MSM Eases Osteoarthritis Knee Pain
If you have knee pain from osteoarthritis, you know how persistent and gnawing it can be. Pain is the top reason people get knee joint replacement, which is major surgery, with risks and subsequent limitations in activity.
A fair number of people with osteoarthritis take glucosamine and chondroitin, and some also take MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) for the relief of arthritis pain. MSM hasn’t been studied as much for osteoarthritis as glucosamine and chondroitin, and results of studies have been mixed. However, research does show that MSM offers people some modest pain relief.
A study, done at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, in Arizona, and presented at the 20th annual meeting of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, examined the effects of MSM. In the study, people with knee pain from osteoarthritis who took 3 grams of MSM twice a day for 12 weeks had a modest improvement in pain and physical function compared to people taking a placebo. Neither group took any other drugs, including pain meds, during the study.
MSM may work in a number of ways to help aching joints. The sulfur it contains is used in the metabolism of two essential amino acids, cysteine and methionine, that help build connective tissue. MSM also has some anti-inflammatory properties. Preliminary evidence in animals suggests it can help prevent damage in joint cartilage.
MSM is usually taken in combination with glucosamine, chondroiton, or both, 500 milligrams three times a day up to 3 grams twice daily. Full benefits may take six weeks to three months to become apparent.
