Realize that there are no government regulations on these supplements at this time to guarantee the purity of many of these options, so read the ingredient labels carefully.
- Look for products that are manufactured by well-established companies. When deciding between two products, if one is from a company you know and trust, stick with the familiar.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions about brands you aren't familiar with. Find out how long the company has been in existence and how long the store has stocked their products.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations.
- Check with your physician before taking any supplement to find out if it is a good fit for your needs.
- Be aware that arthritis supplements could cause side effects, but they are generally mild. Don't take these supplements if you have certain health conditions, such as diabetes, or if you are pregnant or are on blood-thinning medications, as they could cause ill effects. Make sure any supplement you pick won't interact with any other medications you are taking.
- Read the instructions on the supplement label to find out how to take the drug correctly.
- Compare the costs of different supplements. Realize that taking arthritis supplements can be costly, but the benefits may be worth the investment if you get relief from your pain.
