Studies have shown that products containing the combination of the following ingredients provide pain relief in mild to moderate joint pain: glucosamine sulphate, chondroitin sulphate, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). According to the studies it takes at least 4 to 8 weeks to obtain beneficial effects. Knees are considered one of the toughest to treat because of the body’s weight on the joint. Well-designed exercises can help strengthen the muscles and tendons. Reducing body weight is also important to reduce the weight on the joint which will reduce the friction in the joint.
Supplements containing anti-inflammatory herbs such as Devil’s claw (harpagophytum procumbens), Boswellia serrata, or Curcuma longa can provide rapid pain relief prior to obtaining the benefits of the above chondroprotective products. There are supplements that contain an anti-inflammatory herb as well as the above chondroprotective ingredients. These will provide relief beginning during the first week of use and 4 to 8 weeks later the full benefit of an anti-inflammatory plus chondroprotective supplement will be obtained.