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My chiropractor gave me a sample of arthitis cream that contains glucosamine sulfate. It is rubbed into the arthritic joints and is supposed to start replacing the synovial fluid. She said there was measurable difference after 6 months. Do you think this has any validity?
Doctor's response
Over the recent years, there have been studies that have verified originally in Europe and now more recently in the United States, that glucosamine taken by mouth can help to relieve symptoms including pain and stiffness of a specific type of arthritis called osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis.
Glucosamine used as a cream has not gained the acceptance of standard-care medicine.
Furthermore, there is no evidence that any form of glucosamine can be useful for "replacing the synovial fluid" (joint fluid).
