Evaluation of the effectiveness of therapy using the drug chondroitin sulfate in patients with osteoarthritis on an outpatient basis

Chondroprotectors for osteoarthritis: what are they and how do they work? Why take chondroprotectors for osteoarthritis? What types of chondroprotectors are there for the treatment of osteoarthritis? How to take chondroprotectors for arthrosis? Effective chondroprotectors for arthrosis

In arthrosis, the first to suffer is articular cartilage, which consists of collagen, chondrocytes (cartilaginous tissue cells) and natural polymers - chondroitin sulfates (they are included in chondroprotectors for arthrosis). Since cartilage does not have capillaries or nerve endings, its nutrition occurs in a diffuse manner, i.e., nutrients for cells penetrate into the tissue through the synovial fluid. But what if the body is severely lacking these nutrients? Is there anything I can do to help him?

The use of chondroprotectors for arthrosis reduces inflammation in the joints, relieves pain and restores cartilage tissue.

Description of chondroprotectors

Chondroprotectors are drugs containing substances that make up the joint (hyaluronic acid, collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin). They are prescribed for preventive and therapeutic purposes to:

1. Improve the synthesis of macromolecules of cartilage cells, collagen, glycoproteins.
2. Ensure the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, which makes synovial fluid viscous, improving its lubricating and shock-absorbing properties. Thus, it ensures normal, painless movement of the joints.
3. Suppress the action of enzymes that destroy cartilage cells.
4. Dissolve fibrins, lipids, blood clots that are stuck in the blood vessels in the vertebral area.
5. Reduce pain and inflammation in the intervertebral disc area.

There are chondroprotectors on sale that contain one active substance, but all of the above effects can only be achieved using combined means. For example, glucosamine is able to solve goals No. 1, 2, 5, while chondroitin effectively copes with goals 1, 3, 4, 5.

Which is better for joints: glucosamine, collagen or chondroitin?

Glucosamine

- a substance produced by the cartilage tissue of joints. It is part of the synovial fluid - a kind of “lubricant” that fills the joint capsule and minimizes friction of the joint parts. Glucosamine reduces inflammation, slows down the destruction of connective tissue, and is also a necessary component for the production of chondroitin.

Chondroitin

- an important component of cartilage tissue and ligaments. It provides joint elasticity, flexibility and shock-absorbing properties under load. After a 1-3 month course of chondroitin, joint mobility increases, swelling and pain decreases, and cartilage restoration is stimulated.

Collagen

- this is the main building component of connective tissue - that is, ligaments, cartilage (as well as skin, nails and hair, but you can read more about this in our previous article about collagen), so it is relevant for strengthening and especially restoring damaged parts of the joints.

As you can see, choosing between them is not an easy task. Based on the properties of each supplement, we can say with confidence that the best drugs for joints and ligaments are new generation, multicomponent chondroprotectors. For example, the chondroprotector from Prime Kraft, in addition to chondroitin and glucosamine, contains MSM - methylsulfonylmethane

, an anti-inflammatory agent for joints that accelerates the flow of nutrients into cell membranes and reduces pain in ligaments and joints.

Prime Kraft collagen is hydrolyzed type I beef, additionally enriched with vitamin C, which improves its absorption in the body, and pomegranate extract, a natural antioxidant that contains an amazing set of 15 amino acids, 6 of which are found only in meat and vegetable matter. food is unique!

Mechanism of action of drugs

The task of chondroprotectors is to restore and maintain the integrity of cartilage tissue. To achieve their goal, they:

• Stimulates the development of chondrocytes. These are the main cells of cartilage, which not only form its structure, but also restore damaged cells.
• Reduce the activity of lysosomal enzymes (metalloproteinases), which destroy cartilage tissue.
• Increases the resistance of chondrocytes to anti-inflammatory cytokines.
• Activate anabolic processes (growth) in the cartilage matrix.
• They create all the conditions for the formation of a healthy joint.

Indications for use

For hernia, chondroprotectors are prescribed for:

• pain and crunching in the joints;
• stiffness;
• anemia of the limbs and a feeling of crawling on them;
• cervical, lumbar or thoracic lumbago;
• paresis and paralysis.

The doctor prescribes chondroprotectors for the prevention and/or elimination of conditions and diseases that lead to herniated intervertebral discs:

• lumbar, cervical, thoracic osteochondrosis;
• different types of arthrosis;
• scoliosis and other pathologies associated with spinal curvature;
• spinal column injury, falling on your back, hitting your tailbone;
• dystrophic cartilage damage;
• arthritis - periarthritis (inflammation of large joints).

In complex therapy, chondroprotective drugs are most often prescribed to relieve pain in diseases of large joints

Will chondroprotectors help with a hernia?

Each type of intervertebral hernia has serious complications, so you should not delay treatment.
See how easy it is to get rid of a hernia in 10 sessions

Intervertebral discs are formations that connect the vertebrae and provide mobility and flexibility to the spine. Inside the disc is a core surrounded by a durable membrane (annulus fibrosus). If it ruptures, the nucleus comes out and compresses the nerves that run down the center of the spinal column. The result is severe pain.

Discs, like the annulus fibrosus, are composed of several types of cartilage tissue. Unlike other organs and tissues, it is not able to receive nutrition from blood vessels. Chondroprotectors really help with hernia, since their active ingredients stimulate the regeneration of connective tissue, prevent the aging process and destruction of the disc, enhance the production of cartilage tissue, suppress the activity of hyaluronidase, and stimulate cartilage repair. They strengthen the discs, preventing the shell from collapsing, and prevent protrusion.

Some chondroprotectors for the spine in case of a hernia contain anesthetics, so it is better to take them during periods of acute pain (Teraflex-Advance). When the discomfort subsides, doctors recommend returning to medications without anesthetics.

Why take chondroprotectors for osteoarthritis?

The loss of necessary characteristics by cartilage may be associated with changes in metabolic processes in the body as a whole:

• age;
• hormonal changes during menopause;
• systemic diseases;
• metabolic disorder.

Or locally in the area of ​​the affected joint, due to:

• injuries;
• infections;
• increased loads.

Due to the above reasons, a large number of chondrocytes (cartilage tissue cells) are destroyed at once. Without the resource for their rapid regeneration, the body cannot cope with the pathology and the condition begins to gradually deteriorate.

Even at a young age, in the presence of diseases associated with impaired synthesis and absorption of collagen, restoration of cartilage tissue may be insufficient. There are often situations where chondrocytes divide at a normal rate, but the quality of new cells is low - such chondrocytes are called “abnormal”. They are easily destroyed under the influence of free radicals and decay products of already dead cells, which is why gaps, cracks and ulcers (erosions) form on the articular cartilage.

Alas, the content of collagen and glycosaminoglycans in the human diet is negligible. A menu that is healthy for cartilage is not always the most delicious. You can get natural chondroprotectors for arthrosis from:

• cartilage;
• soft heads of bones;
• ears;
• skin;
• pork feet;
• lips and noses (nush);
• tendons of farm animals;
• whole fish, which must be eaten with bones;
• sprouted wheat

Sounds unappetizing and complicated, doesn't it? Therefore, the most convenient way to saturate the body with collagen remains chondroprotectors - medicinal extracts from healthy products.

In the treatment of osteoarthritis, chondroprotectors help:

• start the process of regeneration of bone and cartilage tissue even in old age;
• form full-fledged chondrocytes;
• accelerate the healing of microtraumas:
• maintain the density, height and shock-absorbing qualities of articular cartilage;
• slow down the progression of the disease;
• relieve inflammation and pain;
• lead a full life while maintaining mobility with complex treatment of arthrosis.

Unlike other medications aimed at suppressing negative symptoms, chondroprotectors for osteoarthritis affect the joint itself and can lead to real improvements.

Classification by main active component

Chondroprotectors for the spine in case of hernia contain the following substances:

• chondroitin;
• glucosamine;
• hyaluronic acid.

Chondroprotectors of natural origin

For How to do this, read the article about the treatment of hernia of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions, drugs rich in glucosamine and chondroitin of natural origin are prescribed. They are obtained from:

• cartilage of animals and fish
  (Rumalon, Birtron, Alflutop, Artrofish);
• plant components
  - extract of fragrant Martinia root, wheat sprouts, mushrooms, nuts, broccoli, seaweed (Piaskledin, Artro-Active).

Unlike synthetic dietary supplements, they are well absorbed and also contain ingredients that have a positive effect on the damaged joint.

Based on chondroitin

Chondroitin is a substance that is part of proteoglycans, which together with collagen create the cartilage matrix. Chondrolone, Honsurid, Structum and other chondroprotectors that contain it perform the following tasks:

• They protect cartilage by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that destroy it.
• Strengthens metabolism in joints and bones, promotes their recovery.
• Helps retain water in joint tissues.
• Reduce inflammation and severity of pain.
• They normalize the synthesis of joint fluid, which improves the mobility of the discs between the vertebrae.

Based on glucosamine

Glucosamine is part of chondroitins and joint fluid. Chondroprotectors based on it (Sustilak, Artoron Flex) improve the permeability of the joint capsule and fermentation processes in cartilage cells. They normalize the deposition of calcium salts in the bones and inhibit tissue degeneration.

Glucosamine can be combined with glucocorticosteroids and NSAIDs. Complex therapy can reduce the severity of pain symptoms due to spinal hernia.

Based on hyaluronic acid

Among the causes of cartilage degeneration is a decrease in the viscosity of synovial fluid. Sinokrom, Fermatron and other chondroprotectors based on hyaluronic acid improve the astringent properties of the lubricant, which allows the spinal discs to withstand greater loads.

1st, 2nd and 3rd generation drugs

Another classification divides chondroprotectors into 3 generations:

1. Natural products that contain animal cartilage or plant extracts (Rumalon, Birtron, Piascledine).
2. Monopreparations containing only 1 active component - Sinokrom (hyaluronic acid), Dona (glucosamine) or Structum, AKOS (chondroitin).
3. Combined products containing several active components. They can be supplemented with minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. The names of useful chondroprotectors for the spine with a hernia are Artra, Teraflex, Artron Triactive Forte.

New 3rd generation chondroprotectors

By release form

• Capsules;
• pills;
• powder for preparing liquid for oral use;
• solutions for intramuscular or intra-articular injections;
• liquid substitute for synovial lubricant for insertion into the joint.

Signs of glucosamine and chondroitin deficiency

The lack of glucosamine and chondroitin in the body is expressed in a decrease in the strength of bone and cartilage tissue, which leads to the “erasure” of the hyaline cartilage layer between the bone parts of the joint. Early in the process, a person may notice an unusual “crunching” sound in the joint when moving. With the development of the degenerative process, inflammation of the damaged osteochondral areas occurs. The outcome is disorganization and destruction of cartilage - osteoarthritis.

How to choose glucosamine and chondroitin

There are many metabolism correctors on the modern market that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. This diversity is explained by the ease of extraction of the substance glucosamine and its chemical stability for inclusion in medications.

These compounds are approved as drugs for the treatment of osteoarthritis in Europe and as dietary supplements in the USA. According to clinical studies, chondroitin sulfate is easily absorbed when administered orally in capsule form.

The Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumer Rights Protection of the Russian Federation has established a recommended glucosamine consumption rate of 700 mg/day.

Other clinical studies of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate have shown a decrease in the need for pain medications when used simultaneously with chondroprotectors for osteoarthritis.

It is important that glucosamine is pharmacologically compatible with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticosteroids, which are used in the long-term treatment of arthrosis.

We assessed the quantitative content of the glucosamine + chondroitin complex from different manufacturers and correlated it with the cost of the entire package. Thus, the most profitable purchase of this dietary supplement was determined - a complex of glucosamine and chondroitin plus MSM from the company. The ratio of the quantity of grams and the price of the drug is 0.157. The most expensive complex was proposed by Bluebonnet Nutrition and Thorne Research (quantity-to-price ratios of 0.028 and 0.031), which turns out to be almost 6 times more expensive.

Selection table

Glucosamine + chondroitin complexes from Bluebonnet Nutrition, Solgar and one of the 21st Century products are additionally enriched with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). This is a sulfur-containing compound involved in the construction of muscle and cartilage tissue.

Features of choice

When choosing a drug, pay attention to the composition of the formula, the presence or absence of additional components, as well as the combination of “amount of substance / cost of packaging.” Another important aspect is adherence to the chosen regimen of taking the drug, so choose the frequency of taking the supplement per day that is convenient for you.

List of the most effective chondroprotectors for hernia

To treat a herniated disc, doctors first prescribe capsules and tablets. Injections are used in serious cases, when the pain has almost deprived a person of mobility.

Tablets and capsules

Oral medications are taken during or after meals with a glass of water. The course of therapy lasts from 20 days to 1.5 months. Then you need to take a break. Supplements in tablets are available without a doctor's prescription.

Piascledine

• Price
  : 300 capsules from 1.2 thousand rubles.
• Manufacturer
  : Laboratoires Expanscience (France).
• Active ingredients
  : avocado and soybean oils.

Piascledine regulates metabolism in cartilage, stimulates collagen synthesis in chondrocytes, and prevents joint destruction. This chondroprotector for the spine in case of a hernia eliminates inflammation, pain, and restores motor function. This product should not be taken if you are allergic to beans or avocados.

Formula-S

• Cost:
  from 308 rub. for 60 pcs.
• Manufacturer:
  CSB Nutrition Group (USA)
• Active ingredients:
  glucosamine, chondroitin, immunoglobulins G, manganese, plant extracts.

Formula-C is a complex action medicine that:

• stimulates the synthesis of collagen and bone-cartilaginous tissue cells;
• reduces joint pain and inflammation;
• eliminates spasms;
• improves the elasticity of ligaments;
• helps eliminate crunching when straightening the spine;
• stimulates calcium absorption.

The drug has a powerful tonic and rejuvenating effect, improves immunity. Formula-C accelerates cell regeneration, fracture healing, and healing. The product increases physical activity, performance, improves protein production and energy exchange in muscles. The interaction of Formula-C with other medications has not been studied.

Artra

• Price:
  from 1.3 thousand for 60 pcs.
• Manufacturer:
  Unipharm, Inc. (USA)
• Active ingredients:
  chondroitin and glucosamine

Artra is the latest development of American pharmacists. The drug restores fibrocartilaginous tissue, blocks enzymes that destroy intervertebral discs, relieves inflammation and pain. Under its influence, the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans and the properties of synovial fluid improve.

Artra is prohibited if you are allergic to the components of the drug. You should not drink it if you have kidney problems or phenylketonuria. The drug is prescribed with caution for diabetes, asthma, and a tendency to bleed. The medicine may cause diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, abdominal pain, and dizziness.

Arthra can be used as part of complex therapy. The medicine enhances the effect of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants and is compatible with glucocorticosteroids. It improves the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics and reduces the effect of penicillin.

Dona, Glucosamine and Sustilak

• Price:
  for 60 tablets from 900 rubles.
• Manufacturers:
  Dona - Meda Pharma GmbH & Co.KG (Germany) / Glucosamine - Unipharm, Inc. (USA) / Sustilak - Celebrity Biopharma, Ltd. (India)
• Active ingredient:
  glucosamine

Dona, Glucosamine, Sustilak are analogue drugs that eliminate inflammation and improve the quality of synovial fluid. These chondroprotectors for hernia of the lumbar spine stimulate metabolism in the joints. They normalize calcium deposition in bone tissue and stop cartilage degeneration.

Read about other treatment methods in the article “Treatment of lumbar disc herniation without surgery.”

The drugs are compatible with paracetamol, other NSAIDs, and glucocorticosteroids. They enhance their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

Structum

• Cost:
  1.5 thousand rubles. for 60 pcs.
• Manufacturer:
  Pierre Fabre (France)
• Active substance:
  chondroitin

Structum is a new generation drug that stimulates cartilage regeneration, improving its metabolism. It reduces calcium loss, which has a positive effect on the condition of the skeletal system. The medicine blocks inflammatory processes, improves joint mobility, and eliminates pain.

Structum is prescribed cautiously if there is a tendency to bleeding. Complications are rare in the form of itching, urticaria, nausea, and vomiting. In complex treatment, Structum enhances the effect of indirect anticoagulants, fibrinolytics, and antiplatelet agents.

Teraflex

• Price:
  from 1.2 thousand rubles. for 60 capsules
• Manufacturer:
  USA
• Active ingredients:
  glucosamine and chondroitin

Teraflex is a new generation product that stimulates cartilage regeneration and prevents joint inflammation. It makes the cartilage resistant to mechanical stress and relieves pain. It inhibits the enzymes that cause cartilage degradation.

Theraflex should not be taken if:

• allergies;
• phenylketonuria;
• serious kidney damage;
• pregnancy and lactation.

In rare cases, it causes dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

The most effective chondroprotectors in the form of tablets and capsules

Solution for oral use

If you don’t like pills, you can buy Artracam, which comes in powder form for oral use. The product of the Russian manufacturer PharmVilar contains glucosamine, and therefore is a liquid analogue of Dona and Sustilak. They drink it once a day for 6 weeks, then 2 months. - break. Price for 20 packs. 1.5 g each starts from 715 rubles.

What types of intervertebral hernias are most difficult to treat?

4 stages of treatment for intervertebral hernia

Injections

Chondroprotectors for the spine for hernia in injections are prescribed when there is no benefit from the pills. First, the doctor prescribes intramuscular injections; in severe cases, an injection is given into the joint. The medicine directly enters the blood or joint, bypassing the digestive tract, and therefore causes fewer side effects. The downside is that injections should only be given by a specialist.

Mucosat

• Price:
  5 amp. from 400 rub.
• Manufacturer:
  Sintez OJSC (Russia)
• Active ingredients:
  glucosamine and chondroitin
• Release form:
  solution for intramuscular injection

Mucosat is prescribed for degenerative diseases of the spine. In case of serious cartilage damage, the product is suitable as replacement therapy. Mucosat is administered 1 ml every other day. If the medicine is well tolerated, on day 4 the dose is increased to 2 milliliters. The therapeutic effect is noticeable after 3 weeks. The course of treatment is 25-30 injections, a repeat course after 6 months.

Alflutop

• Cost:
  10 amp. from 1 thousand rub.
• Manufacturer:
  SC Zentiva (Romania)
• Active ingredients:
  bioactive concentrate of small marine fish
• Release form:
  intramuscular and intra-articular injection

Aflutop is a new generation product that contains chondroitin, amino acids, potassium, calcium and other substances that promote bone regeneration. The product blocks inflammation, pain, normalizes metabolism in the fibrocartilaginous tissue of the discs.

Aflutop is used:

• Intramuscularly: 1 ml for 20 days or 2 ml for 10 days.
• As an intra-articular injection: 1-2 milliliters every 3-4 days. The course of treatment is 5-6 injections.

The product should not be taken if you are allergic to the components of the drug or seafood. Aflutop is not prescribed to pregnant women, nursing mothers, or people under 18 years of age.

Chondroitin sulfate

• Price:
  10 bags from 210 rub.
• Manufacturer:
  Ellara MC (Russia)
• Active ingredient:
  chondroitin in powder form for injection
• Release form:
  intramuscular injection

Chondroitin sulfate is a new generation remedy that relieves pain and protects cartilage from destruction. It stimulates the synthesis of chondrocytes and stops joint degeneration. The drug has a good effect on bones, improving phosphorus-calcium metabolism. Contraindicated if you have a tendency to thrombosis, bleeding, pregnant women, or during lactation.

Elbona

• Price:
  6 amp. from 700 rub.
• Manufacturer:
  Ellara MC (Russia)
• Active ingredient:
  glucosamine
• Release form:
  intramuscular injection

Elbona improves the regeneration of bone and cartilage tissue, joint mobility, relieves pain and inflammation. Contraindications include phenylketonuria. The drug is prescribed cautiously for heart failure and low blood pressure. During treatment, alcohol is prohibited, sugar and liquid intake must be limited.

The most effective chondroprotectors in the form of injections

Intra-articular fluid substitutes

If there is a deficiency of synovial fluid, the doctor inserts a special endoprosthesis into the joint, which is an analogue of joint lubricant. It is based on hyaluronic acid, which, after injection, evenly covers the joint. The joint gap widens, the hernia begins to put less pressure on the nerve endings, reducing pain.

The contents of the ampoules are sterile. If the packaging has been damaged, the product should not be injected into the joint. If there is a solution left after the injection, it is prohibited to reuse it.

Substitutes cannot be used with antiseptics containing quaternary ammonium salts, since hyaluronic acid may precipitate.

Fermatron

• Price
  : from 2 thousand rubles. for 1 amp.
• Manufacturer
  : Hyaltech Ltd. (England)

The recommended dose is 3-5 injections once a week. The duration of the course is determined by the doctor. The endoprosthesis should not be inserted into an area where infectious processes occur. It is not recommended to combine it with other medications.

Sinokrom

• Cost:
  1 amp. from 1.2 thousand rubles.
• Manufacturer:
  Croma Pharma (Germany)

The recommended course is 3-5 injections, 1 injection per week, which allows you to get rid of pain for six months. The drug should not be administered if you are allergic to its components or have bacterial arthritis. There are no comments from the manufacturer on the compatibility of the endoprosthesis with other intra-articular solutions.

Ostenil

• Price:
  1 pc. from 1.5 thousand rubles.
• Manufacturer:
  TRB Chemedica AG (Germany)

The injection is given once a week, no more than 5 times, and the course is repeated after 6 months. There is no information on the compatibility of Ostenil with other intra-articular fluids. The patient can additionally take oral analgesics for severe pain in the first days of treatment.

Synvisc

• Cost:
  2 ml from 5 thousand rubles; 6 ml from 15 thousand rubles.
• Manufacturer:
  Aventis Pharma (Russia)

The active component that Sinvik contains is called hylan GF 20 - a biological analogue of hyaluronan. The drug has no general effect, affecting only the damaged joint.

Contraindications are infection in the area of ​​the diseased disc, its inflammation. Synvisc cannot be injected into synovial tissue or the joint capsule - strictly into the joint space.

The most effective chondroprotectors in the form of intra-articular fluid substitutes

How to take chondroprotectors for arthrosis?

Chondroprotectors for the treatment of osteoarthritis should be taken on an empty stomach or with food, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you follow the instructions, inflammatory symptoms will begin to go away after 2 weeks of use, and after 4 weeks, pain and swelling will subside.

To achieve stable long-term remission, it is necessary to take chondroprotectors for arthrosis for 3-6 months, since they are slow-acting drugs. It is advisable to take a course of oral medications annually throughout your life.

Injectable drugs (for example, alflutop) are used in courses of 5 or more intra-articular injections with an interval of 3-4 days. Or, intramuscularly, 20 injections daily. Powdered chondroprotectors for joints with arthrosis (arthrosis) are diluted in ½ glass of warm water and drunk twice a day.

Please note: for polyarthrosis and arthrosis of small joints (for example, interphalangeal joints), oral medications or intramuscular injections are more often used. For arthrosis of large joints, intra-articular injection into each joint separately can be prescribed.

Do chondroprotectors help with arthrosis?

If the course of the disease is favorable, effective chondroprotectors for arthrosis allow the patient to return to an active life (after a course lasting 6 months) and improve overall well-being (especially in case of systemic diseases of the musculoskeletal system).

Do chondroprotectors help with arthrosis in advanced cases? Taking chondroprotectors at the 3rd stage of osteoarthritis has its own specifics, since the cartilage is already severely destroyed and cannot be restored naturally. In the later stages, chondroprotectors are prescribed to slow down the destruction of bone tissue and have little symptomatic effect. They can also be prescribed for postoperative recovery for arthrosis.

Please note: chondroprotectors should be used as part of a complex treatment of arthrosis, which also includes therapy for exacerbations, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, diet, and treatment of primary diseases.

Are there any side effects from chondroprotectors for arthrosis?

Chondroprotectors for joints with arthrosis are made from natural products that have been part of the human diet for centuries. Therefore, the likelihood of side effects is very low.

Rarely, when taking chondroitin sulfate, an allergic reaction (rash, itching, dermatitis) may occur, and when taking glucosamine - discomfort or pain in the abdomen, bloating, stool disorders, vomiting, flatulence. It is extremely rare for patients to experience headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, and sleep disturbances (drowsiness or, conversely, insomnia). Pain or swelling in the legs may be a reason to consult a doctor - the patient may have kidney problems.

Glucosamine, which is included in almost all combined chondroprotectors for arthrosis (i.e., combining two or more types of protective agents) can change glucose tolerance, therefore, in case of diabetes, the issue of taking chondroprotectors should be decided with your doctor.

Recommendations for patients

Medicines to protect joints should only be used with the permission of a doctor. These are slow-acting and long-acting drugs, so you cannot expect instant results from them.

During treatment, the patient must follow the following instructions:

• Do not lift weights, do not overload the spine.
• Monitor your weight and, if necessary, lose weight.
• Dress well, wear warm shoes in winter, if your feet get wet, change your shoes immediately.
• Move more, walk, do exercise therapy when there is no exacerbation (acute pain).
• Don't forget to rest.

We use non-surgical hernia treatment techniques
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FAQ

Are there alternatives/substitutes for chondroprotectors?

It cannot be completely replaced. To prevent the degradation of cartilage tissue, watch your diet. Add seafood, cartilage, dishes with rich broth, gelatin (jelly, aspic), soy, avocado to the menu.

For what other diseases are chondroprotectors used?

The drugs are prescribed for all diseases associated with damage to joints and cartilage.

Are chondroprotectors available in the form of ointments?

There are such drugs (for example, Chondroitin ointment), but they work worse than drugs taken orally. The effectiveness and pharmacodynamics of external chondroprotectors have not been studied.

Literature:

• Dr Jason Theodosakis, Connaître, prévenir, soigner l'arthrose, editions de Fallois, 1997
• Kahan, D. Uebelhart, F. De Vathaire, Arthrose et rhumatisme, February 2009, volume 60
• Nikiforov A.S., Mendel O.I. Degenerative diseases of the spine, their complications and treatment // Breast cancer. 2006
• Rational pharmacotherapy of rheumatic diseases: A guide for practicing physicians / Ed. ed. V.A. Nasonova, E.L. Nasonova. M.: Litterra, 2003. T. 3.

Themes

Intervertebral hernia, Spine, Pain, Treatment without surgery Date of publication: 12/10/2020 Date of update: 09/23/2021

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