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As a PT working with patients daily, previously with Outpatients (dealing with knee OA prior to needing TKA) and now with Geriatrics currently needing joint replacements, I've worked with hundreds of patients whom have claimed to take these supplements. While clinical observation without the benefits of ie double blind research studies to conclusively confirm or refute results is not ideal, I've found that >50% of patients report positive results from Glucosamine-Chondroitin supplements when taken daily and long term (>3-6 months).
By positive results, I mean a direct correlation between taking the supplements and changing no other variables such as pain meds, diet, ect. I also mean measurable improvements in pain scale, quality of life standardized measurement tools , and reported improvements in quality of life, such as activities of daily living, gait distance and endurance, reliance upon a gait device, ect.
The patients which seem to benefit the most from these oral supplements are younger patient populations whom are more physically active and proactive in leading a healthy lifestyle. In other words, obese individuals that lie around on the couch most of their lives and wait for the problem to progress until they have bone on bone contact in their joints will not benefit from these supplements, only from TKA, or total knee replacement surgery.
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