It's true that in a way I brought it upon myself. Years of fierce competition on the sporting field seemed like a good idea at the time, but I'm beginning to feel the fall-out in this body of mine, once upon a time the well-oiled machine! Aches and pains and a family history of arthritis weigh heavily on my mind as I attempt to find relief for my joint pain. Can anything be done or is this just the price I have to pay for a life of much physical activity? Well, I now believe there's relief at hand in the form of two supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin. Taken in combination, these winning supplements seem to be winning lots of grateful fans.

Any good mechanic will tell you that the key to a machine's output is best found in prevention rather than cures. Like machines, our bodies require care and maintenance to ensure we last as long as possible! I think it is a terrible thing to think that the ageing have to suffer joint pain and their only `crime' has been years of physical activity and keeping fit. Amazingly, it is often not our muscle or skeletal systems which give up the ghost, but actually that which hinges those things together, our joints.

It did occur to me thoughout my sporting years that one day I may pay the price with joint pain and arthritis. I was a constant trainer and serious competitor in my day. Then within months of each other, both my Dad and Dad-in-law (who were both elite sportsmen in their young years) started suffering from debilitating pain in their elbows, shoulders, knees and neck. I watched with interest! The medical advice they received seemed to present them with two main choices: the first was to have an invasive procedure such as joint replacements and the second was to include in their diets proven supplements for reduction of joint pain. Both decided to opt for the less invasive solution,- (wimps! but wise in light of recent research!) - at least as a first step. Well, they were amazed with the results. What were these supplements? Answer- glucosamine and chondroitin, highly researched and recommended dietary supplements taken in combination.

In basic terms, Arthritis and joint degeneration is often when the diminishing level of fluids and breakdown of cartilage that normally creates the easy sliding movement within joints, decreases and corrodes. Then grating and scraping occurs with its resultant increase in pain and discomfort.

Osteoarthritis and other forms of join disfunction are the curse of many people, not just the elderly. This really came home to me recently whilst watching a former elite sportsman (who represented his nation in Rugby League not so many years ago) engaged in the simple pursuit of putting his socks on, despite having maintained a high level of fitness. He was in such discomfort that he was struggling to complete the task, thanks to terrible joint pain in his back and knees. But the good news for him and thousands like him, is that glucosamine and chondroitin can radically reduce the discomfort of sufferers of joint pain and also retard the onset of arthritis.

Recent news has caused much rejoicing in the ranks of the sufferers of joint pain. Recent studies confirm that glucosamine and chondroitin do provide long awaited pain relief and much needed hope to sufferers. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the clinical trial sponsored by the National Institue of Health found that significant pain relief was achieved by arthritis sufferers who used these two dietary supplements in combination.

Both glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally found in the body, the former plays a role in cartilage formation and repair and the latter is part of a large protein molecule which provides cartilage elasticity. But it is the combination of the two which seems to works wonders in sufferers. My Dad says it took him a couple of months of use until he fully felt the wonderful effect of it in his body.

It would be my strong advice that sufferers of arthritis don't totally rely upon supplements to answer all of their particular questions. There are many physical activities that can also assist in increasing movement and reducing pain in joints. Stretching and warming up the joints should be a common practice as this assists in making joints more flexible. Any exercise generally will help mobility of joints. However, add to this physical activity the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin, and your chances of better movement with less pain are significantly increased.

When warming up and stretching muscles and joints, it is important that you do not overstretch and push yourself too early in the exercise session. Commence with long slow movements as opposed to vigorous sharp activities. Hold the stretch if possible for at least 10-15 seconds. Include in your exercise session a wide range of movements depending on your age and mobility as well as some isometrics and some appropriate weight bearing activities.

Many people are shouting it from the hilltops: there is hope for arthritis and join pain sufferers. Don't suffer in silence. Two supplements seem to be the subject of recent research and annecdotal evidence. They are glucosamine and chondroitin taken in combination. I encourage you to give them a go and see what they can do for you. I am always delighted to receive emails from arthritis and joint pain sufferers who bill it as their knight in shining armour.

About the Author

Colin Johnson strongly recommends Joint Plus as arthritis treatment containing glucosamine chondroitin. Colin has been a health instructor, drug educator, elite fitness trainer and player, husband and father of five all in one lifetime!