Bodytalk
Question: Do you recommend the use of glucosomine and chondroitin for uses other than arthritis pain relief? You have to wonder
about wonder drugsAnswer: Not at this point. Products such as Osteo-Bi-Flex, Joint Fuel and Glucosomine Sport Plus are over the counter supplements being hyped as the latest wonder pills for both injured and healthy joints.
Glucosomine and chondroitin were originally designed as pain relievers for osteoarthritis sufferers. After a few years on the market they've proven to be effective at relieving pain in up to 80 percent of patients suffering from osteoarthritis.
Because of the success of products containing these two substances, they are now being touted as the new wonder supplement for healthy joints as well. They supposedly have the ability to enhance joint stability, protect joints from the wear and tear of high-impact sports, stimulate cartilage regeneration and rebuild and repair damaged joint tissue.
Do these products actually protect the joints and facilitate tissue regeneration? Are they, as manufacturers claim, a quick fix for stiff knees, creaky shoulders or achy elbows?
As of now there have been no large-scale, scientifically controlled studies that show these substances actually regrow cartilage, rebuild bone or reverse the effects of osteoarthritis, or for that matter that they help relieve any type of joint pain other than arthritis pain itself.
My biggest fear associated with the use of these so-called "wonder pills" is that individuals will not exercise good judgment when it comes to frequency, duration and intensity of exercise. In other words, the use of these supplements may give some individuals permission to abuse their bodies. They may exercise too often, for too long a time, or at too hard a pace because of the false belief that glucosomine and chondroitin will fix it, if it gets broken.
The jury is still out on this one. I wouldn't rush out to buy glucosomine and chondroitin supplements, but would wait until they've been studied better. While the effects of these products on your body are uncertain, one sure effect they will have is on your wallet; at $2.00 for a daily dose, you'll feel the crunch.
Q: I used to walk 4 miles, three times per week, but I have recently been diagnosed with heel spurs. I can no longer walk long distances without discomfort. I'm considering an exercise video as an alternative to walking. Can you recommend a safe and effective video?
A: For the sake of other readers, let me explain what heel spurs are and what causes them.
Heel spurs - protuberances on the heel bone - are usually the result of plantar fasciitis, which stems from the foot's inability to absorb shock properly.
When shock isn't absorbed properly, it is transmitted through the foot and causes the medial arch to collapse. This collapse causes extreme tension to be placed on the plantar fascia, a thick fibrous band of tissue on the bottom of the foot.
Repeated tension on this band where it inserts in the heel bone can lead to heel spurs. It's not the heel spur itself that causes pain, but rather the continuous pulling of the plantar fascia, and the small tears caused by that pulling.
Since you know you have heel spurs, I recommend non-impact types of exercise until the heel spurs completely disappear.
At this stage of the game, any video is contraindicated. Bicycling, riding a stationary bike and swimming are three forms of aerobic exercise suitable for someone with heel spurs.
When you start walking again, be sure you are wearing supportive, well cushioned shoes.
Stephenie Karony is a certified health
and fitness instructor, a personal trainer and the author of
"Body Shaping with Free Weights." Send questions to her at
P.O. Box 262, Wailuku Hi. Her column appears on Wednesdays.