Glucosomine supplements. Do they help joints - particularly knees?

No-one can convince me that these supplements work. I think its all in their heads - they offer no scientific evidence to prove healing effects.

I have had two ACL reconstructions on one knee and I have patellar tendonitis on the other knee. Im worried about cartilage detioration and other knee degeneration in the future. From what I know cartilage has extremely poor blood supply so it canot heal itself. So if this is the case how does glucosomine work?

Glucosamine helps increase joint fluid to help lubricate the joints so they don't rub together. It can't heal joints. So depending on what your problem is you will get good results or you won't get worsening results. Sometimes not getting any worse or painful is a good thing. They don't seem to have any adverse effects, although you may want to look up a possible concern in diabetics.

Medications, like politicians make a lot of empty promises. Those who get results swear by them, and those who were adversely affected by them, or not helped at all, are disgruntled.

Hey Kevin! I can't answer your question from a chemist's standpoint.... not even anything close. I CAN tell you tho that from my experience, they work. The things are as large as a HOUSE, but I suffer from TMJ and occasionally one of my jaw joints swells. I get a lump in there like a marble from the bone-to-bone friction. When that happens, or sometimes just as a preventative, I take Glucosamine/Chondroiton for a few days and it really helps. Again, I can't explain the inner workings and if it IS just mind over matter, it still helps! Good luck to you and your ACL. Take it easy!

I had several of these injections last year, the benefit I got was temporary & the injections were so painful I ended up deciding the benefits just weren't worth the pain.
I don't know how they work but they did work I just needed so many that for me is wasn't suitable but as they say no pain no gain it is worth doing in some cases

i don't think they would work on reconstructions, and being a Doctor's wife i dont usually get taken in by these suppliments but i have been taking Glucosamine for approx a year and after about 3 months i suddenly realised i dont feel as though i have been run over by a steam roller any more when i get up in the morning.

i have tried them and found no relief but what i have found beneficial is cider vinegar and honey

I will tell you it works for me I have a horrible knee, and I started taking Andrew Lessman's glucosomine and chondroitin two pills everyday. They are high quality all natural and it may take a couple of weeks to really notice but it is wonderful. I ran out for a week and my knee started to kill me then I got more in and started feeling no pain. You can get these pills at HSN.com, Home shopping network, and all of his products are wonderful, this guy is the best. Good luck.