Help for Aching Knees

My Dad started taking a supplement called Replenex which has 1500 mg of glucosamine HCl - the most absorbable form. He also uses Painatrate on his sore spots. He feels SO MUCH better now!!!

Try a massage, someone who is familiar with myfacial release. Ice. Stretching. Teaspoon of apple cider vinager daily for several months....K.

I have a friend who had developed arthritis about 10 years ago and I recommended Glusomine Chondroitin to her. She immediately got relief and continues taking it. Since then I have developed some painful arthritis and I highly recommend Move Free Advanced (Plus MSM). It has added benefits of Joint Fluid and antioxidents. I normally runs about $19, but there is frequent coupons for $5 in the newspaper booklets.

I've heard positive things about Glucosamine, but haven't used it myself. My dad (quite a bit older than you) didn't have knee surgery years ago b/c the doctor said there was nothing that could be done. They just went in cleaned out floating cartiledge and that was it. He has been taking G for a while now and it seems to help him. He started using Melaleuca's supplement a few months ago and really likes it. Before that, he bought G at a health store. I think the only reason he bought M.'s is because I am a marketing executive for them, but he also likes their PainATrate and uses it for his back and knee (a rub). Anyway, I hope you get some relief.

I am taking MAX GXL (a Glutathione Accelerator) for about two weeks. During that time I have seen tremendous results in my shoulder, knees, and lower back. You see, I have arthritis in both shoulder. My left shoulder was so bad that I had already lost most of the range of motion. I couldn't even lift my arm higher than my shoulder. Now I have almost full range of motion back!

Hi T.,
I was having similiar symptoms about the same age, not sure why. You were in much better shape that I was and active too.

My Dad, who suffers from arthritis suggested that I use a product called Joint Promotion & Calcuim Plus. I have been on both of these products now for over 8+ years and I can now sit with no problems during plane rides or a 2+ hr. movie.

Joint Promotion has what you mentioned above, its available through AdvoCare - my webpage is www.advocare.com/9812406 and you can read more about it under the "Wellness" tab (green section).
I hope this helps,
T.

I have not tried supplements, but I have tried acupuncture and it's been very helpful. I think you need to get a good recomendation from someone though. I don't think all acupuncturists know what they're doing. I go to the Tom Landry center in Dallas and see Dr. E. Cayton. Good Luck.

T.,

I think it is great that you are exercising!! I am 34 and feel working out is a big part of my wellness. I take a vitamin, mineral supplement called Vemma. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, and has had great results with soreness, arthritis, etc. It also can improve high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other ailments. If you are not currently taking a supplement, you need to. Please take a minute to look at my website for information, and call me with any questions. If you don't feel it is the product for you, then best of luck with your other options. My website is www.myvemma.com/andriamraz and my phone number is ###-###-####.

You owe it to yourself to look into this.

A.

My husband and I have been taking Nutritional Supplements for many years. We use Infinity Nutritional products.

My husband has been using Supplements for over 18 years. His knee problems do not exist anymore. He has been taking "Infiaid": Which is the only joint Nutritional certified by NSF. The Infinity products are taken by more Professional Athletes than any other Supplement in the world. He is against taking DRUGS for anything unless it is a last resort.

My husband, Milton, is the Regional Sales Manager for Infinity (An EcoQuest Company). I suggest you go to our Healthy Living Tecnologies Web-Site:
www.ecoquestintl.com/garrett Click on Nutrition. You may want to browse the rest of the site also.

J. G
____@____.com
1-800-394-1630

Good Morning T.. I havent personally tried this product but my coworker got her mother to try this. It is called replenex. Her mother was experiencing alot of joint pains and was actually going to have to have surgery. After being on this product for some weeks she feels so much better and doesnt feel the need to have surgery now. Check it out..its worth a shot. www.melaleuca.com is where she got it from. If you want more information I could definately get it for too. Good Luck! www.themomteam.com/kimneel

YES YES I have been taking it for 2 years and it is great. I thought I was going to have to have surgery on my knees but I haven't had to the glucosamine Chondroitin HAS HELPED LINE THE KNEE so that i haven't had to have surgery I still have pain but not near as bad it takes 4 to 6 months to build up in the systembut presist and it's worth it.KC

I have had knee problems since I was about 12 and never had a weight issue until I was pregnant and my knees felt better then! I was probably almost underweight, so that wasn't the issue with me either. I have started running, which I know is supposed to be bad on the knees, but they actually feel better. Also, when I did weight lifting, focusing on the thigh and calf muscles, my knees felt better. I have started drinking Elation, which is a Glucosamine/Chondrotin drink (I got it at Wal-Mart) and although I don't know that it's having any effect, it makes me feel better because I feel like I'm doing something pro-active about it. Everything I've read says to increase the strength in the muscles surrounding the knees (leg-raises, etc.) and that will help relieve knee pain. When I do have sharp pains, usually after a run without enough stretching, I take Advil and it's usually gone pretty quickly.

Glucosamine with Chrondroitin is an excellent supplement if you have joint pain or arthritis. You will need to take it everyday for it to offer maximum benefits. You might ask your pharmacist what the appropriate doseage would be for your height/weight.

Debbi

I am right there with you!! I am 35, 5'5'' and 135 lbs!! I have been a runner since I was 11 years old, and I have been a certified aerobics/group fitness/yoga instructor for 10 years. I am also an OT. AND, this is my 3rd bout of tenditis in my knees since college. Of course, I know it is from running on pavement. The anti-inflammatories help to reduce the inflammation and pain, and rest helps with recovery and relief. Good shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, and cross training help with prevention. I agree that muscle strengthening of all the leg muscles helps, but the BIGGEST HELP for me is YOGA. The stretching is magical and the whole class seems to get the juices flowing in my joints....keeps them well-lubed!! Just an idea! Getting old is no fun...but we won't go down without a fight, huh? Of course that means keeping our bodies well-cared for to stay the course!! Good Luck!

T.,

Have you heard of The Original Limu? It is brown seaweed and it is in a papaya, pear, mango, apple juice nectar and all organic. The brown seaweed is from the Tongan Islands in the South Pacific and It is the only one that has Fucoidan in it which helps to rebuild your immune system and helps with repairing and supplying your body with over 70 minerals and nutrients that we do not get from our food today. Go to my website and that will tell you more or you can email me or call me. My info is on the site
www.discoverlimu.com/limuupforlife
Kim P.

My mother had acute rheumatoid arthritis for 30 years. She would drink MSM supplement or take MSM. It really made a difference in her joint pain. My grandmother had severe knee pain and it was difficult for her to get around until she tried the MSM. She was able to walk and do more volunteer work. Worth a try!

T., I hear ya on this one. I used to get up in the mornings and it hurt to do so. I tried Glucosamine/Chondrotin tablets and they did actually help me. However, I did also take Apple Cider Vinegar and apply ACV compresses to my knees. I did experience weight gain, but I do not blame the Glucosamine/Chondroitin for that. I was not able to be as active and I was at a sit down job for the first time. I have since quit taking the pills because I am no longer at a desk job and I am able to walk around more and that REALLY seems to help. If my knees start bothering me, I immediately sit down and relax. I try not to overdo it and keep the ACV readily available.

You can find ACV pills as well at health food stores. They are known for increasing your metabolism. Oh! Also, I guess I should point out that my knee trouble started when I was 14. I am 5' 4" and the most I have ever weighed (not including when I was pregnant is 130 (currently). Another thing, try not to ever sit with your legs tucked under you. I PROMISE, that step alone with show you relief. I have to catch myself often, and when I don't, I KNOW and FEEL it.

Good luck and I hope you find relief.

I LOVE Glucosamine Chondroitin - and I take MSM too. I buy them both in HUGE bottles at Sam's Club. A good chunk of mine is my weight - I would like to lose what you weigh, lol - but between the supplements and some exercises (Quads and hamstrings and YOGA) I don't have much knee pain and I do pretty much whatever I please.

Try those and also B12. It seems to help me and my mom.

G.

There is a natural product similar to those called Xyflamend--look it up. Ginger, Turmeric, etc are natural anti-inflammatories. I also highly recommend Iyengar yoga or a gentle yoga, and Tai Chi.
When I had tendonitis the only thing that helped was REST. Hard to do, but completely stay off it for a while and only do gentle stuff or swimming and see if it feels better.

I have been drinking Original Limu and have no more shoulder pain from an injury a couple of years ago. It has Fucoidan which is the new super nutrient that helps the body heal itself and I love it, my whole family drinks it.

Glucosamine/chondroitin works well for some people but it depends on what the problem is. If it's arthritis, yes, it could help. I use the triple strength for some mild arthritis in my right knee (which feels like what you are desribing) but my doctor says it works for some but not others. Tendonitis, I'm not sure -- it might have no effect.

Also, a physical therapist I went to for another problem uses "cold laser" treatments for various kinds of pain. It's a little rod that looks like a small flashlight; they just hold the end on the painful area for about 20 minutes. I tried it and it does work. Again, they say it works for some but not others. It costs about $45 per treatment and you have to keep doing it but the effect is somewhat cumulative. I had two treatments a week apart in November and then stopped for the holidays. I had no pain for 4-6 weeks. Ask your doctor about it; I think you have to have a prescription for it to start with.

Hey T. -

I know of an amazing supplement that can help you ease that pain. A friend of mine was a Navy Seal, blew out both knees, has no cartilage in both, and had to discharge early. Taking this supplement daily (3 a day) he is now able to do all forms of exercise and activity with NO PAIN and has for almost 5 years. Dr.s told him he would never run again. He does it now with NO PAIN.

My husband had a back injury and would get up complaining out of bed every day. He's young so I knew I didn't want to spend the next 50 years listening to that! He started taking the same supplement and is now also PAIN FREE.

I would love to tell you more - but you need to email me so I can fill you in on the details! The good news is that it's less than $15 a month.

K. S

I was diagnosed with arthritis in my knee at 20. I found some relief with Glucosamine, but when I developed an allergy to shrimp, I had to stop taking it, as it's apparently only found in shellfish. My chiropractic brother-in-law just suggested getting rid of the fluoride in my water. I haven't been able to try that yet, but I'm ordering a filter from crystalquest.com that removes fluoride with our next paycheck. And, no we don't "need" fluoride in our water, even according to the ADA.
I pray you get relief soon!

Glucosimine and Condroitin can work wonders, but you will not start to feel better for a few weeks. Take it regularly, and pain should decrease over time. You can take pain meds in conjunction with the supplement, as it is not a pain med, but works to restore the natural cushioning in your joints. I, too, have trouble with my knees, am 37 and 145 lbs. I work out regularly (5-6 times / week). I stick to the bike for cardio, and that seems to work well for me. Eliptical machines, treadmills, and aerobic classes cause flare ups for me. I do some strength training on my legs, but stay away from anything that causes pressure on my knee. One of the best exersizes that I have found uses a ball at my back against a wall, I squat, keeping my knees from crossing my toes, and pushing my back into the ball/wall.

I went to the chiropractir and he gave me exercises to do for an inner thigh muscle that relieved the pain in my knee caps.

I haven't tried the Chron/Gluco but have heard many people say it's wonderful.

I too have bad knees, and when I take a supplement such as you are talking about, I notice a huge difference in my pain in all my joints. I wouldn't say it is gone completely, but is decreased enough that I don't notice it all the time. I use a supplement that I purchase through Herbalife called Joint Support. It really helps me!

A little about me: I am a working mom of two boys - ages 6 and 19 months, but a late mom since I am already 40.

Hi T., it's great to take to pain relievers/supplements to get healed again. But to prevent this from happening, strengthen your quads. The stronger the quads, the more support on your knees. You can sit down and lift your leg at the knee doing 2 sets of 12-15 reps. As you get stronger you can add a little weight and keep increasing it as you get stronger. If you can go the the gym they are called "leg extensions" I now regularly lift weights for my legs (quads and hamstrings-(leg curls))and for my arms/shoulders. I am 41 and have 8 kids, the two youngest are almost 4 yrs old and 20 months. If I didn't do these strengthening exercices my knees and shoulders in particular would ache a lot! It started happening after my 20 month old was born. Like you I am not overweight at all, but needed the extra muscles to help me along the way being a mom! Good luck!

T.,
I am not sure about these supplements but there are a few things you can do. You can take an anti-inflammatory, ibuprofin (just be careful about how much you take. It is not receommended to be taken daily for a long period of time due to potential for rebound headaches). After your workout, I would put ice on both knees for about 20 minutes.

Also, there are many cardio workouts you can do that are easier on your knees. As an occupational therapist, I recommend to all my patients with joint issues to consider swimming and/or water aerobics (most gyms offer classes). Swimming is not only a cardio workout but also works every muscle including your core muscles. You may be surprised at what a good workout either of these can be! I swim myself because I have issues with multiple joints. I also do pilates (which I love) with provide you with an excellent isometric work out that tones all the muscles and works out the core muscles. If these don't work for you, I would do the eliptical machine versus any jogging or running. Running will bar none be the worst for you knee joints. If that isn't possible I would consult an athletic trainer at your gym. I would try to modify your workout first before trying any supplements. Hope this helps!

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are very good anti-inflammatories. It takes about 6 weeks, however, for them to kick into your system. So be willing to wait a few weeks. What I do when I take them is take a "loading" dose for at least the 4 weeks. This is usually about 2x's what is recommended on the instructions. Just remember that what isn't needed is excreted from the body with no adverse reactions.

I have a friend who is a biochemist and has done numerous studies on the above 2 substances and notes that they truly do help with the pain and inflammation. It's the sulfate group that causes the anti-inflammatory effects!

So don't be afraid to take them and wait for the pain and suffering to diminish. And by the way, 100% of the population over 40 has arthritis of the knees, even if they don't complain about it. Patellarfemoral arthralgia is a common thing! And we're more active now than our grandmothers were so we suffer more, unfortunately . . . but at least we look younger! Have to trade one thing for another!

And by the way, I'm a 60 year old doctor and take them regularly for all over aches and pains. They truly do help me!

I used to have horrible hip pain. I take two MSM tablets a day and it works wonders. No more hip pain at all! Just be sure to buy a brand with no added sugars, starches, etc.

I used to take glucosamine daily and take ibuprofen before every workout due to achy knees and shin splints. Then I found a product that puts fruits and veggies in capsules. I took it to improve my health but lo and behold, it helped the achy knees and shin splints as well! It's been 3 years now and I no longer use glucosamine. We keep ibuprofen on hand for the occasional headache or fever but we now buy the smallest bottle and it expires before we can use it up. We used to buy the jumbo.

I liked this product so much I decided to market it to make it available to other people. Let me know if you'd like more info.

____@____.com

Hi T., answer to your question is yes. Both of my knees want to interfere. I know it is a task mom with boys.A pain pill does not help the reason, only dull the brain telling you not to feel what is going on in your knees or anywhere in your body. A change in the foods you eat will help also. Colon cleanse is great. Our body has its way to improve our health. I do not use drug store products for health. I order mine from Melaleuca. Also, I contacted a Chiropractor. Dr.Cook is great.

Yes, I have been taking the Glucosamine/Chondrotin tabs (from Sams two each day) and it has helped my hips tremendously...my husband has knee issues and takes two (or maybe three)each day and they have helped him too. We ran out after taking them for a little over a month and I could tell the difference! Good luck!

Do something in the water.

T., This may sound like an advertisement for myself, but it is not really, (I hope this advice is allowed on Mamasource, if not I will stop immediately-- Im new!)
Have you ever found out if you have a long leg or rotated hip? If your pelvis, foundation, is not level you will not be able to pound on your body and get away with it. How is your posture in general? Do you have a chiro? Glucosamine can be very good but chondroitin is questionable for some.
C. LMT

Hi - I too have suffered all my life with aching knees. I have been taking glucosamine the last two years (after knee surgery) which does help me (wish someone would of told me about it sooner). It is expensive but it does help take the pain away.
Good luck AV

I feel your pain. I'm much older and had knee surgery last year for torn ACL and have meniscus damage as well as arthritis. I take the glucosamine w/chondroitin evey day as suggested by the doctor. Not sure if it really does any good, but he said it would. Taking Aleve or a med like that would help. He also said not to do treadmill but ride the bike and use the eliptical machine at the gym. I'm doing much better now. Good luck.

My husband tried the glucosamine and chondroitin with little help. He actually found that it increased his weight. I suvvered from tendonitis in my feet for years. They only thing that helped was seriuos doses of Mortin or Naproxin. I finally found relief with seeing a physical therapist. The exercises I am doing have kept the pain at bay. I have to do the everyday or the pain returns.
I suggest going to see a physical therapist to find exercises that will help to strengthen the muscles and also which ones you can do to be fit.

A little out there maybe but I've tried the Glucosime-Chronditon mix and it didn't help me. Go to a Chiropracter that does accupuncture and have him put a small needle (tiny-tiny, like a tiny tack)in that part of your ear that corresponds with the part in the knees that are hurting. It cured my elbow tendonitus too. G.

I would strongly suggest finding a very good yoga studio with small classes to get and stay in the shape you want. I go to Om on the Mat in Grapevine and Teresa is amazing-she as me in better shape than I have been in for years and I never have pain afterwards. Tell the instructor what your physical issues are and a good teacher will help you find ways to alleviate your pain-I love it!

Hi T., I am a 30 year old fitness instructor and I teach all types of aerobics classes including kickboxing, cycle and fitness dance. I tell you this not because I am offering a professional opinion, but rather to let you know that I am an active person who has a regular workout regime. My knees often bother me as well, especially when I do high impact classes several days in a row. I have learned to manage the pain with pain relievers and soaking in the spa or sauna. I also wear a knee brace from time to time to minimize the impact my knees are taking from all the high intensity workouts. I tried glucosamine several months back only to suffer from severe abdominal pains and cramping. I don't know if Glucosamine comes in different forms that may be easier on your intenstinal tract, but I was taking several huge horse pills of the stuff a day for a few weeks before I began to experience the great abdominal pain. I stopped taking it, and now just continue to do the things i mentioned above: spa, sauna, brace, etc. Hope this helps.

My mother recently had knee surgery. My brother told her to start taking fish oil tablets, that it's supposed to help with knee problems. She's been taking them for about a month and says it is helping. She definitely can tell a difference.

I'm sorry to hear about your knee's. My girlfriend has the same issue and she has taken Chondroitin and Glucosamine for several years and beleives it has helped a lot.

You may want to try doing some of your exercises in the pool. There's a lot of resistance without the impact.

Best of luck!

I have always had trouble with my knees also, even as a little girl. I started taking glucosemine from the drug store and couldn't really tell any difference but about 3 years ago I tried the Joint Formula from Arbonne and it has really helped. Contact me for more information or to get some samples to try. L. Chelette ###-###-#### or ____@____.com .

I'm sure if you've had this condition for a number of years you have probably look at all things as to why you have it. It's obvious it's not your weight. Have you considered the footwear you're wearing. I see a podiatrist and it's amazing what other conditions throughout the body can be caused by our feet.
As far as the supplements are concerned my husband is a pharmacist and is a big believer in the two that you are asking about. He takes them on a daily basis. He spends his life standing on his feet and so he is trying to do what he needs to to take care of them as much as possible. I hope you get some relief soon and are able to return to what you love doing. B. in Ft.Worth mother of 3.

Hi T.,
My mom has had bad knees forever and she at 65 finally had knee replacement surgery. This is not to say you need surgery, but what finally speeded her recovery was water. Swimming, just getting in the water and moving around. Treading water, swimming laps, water aerobics, etc. When she was younger, she had acupuncture that lasted for a long time and allowed her to actually put off surgery.
Good luck,
A.

I had a very bad car accident and the dashboard fell on my knees. I had a lot of problems walking uphill and upstairs. I resorted to Tai Chi and another form of Chinese exercise. If you are staying in Richardson, Texas and interested to learn these simple steps, let me know.

E.