The finger joints were examined by x-ray and those receiving the chondroitin had a significant decrease in the appearance of new erosive osteoarthritic finger joints. Treated patients were protected against erosive evolution. Walking time, as defined as the time required to walk 20 meters, was reduced in the chondroitin group only. Pain also decreased and mobility improved. The placebo group took more Tylenol than the treated group.
Results suggest that chondroitin acts as a symptomatic, slow-acting, drug in knee osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin worked equally well in both dosage forms and significantly better than placebo. In the chondroitin group the response appeared later in time, but lasted for up to 3 months after the end of treatment.