How to beat shoulder and knee pain
Sunday, November 27, 2005
I've been having trouble with my shoulders and knees. What pain relievers should I use? What else should I do?
Here's what Luke Bucci, author of "Pain Free: The Definitive Guide to Healing Arthritis, Low-Back Pain, and Sports Injuries though Nutrition and Supplements" suggests in the May 2005 issue of Muscle & Fitness:
Evidence suggests that the usual NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen] are fine for short-term use, as recommended by a doctor," Bucci says. "But they do little to repair or rebuild cartilage." In fact, long-term NSAID use could work against you: "Evidence suggests that the usual NSAIDs might lead to cartilage loss when used in high doses for more than a few months at a time. The newer NSAIDs - like Bextra - are now the primary prescription choice, but over-the-counter varieties work, though aspirin should be your last choice," notes Bucci. Be warned that NSAIDs have serious side effects that become more likely to occur with continued use. And using NSAIDs can limit muscles' capacity to synthesise protein.
In any case, no matter what pain reliever you choose, it's only going to treat the symptoms and not their cause, which is why Bucci recommends supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin. "They're better at preventing joint pain without the potential side effects. Look for products that contain both, as they work better together."
Source: Muscle & Fitness (May 2005, page 46)
Here's what Luke Bucci, author of "Pain Free: The Definitive Guide to Healing Arthritis, Low-Back Pain, and Sports Injuries though Nutrition and Supplements" suggests in the May 2005 issue of Muscle & Fitness:
Evidence suggests that the usual NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen] are fine for short-term use, as recommended by a doctor," Bucci says. "But they do little to repair or rebuild cartilage." In fact, long-term NSAID use could work against you: "Evidence suggests that the usual NSAIDs might lead to cartilage loss when used in high doses for more than a few months at a time. The newer NSAIDs - like Bextra - are now the primary prescription choice, but over-the-counter varieties work, though aspirin should be your last choice," notes Bucci. Be warned that NSAIDs have serious side effects that become more likely to occur with continued use. And using NSAIDs can limit muscles' capacity to synthesise protein.
In any case, no matter what pain reliever you choose, it's only going to treat the symptoms and not their cause, which is why Bucci recommends supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin. "They're better at preventing joint pain without the potential side effects. Look for products that contain both, as they work better together."
Source: Muscle & Fitness (May 2005, page 46)
