It's true that in a way I brought it upon myself. Years of fierce competition on the sporting field seemed like a good idea at the time, but I'm beginning to feel the fall-out in this body of mine, once upon a time the well-oiled machine! Aches and pains and a family history of arthritis weigh heavily on my mind as I attempt to find relief for my joint pain. Can anything be done or is this just the price I have to pay for a life of much physical activity? Well, I now believe there's relief at hand in the form of two supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin. Taken in combination, these winning supplements seem to be winning lots of grateful fans.

Wise mechanics will tell you that a machine's output is dependent on the measures taken to prevent failure and breakdown. Just like machines, our bodies need to be cared for and maintained for maximum output. Interestingly, it is not usually our muscles or bone structures which are the cause of our niggling pains but rather the joints themselves. It is the joints which hinge the muscular and skeletal systems together. They are very, very important. I have watched the ageing, as well as fellow sportspeople suffer joint pain after years of high physical activity, for far too long.

Throughout my years of sport I always wondered if one day it would all catch up with me and that joint pain and arthritis might plague me. And then in recent years I watched my father and father-in-law, both elite sportspeople in their day, experiencing intense pain in their neck, knees, elbows and shoulders. This was not a good omen for me and I watched their medical journey with intense interest. Both were given two basic choices: invasive procedures such as joint replacements or oral supplements which were said to work for many others. They decided to try the supplements first and the results have been remarkably positive. It turns out that the key to their pain relief is two highly researched ingredients called glucosamine and chondroitin.

If you have ever suffered from arthritis or joint degeneration, you will know that it can be a debilitating experience. Without going into the intricate medical terminolgy and indepth physiological explanations that often confuse sufferers, it is often the combination of a diminishing level of fluids and a breakdown of cartilage that normally creates the easy sliding movement within joints which causes decreased movement and corrosion. Without this slipperiness, grating and scraping occurs and movement is restricted as pain is increased.

Osteoarthritis and other forms of join disfunction are the curse of many people, not just the elderly. This really came home to me recently whilst watching a former elite sportsman (who represented his nation in Rugby League not so many years ago) engaged in the simple pursuit of putting his socks on, despite having maintained a high level of fitness. He was in such discomfort that he was struggling to complete the task, thanks to terrible joint pain in his back and knees. But the good news for him and thousands like him, is that glucosamine and chondroitin can radically reduce the discomfort of sufferers of joint pain and also retard the onset of arthritis.

Recent news has caused much rejoicing in the ranks of the sufferers of joint pain. Recent studies confirm that glucosamine and chondroitin do provide long awaited pain relief and much needed hope to sufferers. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the clinical trial sponsored by the National Institue of Health found that significant pain relief was achieved by arthritis sufferers who used these two dietary supplements in combination.

Both glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally found in the body, the former plays a role in cartilage formation and repair and the latter is part of a large protein molecule which provides cartilage elasticity. But it is the combination of the two which seems to works wonders in sufferers. My Dad says it took him a couple of months of use until he fully felt the wonderful effect of it in his body.

It would be my strong advice that sufferers of arthritis don't totally rely upon supplements to answer all of their particular questions. There are many physical activities that can also assist in increasing movement and reducing pain in joints. Stretching and warming up the joints should be a common practice as this assists in making joints more flexible. Any exercise generally will help mobility of joints. However, add to this physical activity the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin, and your chances of better movement with less pain are significantly increased.

Before exercise you should warm up by stretching your muscles and joints, but ensuring that you do not overstretch. Certainly do not push yourself too early in your warm-up. Aim for long, fluid movements as opposed to vigorous sharp movements. Stretches should be held for around 15 seconds. A well balanced exercise session includes various movements (dependent usually on your age and mobility), isometrics and weight-bearing activities.

There are few things worse than constant, debilitating pain. The simplest of everyday activities like cleaning your teeth, lacing your shoes, lifting up your kids and grandkids and even turning on taps, become an ordeal. Arthritis and joint pain sufferers are finding hope in a combination of two health supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin. As a long time health educator and adviser it thrills me to receive emails from join pain sufferers who have found glorious relief in these simple supplements.