Glucosamine and chondroiten

[jaymac]

Has anyone tried this and is it effective? I have very sore knees. I was told that it is not arthritis but overuse of the joint. Many people recommend this supplement, but I have been hesitant to try it because I do not know what type of side effects it may create, or if it interracts with other meds. I really only take OTC analgesics for headaches.

[Sohan]

It seems to work for me. It lubricates the joint and aids in maintaining cartilege formulation. I've been taking it for two years with no ill effects noticeable, though I do not take any regular medication.

Not sure if it will help in your case, though. A practicing martial artist with sore knees is usually overtraining, inflexible, or training on a very hard surface, etc. Rest and ice may be your best bet if this is a relatively recent occurrance.

Respectfully,

Sohan

[jaymac]

Unfortunately, sore knees have been bothering me for several years. I am not training improperly and am quite flexible. I do make matters worse by working night shift on hard floors. I am guilty of training every day though. I know sometimes I should back off a bit, but then I feel guilty.

[Sohan]

It's tough when you have to work on hard floors. I worked in a restaurant/bar when I was in college and all the floors were concrete. My job required me to be on my feet constantly and my knees ached every night. I could not imagine doing that kind of job today.

If I'm not mistaken, I thought I read you say you were around 50 y.o. If that's the case, would you really lose much by cutting a workout or two or doing some lighter crosstraining instead? Since you are a Nidan, perhaps the reps aren't as important now that you've likely got them burned in pretty well.

Respectfully,

Sohan

[Aodhan]

Unfortunately, sore knees have been bothering me for several years. I am not training improperly and am quite flexible. I do make matters worse by working night shift on hard floors. I am guilty of training every day though. I know sometimes I should back off a bit, but then I feel guilty.

I've heard good things about both of them, but I've never used them myself. Check with your doc, but they are relatively benign as far as supplements go.

Aodhan

[Mtal]

I had a torn meniscus and had my knee scoped a few years ago. After the operation my knee was sore for a while. I started taking Glucosamine and chondroiten, and also MSM, I felt it helped. I dont think there are really any side effects to taking them, it can't hurt to give it a try, especially if you have pain. I really felt it helped.

[jaymac]

Oh no I hope I didn't post somewhere that I was 50. I am in my early 30's. I just have 50 year old knees I really do not want to cut back. We are on break right now, and already I am becoming eager to get right back into it. I can't wait until Easter is over. But even with the dojo shut down right now, i still have achey knees. I guess I really have to blame my job. I guess I should not work and only train. Just kidding.

[Sohan]

Oh no I hope I didn't post somewhere that I was 50. I am in my early 30's. I just have 50 year old knees I really do not want to cut back. We are on break right now, and already I am becoming eager to get right back into it. I can't wait until Easter is over. But even with the dojo shut down right now, i still have achey knees. I guess I really have to blame my job. I guess I should not work and only train. Just kidding.

Sorry jaymac, I got you confused with someone else!

Sounds like the job is more the problem than your training, because the problem doesn't go away when you lay off. Curious to see what a week of vacation would do for you. Any chance of modifying your footwear at work to reduce impact forces from the floor? Cushioning soles or orthotics? Maybe a podiatrist could help?

Respectfully,

Sohan

[jaymac]

Thanks Sohan. I think you are right. It is my job. I quit! No seriously though, I do think seeing someone to fit me with proper orthotics would be the best solution here. I purchased some orthotics that I saw on T.V. once and it made my pain worse. I know I have a slight curvature in my spine, so I think that some of the blame can be placed there and a specialist is probably who I should be talking to.

[greenbelt_girl15]

In curvature in your spine do you mean scoliosis (sp?). I guess I didn't think of as bad for my knees but I also have a slight curvature in my spine and have osteoarthritis in my knee's (I'm only 16).I think that your back could definatly be a factor here.As for glucosamine and chondroiten, I haven't used them but I have heard good things about both.