Chondroprotectors for arthrosis: extra expenses or salvation from disability

Joint problems can begin at any age. This is the case when it is better to prevent a problem than to treat it later. If:

• Are you experiencing constant pain in your joints?
• It's hard to get out of bed in the morning;
• Feel stiff in your movements;
• The doctor diagnosed: Arthrosis (ARTHRITIS, Osteoarthrosis, Osteoarthritis)

Pharmacological drugs are used in the treatment of arthritis and arthrosis. NSAIDs and glucocorticoids only help alleviate the symptoms of the pathology - pain, swelling, limited mobility, inflammatory reaction.

For severe problems, complex therapy is required.

Chondroprotectors help cope with the problem, promote the restoration of joints and cartilage, strengthen the ligamentous apparatus, improve metabolism in cartilage tissue, and slow down destruction.

This is a “building material” that helps the body renew cartilage structures.

In addition to taking medications, it is important to pay attention to a rational physical regimen. It is recommended to perform a complex of exercise therapy every day.

What are chondroprotectors and how do they treat joints?

August 13, 2021
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Content

• What are chondroprotectors
• How to choose the right chondroprotector
• What is the composition of the chondroprotector?
• What chondroprotectors exist?
• What else you need to know about chondroprotectors
• Where does the mistrust of chondroprotectors come from?
• The best chondroprotectors for joints
• Teraflex
• Don
• Piascledine 300
• Artra
• Diaflex
• Honda Forte

On the Internet you can find a lot of information about chondroprotectors. Let's figure out what these drugs are, how they work, what they treat, and whether they are effective in principle.

How to choose the right chondroprotector

The main thing when choosing a chondroprotector is to carefully read the composition. Chondroprotectors contain components such as chondroitin sulfate, collagen hydrolysate and glucosamine. Moreover, each of these components is very important.

By method of application

There are such chondroprotectors:

• External
  - gels and ointments that are applied to the skin at the site of the problem joint (external chondroprotectors often contain pain-relieving components). But many doctors are skeptical about this group of drugs and believe that they are ineffective.
• Injectable
  - these anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for serious joint diseases, and they are selected exclusively by a doctor.
• Tablets and capsules
  are chondroprotectors that are used for treatment and recovery after injuries and any damage to the joints.
• Powdered
  - such chondroprotectors are rare, but, for example, powdered collagen is absorbed much better than tableted collagen.

Hormonal agents

The mechanism of action of hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs is also primarily associated with suppression of the activity of enzymatic systems responsible for the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. The drugs are made on the basis of natural glucocorticosteroid hormones, which are synthesized by the adrenal glands. The drugs are manufactured in dosage forms for external and internal use. Injections with a solution of glucocorticosteroids can be prescribed for injection directly into the joint cavity (intra-articular injection). This allows you to quickly and effectively reduce the severity of the inflammatory process in large joints - knee, hip, shoulder, elbow joints. Hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of oral tablets (Prednisolone) can be prescribed over a long course for autoimmune joint pathology.

What is the composition of the chondroprotector?

The main active ingredients of chondroprotectors are glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen. A specific chondroprotector may contain either one of these components or be multicomponent. In any case, when choosing a chondroprotector, you must consult a doctor who is aware of your specific joint problem.

1. Glucosamine.
   This substance is produced by the cartilage tissue of joints. Glucosamine is found in synovial fluid (this is a kind of lubricant in the joint capsule that prevents joints from rubbing against each other). Glucosamine reduces inflammation, slows tissue breakdown, and helps produce chondroitin.
2. Chondroitin.
   An important component of ligaments and cartilage. Chondroitin makes joints more elastic, flexible, and provides shock absorption when you put stress on your joints. Joint mobility usually improves after 1-3 months of taking chondroitin. Swelling goes away, pain decreases, cartilage begins to recover.
3. Collagen.
   Collagen mainly consists of connective tissue (cartilage and ligaments), as well as nails and hair. Collagen is necessary for those who have damaged joints, as well as for their preventive strengthening.

Usually, when treating joints and ligaments, doctors prescribe new generation chondroprotectors - multicomponent ones, which contain a complex of all these substances.

Read also How to treat varicose veins: top 9 best ointments Varicose veins are easier to treat at the initial stage, so control the development of this disease. To treat varicose veins, there are effective ointments and gels that strengthen capillaries, relieve pain, swelling and inflammation.

Causes of diseases

The factors causing joint pathology are diverse. These include:

• traumatization, including sports
• age-related changes (the problem is getting younger)
• genetic predisposition;
• metabolic disorders;
• ecology;
• stressful situations;
• a sedentary lifestyle or excessive stress on the joints;
• malnutrition – lack of important vitamins and microelements;
• obesity;
• infection;

During active sports, when there is an increased load on the menisci and cartilage, it is recommended to use products that strengthen the cartilage tissue. Excess weight is a signal for the use of chondroprotectors.

To prevent the disease from developing, it is necessary to engage in prevention and treatment in the early stages. Honda protectors are useful in preventing the development of pathology.

What chondroprotectors exist?

We have figured out the composition of chondroprotectors, but there are so many similar drugs on the Internet and pharmacies that it is very difficult for a person to choose the right one on his own. What to focus on? All chondroprotectors are conventionally divided into three generations:

The first generation of chondroprotectors.

These are products for the treatment of joints, which are based on natural substances (animal cartilage or plant extracts).

Second generation of chondroprotectors.

These are single-component preparations containing one of these substances: chondroitin, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid or collagen.

Third generation of chondroprotectors.

These are multicomponent preparations for joints and ligaments, which contain several active ingredients: chondroitin, collagen and glucosamine. Sometimes they are supplemented with vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Compared to first and second generation drugs, such chondroprotectors are much more effective.

Joint destruction
Photos from open sources

What else you need to know about chondroprotectors

Rheumatologists say that it is important to choose the right form of the drug for the joints, as well as the composition. Products based on animal tissue and plant extracts (Alflutop, Rumalon, Piaskledin) do not have a pronounced protective effect on chondrocytes. But synthetic or semi-synthetic chondroprotectors (“Injectran”, “Teraflex”, “Diaflex”, “Honda”, “Arthra”) show a very pronounced positive effect if taken correctly. As for gels and ointments for joints, they help little. Doctors explain this by saying that the chondroprotective ointment penetrates the skin by 1-2 mm, and the joint is much deeper. Conclusion: only chondroprotectors in the form of tablets or injections are effective in treating joints and ligaments.

And, of course, you need to listen to the feelings of the patient himself. If this or that drug suits him (inflammation goes away, pain decreases, crunching goes away, mobility in the joint appears), then the specific chondroprotector is effective for him.

Where does the mistrust of chondroprotectors come from?

There have always been two opposing opinions regarding chondroprotectors (both among patients and among doctors and representatives of the pharmaceutical market): some are confident that such drugs are indispensable for the symptomatic treatment of arthrosis, others say that the positive effect of chondroprotectors is a myth. Moreover, in many countries, chondroprotectors are not included in the treatment protocols for osteoarthritis. Why is that? Because we all hope that a “magic pill” will immediately get rid of health problems, but we don’t want to make special efforts to solve the issue comprehensively. Treatment of joints is not only drugs, but also lifestyle changes, weight loss, dosed exercise, etc. Often we hope to start drinking chondroprotectors and quickly heal our joints. If there is no improvement, we give up this idea.

You should not expect a positive result from taking chondroprotectors if you have the third stage of arthrosis - here conservative treatment is useless, only surgical treatment.

But most rheumatologists are still confident that taking chondroprotectors will greatly improve the situation with arthrosis of the first or second degree, when the cartilage has not yet been destroyed and chondrocytes are alive.

In addition to facilitating gliding, synovial fluid nourishes cartilage

Photos from open sources

Is it possible to combine it with alcohol?

Since medications are taken for a long time, patients wonder whether the drug can be combined with alcoholic beverages. Depending on the form of drug delivery, compatibility with alcohol is determined.

If you drink alcohol and take pills at the same time, you may develop side effects from the digestive system. These are nausea, vomiting, increased liver enzymes, and loose stools.

But in general there are no contraindications in this context. To be sure, carefully read the instructions for use. Usually, if there are restrictions, they write about them.

Teraflex

Probably one of the most popular chondroprotectors produced in the USA, which contains chondroitin and glucosamine. This is an original drug with a fairly high cost. "Teraflex" effectively restores cartilage tissue and has no side effects. Many patients note clear positive dynamics while taking this chondroprotector. But be prepared to take Teraflex for a long time - 4-6 months, and sometimes a year. The drug is sold in packages of 60 to 200 tablets. “Teraflex” was actively advertised, so most people know it, although not all doctors consider it the most effective.

Teraflex

Contract Pharmacal Corporation, USA

Teraflex is a combination drug that contains two active substances: glucosamine hydrochloride and sodium chondroitin sulfate, which potentiate each other’s action.
Teraflex is used in the complex treatment of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, which are accompanied by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joint tissue, such as: osteoarthritis (primary and secondary); osteocondritis of the spine; degenerative-dystrophic pathologies of joints and spine; traumatic bone damage. from 260

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How to take the drug

It is advisable to start taking medications early. It is necessary to take a course of medications at the first signs of pathology. At this stage they help as much as possible, prevent the development of cartilage destruction, and at the initial stages of the degenerative process they are able to restore cartilage tissue.

With complete destruction of hyaline tissue, the use of chondroitins as the main treatment is ineffective. It will not be possible to restore cartilage this way. Medicines do not give immediate effect; they have a cumulative effect and courses of treatment must be repeated periodically as a preventive measure. Treatment of pathology should not be limited to chondroprotectors; an integrated approach is important. Changing your lifestyle, eating foods rich in natural glucosamines and chondroitin.

There are different forms of chondroprotector medication: tablets, solutions, ointments, capsules, gels. To determine which one is suitable for the patient, the state of the body, the degree and type of pathology, and contraindications are taken into account. Only a doctor can prescribe the correct treatment.

Honda protectors are prescribed for a course of treatment. The drug has a cumulative effect.

As a preventive measure, they are useful for people with obesity, excessive physical activity, and the elderly.

Don

This German chondroprotector can be called one of the first on the Russian market; the drug contains 750 mg of glucosamine. “Dona” has shown its effectiveness in treating joints: the chondroprotector perfectly relieves pain, restores mobility to the joint and prevents it from collapsing. "Dona" is prescribed both as the only tablets for the treatment of joints and in complex therapy. By the way, you can buy Dona not only in tablets, but also in injections and powder for solution. In general, patients respond very well to this product, but at the same price it is now possible to buy a third-generation chondroprotector, which contains not one, but several active components.

Don

Rottafarm, Italy

Primary and secondary osteoarthritis, glenohumeral periarthritis, osteochondrosis, spondylosis, chondromalacia of the patella.
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When can I expect results?

It is necessary to take tablets or capsules for at least four months - only after this period the first effect appears. Optimal results are achieved after approximately 7 months of use. The medicine is used continuously and in large quantities, since chondroitin is characterized by rapid absorption.

The effect of the injections occurs faster - after approximately one course of 20 injections. However, even after this, the patient must continue taking the pills and continue to give injections - in a lower dosage. Ointments are prescribed during remission as an adjuvant - you should not expect results from them.

The effect of taking chondroprotectors occurs within a few months

Piascledine 300

This chondroprotector made in France has a natural herbal composition. The active ingredients of “Piascledina 300” are unsaponifiable compounds of soybean oil and avocado oil. The chondroprotector helps improve metabolic processes in cartilage, reduces pain and inflammation, stops cell destruction, and improves joint mobility. You need to take Piaskledin 300 for at least six months. The product is a little expensive, but its effectiveness is high. The chondroprotector has virtually no side effects, so it has excellent ratings among both doctors and patients.

Piascledine

Laboratoires Expanscience, France

The contents of Piaskledin capsules are components from plant materials.
Oil extracts (unsaponifiable components) from avocados and soybeans have a regulating effect on metabolism in cartilage tissues. The drug has an anti-inflammatory effect. The substances of the drug have an analgesic effect. from 952

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The importance of synovial fluid for cartilage tissue

By origin, it is a blood transudate - a non-inflammatory effusion that differs from plasma in a lower concentration of proteins. From a functional point of view, it is an intra-articular lubricant that fills their cavity and ensures the sliding of cartilage.

A sufficient amount of synovial fluid ensures: • metabolism between cartilage and the vascular bed; • activation of humoral immunity during inflammation; • biomechanical mobility of joints.

Variable load on articular surfaces subject to friction is the main condition for the viability of cartilage tissue. During compression, interstitial fluid is released from it, which is mixed with synovial fluid and purified. With relaxation, reverse diffusion occurs. If it is not there, the cartilage will have nothing to feed on, and then its degeneration will begin.

Artra

American chondroprotector with the best combination of quality and cost. This remedy is very popular among Russians. Arthra tablets stimulate regeneration in articular cartilage. The active substances of the chondroprotector are chondroitin and glucosamine (in equal proportions), and also contains calcium. "Arthra" is very effective for osteoarthritis of the spine and knees. "Arthra" is a third generation chondroprotector. A pronounced positive effect when taking the drug is noticeable after three months: pain and inflammation in the joints go away, swelling subsides, cartilage tissue is restored. A huge plus is that with the initial stage of joint disease, a complete cure can be achieved. Among the disadvantages of the drug "Arthra" are several side effects. Some patients report, for example, abdominal pain.

Artra

Unipharm Inc., USA

Artra is a combined chondroprotective drug for basic therapy of osteoarthritis of peripheral joints and spine with an enhanced therapeutic effect due to the interaction of two components - chondroitin and glucosamine.
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Diaflex

This Romanian-made chondroprotector is prescribed for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The active substance of Diaflex is diacerein. The chondroprotector slows down the destruction of cartilage, relieves inflammation and pain in the joint. The first positive effect after taking the drug is noticeable after 2-4 weeks. Diaflex can be purchased at a pharmacy with a prescription and is available in capsule form.

Diaflex

Rompharm Company SRL, Romania

The drug Diaflex is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Diacerein is an anthraquinoline derivative, a diacetylated derivative of rhein. Metabolized to an active metabolite, rhein, it inhibits the activity of interleukin-1, which plays an important role in the development of inflammation and cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. Inhibits the action of other cytokines (including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha). The action develops after 2-4 weeks. Diacerein has analgesic anti-inflammatory activity when taken orally. from 858

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