A listed treatment does not imply endorsement, but rather ideas from a variety of sources. The articular cartilage is a smooth, tough, rubbery, gelatinous stuff that acts as a shock absorber to keep the ends of the bones from rubbing together. This cartilage can break down and doesn't regenerate. It deteriorates and dries out, even disappearing in serious cases. This leaves the ends of the bones uncovered.
Pain starts, joints stiffen, and mobility lessens.
It progresses attacking one joint after another - fingers, knees, and hips. Many doctors tell you there is nothing to do but take painkillers. Painkillers, however, can damage kidney damage and other side effects, and don't solve the problem - in fact, they make the cartilage disappear faster. There is good evidence now that an inexpensive nutrient, Glucosamine, can rebuild the cartilage that is lost. The nutrient stimulates the rebuilding of damaged cartilage, affects the metabolism of the cartilage to prevent its breakdown, has some anti-inflammatory activity, and relieves pain and swelling.