Over the past decade, the natural supplement chondroitin
has risen into discussion about treating joint pain. It is
often
teamed with glucosamine for this effect. A great piece of
health news has just come out, suggesting that chondroitin
sulfate improves hand function and relieves morning
stiffness caused by osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the world’s leading cause of joint pain. It is
caused by the gradual deterioration of cartilage in a joint.
The disease affects more than 27 million adults in the U.S.,
causing pain and stiffness. Approximately 10% of the
world population, 60 years and older, have symptomatic
osteoarthritis. And prior studies have found that 20% to
30% of adults have osteoarthritis of the hand, with the
prevalence rising to more than 50% after 60 years of age.

Yet, while this condition is so prevalent, and can impact
life so much, therapeutic options are limited. And few
studies are examining therapies specific to hand
osteoarthritis. On both of those notes, let’s dive into the
new study.

The study shows that chondroitin sulfate significantly
decreased pain and improved hand function in patients
with
osteoarthritis of the hand. Published in “Arthritis &
Rheumatism,” the study went on to report that the natural
supplement improved grip strength and relieved morning
stiffness.

The study included 162 patients who suffered spontaneous
hand pain and limited function in that hand. Participants
received either 800 milligrams of chondroitin sulfate (80
patients) or placebo (82 patients) once daily for six months.

Results showed that patients in the chondroitin group had
significant decrease in global hand pain compared with the
placebo group. Hand function also improved significantly
for those taking chondroitin. Researchers also reported
significantly improved hand function and reduction in
morning stiffness for those on chondroitin.

It seems to be a safe and effective treatment for people
suffering this nagging form of joint pain. It leads to similar
effects as seen in popular pain relief drugs, although it
doesn’t carry their long-term toxic side effects. Chondroitin
sulfate is a naturally occurring molecule and a main
component of joint cartilage.

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