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Our Members Asked:
Which supplements can help with arthritis?
Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.
Answer:
There are a number of supplements that may modestly reduce pain or improve other symptoms of osteoarthritis (inflammation caused by damage or "wearing away" of cartilage in joints) or rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, stiffness and inflammation).Sign in for more information about supplements for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other unspecified joint pain, including SAMe, ginger, collagen hydrolysate, boswellia, ashwagandha extract, a branded enzyme supplement (Wobenzym), avocado and soy unsaponifiables (ASUs), vitamin D, tart cherry, hyaluronic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, MSM, fiber, cinnamon, vitamin E, selenium, coffee, curcumin, cat's claw, rose hips, olive oil, and PEA.
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Related CL Answers (16)
Related Reviews (4)
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Gale 22548
May 9, 2021Can persons with serious shell fish allergies safely take glucosamine and chondroitin? Are there any safe glucosamine/chondroitin supplements which do not contain shell fish?
ConsumerLab.com
May 20, 2021Vegetable-based glucosamine in available as an ingredient in some products (see the "Concerns and Cautions" section of our Joint Health Supplements Review https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/review-glucosamine-chondroitin-msm-boswellia-supplements/jointsupplements/#allergic). Also see the last column of the Results table in the Review, which notes products that are labeled as "Shellfish free" ( https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/review-glucosamine-chondroitin-msm-boswellia-supplements/jointsupplements/#results).
anne22051
February 9, 2021has anyone had success using SAME for knee arthritis
ellen22135
February 24, 2021I have the same question about SAME, and also for Curcumin. My arthritis is in hands/wrists.
Glenn22540
May 5, 2021Hello. I tried SAME for 3-4 months for my osteoarthritis pain in my hands, thumbs and toes and it didn't work.
Carol17181
September 19, 2018I'm very pleased to see all these people have been helped by using one product or another, but... they don't say what type arthritis they have, so its irrelevant to the reader as to what might work for them.. PLEASE try to be more clear in describing what you're treating. Thanks.
eve17179
September 19, 2018what about bromelain?
ConsumerLab.com
September 19, 2018Hi Eve - As noted in the answer above, an enzyme supplement containing a combination of bromelain and other enzymes (Wobenzym) was found to be helpful for knee osteoarthritis. You can find more information about this in our Digestive Enzyme Supplements Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/digestive-enzyme-supplements/digestive-enzymes/#inflammation
Judy17177
September 19, 2018Boswellia has done wonders for me! I rarely have knee pain anymore. I was getting injections in my knee periodically for the pain, but that's been over 3 years ago. I've taken Solaray Boswellia for at least 2-3 years. In addition, I ride a stationary bike for 30 minute 4-5 times a week which has also helped. I'm 67.
SUSAN16827
May 10, 2018Black currant seed oil capsules have helped my arthritis, only 600mg a day but u can take much more!
Neville16608
March 18, 2018Borax (boron) solved my arthritis problems. It may be difficult to source in the US. Pharmaceutical companies have done their best to ban it.
ConsumerLab.com
March 19, 2018Hi Neville - Thank you for sharing your experience with this. There is some preliminary evidence that boron may be helpful for osteoarthritis. Please see this CL Answer https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/why-are-there-boron-nickel-and-tin-in-my-multivitamin/boron-nickel-tin/.
Kathleen15772
October 18, 2017What strength of curcumin is safe to take with "Doctors Best" high absorption with BioPerine. I am taking 1000mg and would like to take stronger
ConsumerLab.com
November 22, 2017Hi Kathleen - Please see this CL Answer: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/i-take-1000-mg-of-a-high-absorption-curcumin-extract-it-seems-to-be-working-but-would-it-be-safe-to-take-a-larger-dose/high-dose-curcumin/
Arch14060
May 28, 2017MSM has worked for me.
It provides sulfur and perhaps if your blood is insufficient in this, the MSM will work until cartridge's need for sulfur is satisfied.
Elizabeth15922
October 22, 2017MSM has been helpful for my son and me for knee pain.
David14057
May 28, 2017It's a shame that glucosamine/chondroitment tablets gets such bad press simply because a study found it doesn't help with knee arthritis. I and 4 other people I know swear by it for our shoulder and hand arthritis. I wish someone would do a more thorough study.
lynne15778
October 18, 2017I agree it works well for myself and my husband!
Cameron18270
August 29, 2019My father became wheelchair bound due to arthritis in his hips. Glucosamine/Chondroitin dramatically turned things around for him. The wheel chair ended up collecting dust in the garage.
Saundra19990
May 21, 2020Glucosamine Sulfate works very well for me. I went off it for awhile just to see if it would make a difference. In a couple months I was right back to pain everywhere. When I take it, I don't feel pain anywhere. I'm talking pain as in couldn't shift my weight to one leg while standing because it hurt too much. Glucosamine is a life saver for me!
peggy14027
May 12, 2017I have been using magnesium oil to rub on my feet at night and it has helped with the pain of a severely arthritic foot. I have also noted that I no longer get cramps in my feet at night. I'm 78 so I think that I was not absorbing the Magnesium that I had been taking in a pill. As a side note, magnesium oil is actually not an oil but water combined with Magnesium which becomes oily. The only side effect is a slight tingling in the area which goes away. The combination of magnesium oil and Boswellia has allowed me to continue my daily walks with little pain.
lyn15763
October 18, 2017I have found the same type of benefit from direct application of magnesium oil onto the skin surface despite taking magnesium in capsule form.
Curtis W21632
December 20, 2020About 15 years ago my knees were hurting and it was difficult to get up and down the basement stairs.. I started taking Cosamin DS which is glucosamine HCl worth can Chrondrotin. Not sure how long it took but I will soon able to go up and down the steps without pain and then I realize this stuff is working. I am now 81 years old and I have no joint pain other than my knuckle on my left hand index finger. I now take Body Dynamics joint renewal because it has several more ingredients in it like MSM, hyaluronic acid, I also think it’s critical to start early before you get bone on bone.
I can even keep up with my kids and grandkids at Disney World, and ride all the rides. That’s called a blessing.
peggy11592
January 11, 2017I am so thankful for Boswellia which has reduced my joint pain significantly.
Victoria14058
May 28, 2017Significant pain relief for me with boswelia
Carol17864
May 22, 2019I have never seen Boswelia marketed by itself, only combined with other ingredients in a capsule. Please comment on what product you use. Thank you.