Hey all,
I wanted to hear peoples opinions about glucosamine. About 3 years ago, I stretched my MCL and moved my patella, but nothing ripped. I quickly went into physical therapy. I didn't undergo any surgery. About a year later I could play on my knee but it would occasionally "pop" and I'd be out for a week. I'm getting older now and with a hurt knee don't play as quick as I used to. I only play for fun now, but still have recurring knee problems.

For those people with knee injuries, do y'all do anything special to care for your knee? I do slow steady excercises to keep the knee joint's flexibility and range of motion at optimum. I also use the exercises to strengthen my upper leg muscles and gastrocnemius. I'm considering taking Glucosamine (Dona). I believe I should have started taking it awhile ago but I don't believe it's too late to try. Anyway, I wanted to hear about other people's opinions on how they treat their knees. Thanks,

David

glucosamine whit chondroitin should help. Im really hard on my knees and in fact my right leg is an inch shorter than my left which makes for alotta problems, ur best bet is to use something such as a tensor bacnd or knee brace to support it..

Yea. I always use knee braces. I can't really tackle without wearing one. I've been doing some reading in scientific articles about glucosamine and have seen the big improvements it provides in avoiding osteoarthritis in the knee later in life. But does it also help the knee to perform better in soccer? Does glucosamine give a marked increase in knee stability while playing? Also how long should glucosamine be taken? A daily tablet for the rest of your life?

Just curious....
Thanks,

David

I've just bought some glocosamine gel patches. 7 quid for 5 from boots. See here for more info about the patches: http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/article/...e-sulphate.html.

I will let you know if they work tonight.

I'm also thinking of getting some of this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FLEXICOSE-LIQUID-GLU...1QQcmdZViewItem

Anyone used it?

http://www.flexicose.org.uk/

I don't know about these patches. I didn't read anything "scientific" about it. I do know that our body readily absorbs glucosamine through the stomach/ intestines, and this stuff has proven to be effective. Also I don't really believe that glucosamine is supposed to be "instantaneous." It takes time to build up your cartilage so wearing a patch during the game really isn't going to help (if that's what you had in mind). ANyway, I don't see anything scientific disproving or proving its use as a patch, but I know that the oral supplement works through research. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

David

OK, I used the patch yesterday and did give me some short term refief, whether its "in my head" or it did actually work, I just dont know.

All I do know is I had no pain atall in my knee for about 6 hours. So perhaps it could be used in a game. I would recommend that you wear an elastic bandage around it though.

I have ordered Glucosamine / Chandroitin tablets, and will let you know how I get on with those.

that's good to hear. i think the menthol really helps to give short term relief, which is a good thing, especially when the knee is under strain. I'm about to get some glucosamine/ chondroitin tablets too. Let me know how yours turns out.

david

Ask in player experience (in the drop down menu) their pretty helpfull on this kinda thing has well