Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 9/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Richard,
When i move my elbow i can feel (and hear if the room is quiet) a slight grinding in the joint. It is never painful. If were to put pressure on the joint and move it, E.G: doing a press up the grinding becomes more noticeable.
I do remember hyperextending my elbow a year ago and I would have fallen on it a couple of times also.
I have read that impact can knock cartilage out, leading to possible arthritis, and i was wondering is it possible that my symptoms could perhaps lead to this (I'm only 21 and physically active)?
I couldnt stand having trouble at a young age with it, and so was wondering whether a supplement would be a good idea - that is, if it is likely that this will worsen to a painful state as i age?

Thank you for your time Richard,

Aaron

ANSWER: Hi Aaron,

I do not feel from what you are telling me that you should have serious problems with this as you age. The grinding noise is not unusual when it comes to joints only if it does get painful and that you generally see with hips and knees because of your bodyweight.

The supplements you might want to look into further and research are glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and SAMe.

They are great for joint problems though you will see write-ups that will say one thing and another that will say something else. Most people have good results IF they take them long enough. People unfortunately expect results in a week or so and these supplements take maybe several months to work in the joint and repair the tissue.

Give them a try. You should be able to purchase them at a good vitamin store where you are located. I sell joint supplements on my website though I do not believe they will ship overseas.

Regards

Richard Haynes PTA/CPT
Punta Gorda, Florida.
www.richardhaynes.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Richard, thats good news -

normally, would supplements be prescibed early on in the pain - free state, as I am now, or would one normally wait until symptoms became annoying / inhibiting/ painful?

Many thanks again

Answer
Aaron,

I would strongly suggest you start taking them as soon as possible. if you wait until the pain arrives generally it may be too late!

Take them as soon as you can.

Regards

Richard Haynes PTA
Punta gorda,Florida. USA
www.richardhaynes.com