Dr. Timothy K. Durnin - 8/29/2007

Question
Hello,
I am a 35 year old man. My height is 1.90m and my weight is 93 kgs. Last year I was diagnosed with chondromalacia pattellae. It does not usually disturb me any more, but it used to some months ago, so I want to take maximum precautions to keep it painless. I currently take omega 3 pills. I have heard of glucosamine and chondtrotine. is it worth trying these substances? I also think of buing a pair of 2kg ankle weights to do some quadricep exercises at home. Is it a good idea?

Thank you,
Apostolos, Greece

Answer
Hi Apostolos,

Make sure you take glucosamine sulfate with MSM, this is proven to rebuild cartilage. 3000/mg/day is the minimum dose, start with that. If the exercise doesn't bother the knees than it is OK but I think it will. Thigh squeezes would be better, 'forcing knees together against resistance' to build inner thigh muscles for proper patella tacking. The GS is imperative, start taking it ASAP.

Good Luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com