[.ca] The Arthritis Cure (ISBN 0312964536)

From Amazon.com:
The word "cure" in the title is a bit misleading, but this book certainly makes a persuasive argument in favor of treating osteoarthritis with two common nutritional supplements--glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates--and following a program emphasizing better nutrition and exercise. The supplements are commonly used in Europe and Asia, where they've been tested in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (the gold standard for medical research). They haven't been thoroughly tested in the United States, the authors contend, because drug companies can't patent the supplements and thus won't fund the research. The book also contains a chapter detailing a seven-step arthritis-prevention program.

Worthwhile and perhaps more:
This was followed by Maximizing the Arthritis Cure (1998) which I'll also report on here, treating both books as one. My initial reaction was, this is either a public service or a hustle. Written by three different laureled academics and obviously put together by committee, this first book was a big time best seller and demanded a sequel. Most of the diet advice was like something I had read twenty years ago. The exercise program ditto. The use of glucosamine and chondroitin was the real difference. In fact, the purpose of the book could be seen as legitimizing the use of these supplements in the treatment of osteoarthritis. People bought the book in the hope that it would help them with their pain. They also bought the book so that they would be motivated to try glucosamine and chondroitin. Many people understandably would not try the supplements without the seal of approval provided by an authoritative book like this. The question is-and it is the big question-is their program any good, or is it just another feel good pep talk fronting for another bogus approach? I was a little uncertain since the book jacket was red, white and blue, and we all know the quote about patriotism being "the last refuge of a scoundrel." So I tried glucosamine and chondroitin and stayed fairly close to their overall program. Two years have passed and although I cannot say for certain, it is my belief that the supplements are valuable. At any rate, my arthritic knee is much improved. In the follow-up book, the authors give information on other treatments. I have to say that I think they've done a positive service in writing these two books. The information about healing in general and about prevention and about the positive effects of exercise and attitude are worthwhile. The authors may have made megabucks (or maybe they didn't), but I don't feel they ripped anybody off, on the contrary. I am happy to be positive even though I still think "cure" is probably too strong a word for what their program can do, although I only have my own experience to go on. Their reports of the double blind tests that have been conducted are good, but a long way from convincing proof that glucosamine and chrondoitin and exercises can cure osteoarthritis.

Title is misleading...:
As someone with severe osteoarthritis (and a fused foot at 18), I find this book very annoying not because glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate were and are not an option for me, but simply because it is basically junk food for the masses. I have friends who have had success with glucosamine and chondroitin, and others who have not. I hate to say it, but most people with arthritis (and especially osteoarthritis) are not willing to do what it takes to manage the disease--using common sense (which does not seem to be so common)by eating a healthy diet, losing excess weight, and exercise. Be open and honest with your doctor and family about your disease! If something isn't working, make it known! Most importantly, good self-esteem, perseverance, and a desire to succeed will do more for most people than any supplement, NSAID, hyaluronic acid injection, etc. Overall, I think one will accomplish more by using common sense and communication than reading this book.

The arthritis cure, revisited by popular request:
About a year ago I submitted a review of this much-discussed volume, and promised to enlarge upon the subject after giving the regimen and medicaments a fair chance. Several kind souls have expressed their appreciation for the original review, and asked for any new information I might have about my person. In the interest of science, and ridding myself of the joys of arthritis, I have consumed cubic miles of chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates; I have grazed upon greens; I have eschewed almost every eatable, drinkable and smokable damned or even tut-tutted by the authors - for a while, anyway. I still have arthritis. It does not have me. If any improvement came about through this Spartan experience it could only be detected by the most powerful instruments in the known universe. I shall not, in future, invest in any more of the pills; I have just celebrated my freedom with a beefsteak, which we discussed over a capital Hermitage, and topped off with about an acre of gooseberry pie. As I write this, I am savouring a good cigar. I speak only for myself in this regard, for I note other reviews and comments diametrically opposed. Well, everyone to their own taste, as the old woman said when she kissed the cow. Probably I, a skeptic from the cradle, lack the faith necessary to derive benefits; perhaps my metabolism is not in tune with the free radicals, or whatever they are, that do the work. Pity, as I said before, that a true scientific test was not conducted by the authors. As presented, 'The Arthritis Cure' and its offspring give off a decided odour of snake-oil. Anecdotes are entertaining. Data are convincing.

The Arthritis Cure : The Medical Miracle:
I injured my knee around Labor Day and four months later I had minimal results with physical therapy and NSAIDs. My once active life had stopped, every activity I tried, even walking, aggravated my knee. I started on the Glucosomine and Chondrodin Sulphate program along with the vitamin supplements outlined in the book and had great results. After just a few weeks, I am able to hike and workout again. I feel better than I have in months! I know several friends on Glucosomine, but I felt better with the book outlining the dosage and other vitamins to compliment. I have not needed any NSAIDs since I started this therapy. I like that this program has almost no side effects and can help my injury without surgery. Try it for yourself, what do you have to lose but the pain?

The Arthritis Cure : The Medical Miracle That Can Halt, Reve:
I found this book an excellent presentation on glucosamine, chondroitin, the various surgical options, advice about exercise and diet (the importance of weight loss, etc). For me it seems to be working as advertised. I have osteoarthritus of the hip and knee and am seeing noticeable improvements. I have a friend that is a physical therapist and she has been using glucosamine/chondroitin and has noticed significant improvements in the use of her ankle and her ability to walk. Certainly glucosamine/chondroitin are not replacements for everthing as diet/weight loss are also extremely important. I recommend this book highly.