Keep Your Joints Healthy with the Best Supplements for Joints
Joint damage can lead to inflammation, pain, and mobility limitations. And this damage can be caused by weight gain, injury, disease, overuse, and old age.
Managing this pain can be difficult, which is why we’ve created a detailed guide covering the best supplements for joints. Supplements are one way that individuals with joint damage help manage their pain and reduce inflammation.
Together, let’s look at the main causes and treatments for joint pain. We will heavily focus on the best supplements for joint pain, and by the end of this guide, we hope you feel more knowledgeable about joint pain and the supplements available for joint issues.
What challenges do “healthy joints” face?
When two or more bones come together, they form a joint. Joints are surrounded by cartilage to keep the bones from directly rubbing together. Over time, this cartilage can start to wear down depending on your level of physical activity, occupation and other risk factors.
As this happens, “healthy joints” will have less cartilage so bone on bone contact occurs. Due to this fact, individuals will end up experiencing pain, discomfort, and mobility issues.
What are the causes of discomfort or pain in the joints?
There are a variety of issues that can cause joint pain. Some of these include (1):
- Joint overuse
- Inflammation
- Injury
- Dislocation
- Strain or sprain
- Carpal Tunnel
- Bursitis
- Gout
- Tendonitis
- Cancer
What are the main joint diseases?
Although there are a variety of issues that can cause joint pain, we are going to focus on the major joint diseases. The main joint diseases are (2):
Arthritis– Arthritis is inflammation of the joint. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and discomfort. There are a few different varieties of arthritis but we are going to focus on two common types:
Osteoarthritis- This is the most common type of arthritis. It is commonly related to overusing a joint, being overweight, or aging. This disease breaks down cartilage surrounding joints. It leads to severe pain, swelling, and mobility issues. It can affect any joint, but it is often seen in the hand, hip, spine, and knees.
Gout– Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid. Uric acid forms crystals on the joint, which leads to painful and stiff joints. This disease is linked to a purine-rich diet and a high alcohol consumption.
Bursitis– Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac surrounding a joint. This is often caused by overuse or injury. This is a painful disease that leads to swelling and discomfort of the joint.
What are the causes and symptoms of these diseases?
Let’s take another look at the causes and symptoms of the three main joint diseases:
| Name of Disease | Causes/Risk Factors | Symptoms |
| Osteoarthritis |
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| Gout |
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| Bursitis |
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What are the main components of the joints?
Before we go any further, we need to step back and make sure we understand joints. What are the main terms we need to know to understand joints (3)?
- Joint– Area where two or more bones meet allowing for mobility
- Synovial Fluid– Fluid secreted by the synovial membrane (that surrounds a joint) to help lubricate the joint and improve mobility
- Cartilage– Tissue that surrounds a joint to help reduce friction
- Ligaments– Connective tissue that helps support joints
- Tendons– Connective tissue that supports mobility and attaches muscles to joints
- Bursas– Fluid-filled sacs that help prevent bone-on-bone contact and support the joint
- Collagen (4)– Protein that makes up ligaments, bones, tendons, muscles, and skin
What habits can help reduce joint pain?
Although not a cure, there are some daily habits that you can use to help reduce joint pain (5).
- Take a break when doing repetitive motions (texting, dicing, etc.)
- Move around to promote blood flow (don’t sit still too long)
- Don’t carry heavy backpacks or purses
- Participate in a regular strength training regime
- Visit a doctor if you have joint pain
- Take appropriate supplements (we will go into more detail later in this post!)
- Don’t overdo a new workout regimen
- Get an appropriate amount of sleep
- Maintain healthy weight
- Don’t smoke
What complementary therapies can help with joint pain?
There are many different therapies and treatments that can help with joint pain (6).
Massages, physical therapy, yoga, Tai Chi, and acupuncture are all options that can help relieve joint pain. Some individuals use mud or water therapies to help reduce their pain and increase mobility (7).
Often, joint pain is related to being overweight, so weight loss can also help reduce joint pain. Other individuals choose to use topical gels, supplements, or TENS (a form of electrical stimulation) to help with their joint pain.
Some doctors recommend an anti-inflammatory diet. This might help reduce the inflammation associated with joint pain (8). Oily fish, dark leafy greens, green tea, and garlic are all components of this diet.
What are the ingredients of main supplements for joints?
There are a variety of ingredients used in joint supplements. The best supplements for joints contain a few of these main (and recommended) ingredients (9):
- SAM-e: compound made and found naturally in the human body
- ASU: supplement made from avocado and soybean
- Boswellia: supplement that comes from the plant that makes Indian frankincense
- Glucosamine: compound found in the cartilage of animals, including shellfish
- Chondroitin: compound found in animal cartilage
- Cat Claw: supplement that comes from the cat claw plant
- Omega 3 and DHA: fatty acid that can be found in fish or fish oil
- Turmeric: spice or supplement that comes from the turmeric plant
- Ginger: spice or supplement that comes from the root of the ginger plant
How do these supplements work?
Before taking any supplement, you should speak with your doctor about the potential benefits and side effects. Additionally, the Supplement and Herb Guide from the Arthritis Foundation (10) and the Herbs and Supplements Guide from MedlinePlus (11) are great resources. These resources provide detailed information about the dosage recommendations, side effects, benefits, etc. for a wide variety of supplements.
Below are a few details about some of the major joint pain supplements. Make sure to speak to your doctor and reference the guides mentioned above for more information about these and other supplements.
| Supplement | Effects | Dosage Information |
| Glucosamine | Reduces pain and inflammation and may slow cartilage breakdown | 1500mg/day (often combined with chondroitin) |
| Chondroitin | Reduce pain, inflammation, and slows osteoarthritis progression | 800-1,200 mg per day (divided into 4 doses)
Often combined with glucosamine Allow at least a month for any noticeable effects |
| Fish Oil | Reduce inflammation and stiffness | 2x 3-oz servings of fish per week OR fish oil supplements with at least 30% active EPA/DHA |
| Turmeric | Reduces pain, inflammation, and stiffness | 400-600mg 2/3x per day if in capsule OR .5-1g per day if in powder form |
| Garlic | Reduce pain and inflammation | 2 g per day (divided into 3 doses) |
Are there any specific ingredients that are more efficient?
Certain supplements are more useful for specific conditions. For example, magnesium, ginger, and apple cider vinegar are more effective in reducing gout’s effects (12). Tumeric and fish oil are more effective for bursitis. And glucosamine and chondroitin are more useful for osteoarthritis (13).
What should an ideal formula or mixed supplement contain?
There is not a “magic pill” that can cure all joint pain. But when you are looking for a supplement to help reduce inflammation and ease the pain, look for supplements containing fish oil, ginger, turmeric, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Ingredients to avoid in joint supplements
It is also important to know which ingredients should be avoided in joint supplements. These ingredients are either ineffective or harmful and should be avoided (14):
- Arnica
- Aconite
- Adrenal, spleen, thymus extracts
- Autumn crocus
- 5-HTP
- GBL
- L-tryptophan
- Chaparral
- Kombucha tea
What are the main takeaways?
Unfortunately for many people, joint pain is just a fact of life. As we age, the cartilage surrounding our joints wear down. This can also happen because of overuse or injury. Once the cartilage wears down, you might experience painful bone on bone contact.
There are some ways to naturally manage this pain. You can consider therapies, massages, or weight loss. Additionally, supplements can be used to help reduce joint pain and inflammation.
When selecting the best supplements for joint health, look for supplements that contain fish oil, turmeric, ginger, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Supplements are not as highly regulated as other products, so make sure you consult your doctor before starting a new supplement regimen. And remember, nothing is a perfect cure for joint pain. But these supplements can help relieve your pain and manage the symptoms.
There are a lot of supplement options available, which is why we researched the best supplements for joint pain. We looked at ingredients, side effects, and benefits before making our selections, so now let’s have a look.
The best supplements for joints
Glucosamine Joint Pain Relief supplement can successfully be used to promote joint health and joint flexibility. These capsules are designed for both men and women as well as seniors.
The turmeric and boswellia blend both have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and actively work to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In addition, the 1500 mg of glucosamine and 1200 mg of Chondroitin repair cartilage and boost mobility and flexibility.
- Easy to swallow capsules
- Manufactured in US
- Glucosamine safe to consume even for people with shellfish allergies
- May cause nausea in some individuals
- May affect sleep
Dr. Olivia’s Turmeric supplement is designed to reduce inflammation. In addition to turmeric, this supplement contains ginger and Boswellia, which all work to reduce inflammation. Many anti-inflammatory supplements only contain one of these ingredients, which sets this variety apart.
This supplement is designed to be absorbed quickly. It is best to take this supplement in the middle of a meal to reduce any side effects.
- This supplement contains turmeric, ginger, and Boswellia which are all anti-inflammatory ingredients
- Designed for a quick absorption
- Also acts as an antioxidant and supports gut health
- Can cause a heartburn sensation if not taken during the middle of a meal
- Can cause indigestion and stomach issues in some individuals
This supplement contains a mixture of ingredients known to promote joint health. It includes glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, and Boswellia. It is an anti-inflammatory and may also help rebuild cartilage.
This is a non-GMO, soy, dairy, sugar, and gluten-free supplement. It can be used to promote joint health in individuals suffering from joint pain caused by weight or overuse. This supplement also acts as an antioxidant and can boost the immune system.
- This supplement contains glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, and Boswellia
- It is a soy, dairy, sugar, and gluten-free product
- This supplement can also help boost the immune system
- This supplement is made from shellfish
- Causes some individuals to feel dizzy
This supplement is designed to help promote joint health, mobility, flexibility, and strength. This supplement contains a mixture of ingredients including glucosamine, chondroitin, and Boswellia. This is a gluten-free product. It is made with shellfish, which is a potential allergen.
This supplement works for both men and women. Its unique formula helps promote an active lifestyle. It can help promote healthy cartilage and lubricate joints.
- Supplement that contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and Boswellia
- Gluten-free supplement
- This supplement helps promote joint health, mobility, strength, and flexibility
- This supplement is made with shellfish, which is a potential allergen
- These are large pills which can be difficult from some individuals to swallow
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This supplement is specifically designed as a small easy-to-swallow pill. It contains both glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health. Additionally, this supplement promotes mobility, flexibility, strength, comfort, and joint lubrication. Additionally, this supplement includes Vitamin D3, which helps support bone strength. Healthy bones are essential for healthy joints, which is why this supplement contains Vitamin D3.
- This is a small, easy-to-swallow pill
- This supplement contains Vitamin D3 which helps support bone health
- This supplement contains glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health
- This supplement contains shellfish, which is a potential allergen
- This supplement is derived from bovine products (so it is not vegetarian)
Our Choice
All of the supplements we discussed can help promote joint health. These supplements all contain ingredients that we recommend. These can help reduce inflammation and promote mobility.
But, after reviewing the supplements, the Vimerson Health Turmeric Curcumin supplement was our favorite. This is an affordable supplement that contains a variety of ingredients that work to promote joint health. In addition to turmeric, this supplement contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and Boswellia. It is one of the best supplements for joint health on the market.
This gluten-free and non-GMO option that can help promote mobility, flexibility, and strength. Like most joint supplements, this supplement does contain shellfish. But it is overall an allergy-friendly supplement since it is gluten, soy, and dairy-free.
This supplement, combined with lifestyle management strategies, can be used to reduce joint pain and inflammation.
