Runner's Knee; Glucosamine?

[Go2Guy]

For years running 12-15 miles per week is taking its toll. Anybody have a testimony about glucosamine chondroitan (sp?) supplements? Has it worked; do you notice any change. I'm leery of supplements not approved by the FDA, although I have a couple friends who seem to think it made a diff. The other bogey is that one is supposed to take 3-pills for 2-3 months to experience any benefits ??

Also, I've been intrigued about this procedure called PRP. I first heard about it when a former Houston Rocket went over to Germany to have the procedure performed about 10-years ago. It seems to be gaining popularity here in the state, despite insignificant medical approval.

"...PRP is simple to produce and deploy: extract some blood from the patient, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then inject the resulting fluid into an injured joint or use it in combination with surgery. PRP is replete with growth factors and other substances that promote healing. Studies have so far shown that it can help heal inflamed tendons, such as “tennis elbow,” and relieve pain in an arthritic joint, but whether it can effectively address the wide variety of problems for which it is used is not yet clear."

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/three-biotech-solutions-for-knee-repair/

 

[BikeSkiClone]

I've been taking it as the Osteo Bi-Flex brand for about a year now. No negative effects, though I'll warn you that the pills have a nasty after taste if they're not taken with food. I drop mine in my yogurt...with just plain water I can barely tolerate it.

I've had knee issues (and past surgeries) from sports in HS, intramurals, and a few years spent teaching skiing and mountain biking for a living....I don't get quite as much lingering pain after a workout or day skiing/riding as I used to. Day-to-day pain is about gone, but that could be due to being physically stronger and smarter about how I workout.

Edit to add: Like many meds and supplements, it's not a cure but more of a mask. Seems to help (in combination with activities and other supps) make day-to-day things significantly more tolerable for me.

 

[isuno1fan]

Doesn't work. Recent science has debunked it. Placebo is the most you will get. Save your money.

 

[CycloneWanderer]

I give my dog it every day to prevent arthritis after he had two knee surgeries (dislocating kneecaps - yes, dogs have kneecaps). It seems to be working for him as his knees haven't bothered him at all in the years since his surgeries (which is abnormal for his age and years from surgeries). From my understanding, I don't think it will make what's damaged get better but it might prevent it from getting worse.

 

[BoxsterCy]

I have thought about it and read a little but am undecided. Might ask my doc at my upcoming physical. My knees are not too bad for 65, they ache some and my left knee makes lots of noise (crepitus) but it doesn't keep me from biking and such and I ran a 5k last fall but am a little concerned that the crepitus is a precursor to more trouble later since it's a sign of cartilage breaking down.

 

[Tornado man]

Doesn't work. Recent science has debunked it. Placebo is the most you will get. Save your money.

Yes. I have taken Osteo Bi-Flex religiously for about 5 years in hopes of improving my very arthritic shoulder. Doc said "go ahead and try, not hurting anything."
I have had zero improvement.

 

[no2cyclones]

Have you tried PT?

 

[Go2Guy]

Have you tried PT?

No, not a formal regime. Some in my runner's group are trained kinesiologists and have recommended stretching and conditioning drills. My cartilage is just worn out after all these years.

 

[SpokaneCY]

For years running 12-15 miles per week is taking its toll. Anybody have a testimony about glucosamine chondroitan (sp?) supplements? Has it worked; do you notice any change. I'm leery of supplements not approved by the FDA, although I have a couple friends who seem to think it made a diff. The other bogey is that one is supposed to take 3-pills for 2-3 months to experience any benefits ??

Also, I've been intrigued about this procedure called PRP. I first heard about it when a former Houston Rocket went over to Germany to have the procedure performed about 10-years ago. It seems to be gaining popularity here in the state, despite insignificant medical approval.

"...PRP is simple to produce and deploy: extract some blood from the patient, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then inject the resulting fluid into an injured joint or use it in combination with surgery. PRP is replete with growth factors and other substances that promote healing. Studies have so far shown that it can help heal inflamed tendons, such as “tennis elbow,” and relieve pain in an arthritic joint, but whether it can effectively address the wide variety of problems for which it is used is not yet clear."

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/three-biotech-solutions-for-knee-repair/

Good friend of mine just had the platelet treatment done for his knees (2-ish months ago). He's upper 50s and an ultra marathoner. He's not thrilled with the lack of results thus far.

 

[Rabbuk]

Switch to swimming? Or are you in love with running? Or potentially do less running and some swimming.

 

[Go2Guy]

Good friend of mine just had the platelet treatment done for his knees (2-ish months ago). He's upper 50s and an ultra marathoner. He's not thrilled with the lack of results thus far.

Wow, thanks for the post - I'd like to followup in a few months to hear of any updates!
I've researched some medical journals, and it appears the procedure is ~50-50, with some double-blind results not really all that impressive, but some patients actually have improved cartilage density!
Another advanced procedure even combines umbilical cord stem-cells with the patient's own blood platelets in hopes of "regrowing" cartilage .
Sounds like the technology is advancing and maybe someday we won't need titanium replacements.

 

[Go2Guy]

Switch to swimming? Or are you in love with running?

yeah, it's probably going to come to that; with some elliptical machines - which I've already included in my routine. Gonna be hard to switch.

 

[CycloneErik]

yeah, it's probably going to come to that; with some elliptical machines - which I've already included in my routine. Gonna be hard to switch.

A lot of running sites mention pool running as a supplement/replacement for road running. It might preserve the joints longer and still let you get out there.

Strength training might help, too. I had rough knees for years before that. It's not a magic fix, but maybe something to look at, as long as you're careful about choosing exercises.

 

[Chitownclone2]

After running 40-50 + a week for years out of no where I got bad plantar pain and my knee pain followed that. After wasting a year trying to get healthy, I went to a foot specialist to treat the plantar and started.doing yoga and Pilates 3-5 days a week to stretch and strengthen the core out including those muscles around the knee.

 

[SolonCy]

I'm 58 and had knee and hip pain after years of running. Did two things that seemed to make a difference.
Changed running style to something called Chia. basically it keeps your skeletal structure working together and reduces the stress on your joints. There is a book but a condensed notes version include things like keeping weight forward and making sure your foot lands flat which reduces the actually pounding your joints take. I found book at Running Wild shoe stores.
Then I started taking 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar each day (usually mixed in with morning juice) If I run out or do without for a week I can start to feel it.

 

[Tre4ISU]

No, not a formal regime. Some in my runner's group are trained kinesiologists and have recommended stretching and conditioning drills. My cartilage is just worn out after all these years.

Dude, this is your chance to not have to run anymore.

 

[Macloney]

I'm 58 and had knee and hip pain after years of running. Did two things that seemed to make a difference.
Changed running style to something called Chia. basically it keeps your skeletal structure working together and reduces the stress on your joints. There is a book but a condensed notes version include things like keeping weight forward and making sure your foot lands flat which reduces the actually pounding your joints take. I found book at Running Wild shoe stores.
Then I started taking 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar each day (usually mixed in with morning juice) If I run out or do without for a week I can start to feel it.

2nd on the Apple Cider Vinegar for arthritis/joint issues. I actually only use it when it's really bad. I use Solaray tart cherry pills everyday (3 or 4) and will use the juice concentrate if it's really bad.

 

[safmusic]

PEMF works wonders plus for many other issues. I use mine for prostatitis and sore muscles, my wife for arthritis and pain in hands and knees.