Aloha.. I've never taken suppliments for any injury or joint pain. I am currently a surfer and distance swimmer,and want to start SUP competitively. Since moving to Los Angeles I've started to develop some shoulder pain and a clicking when I extend my left arm in the glide position. I'm not as young as I was when I could recover quickly with minimal effort. Will glucosamine/condr and flax oil help in the lubrication of my joints to aid in recovery? Also, can you recommend a club for SUP in the Malibu/ Ventura area? Thanks

 

Hi Warner,

I too am a surfer and have done a bit of swimming. Here is my take.  Supplements for joint pain and prevention of future arthritis is a hot topic and comes with it some controversy.  As I’m sure you have seen, there are many different products available including pills, sport drinks and “cure-all” health drinks. I definitely believe in and use supplements myself, so please don’t think I am a nay-sayer by any means. The first thing to understand is that supplements, in general, are classified as nutritional foods, not medicinals.  This means that the FDA does not regulate purity, quality, or verify that any of these products do anything that they claim.  There is a class of supplements that has oversight of purity and content called ‘Pharmaceutical Grade.’  When searching out supplements, I would recommend this type. 

         As for supplements that are helpful for the joints, there are only a few that have been clinically proven to help the joints with lubrication, decreased pain and potentially delay natural cartilage decay that accompanies aging.  First is Glucosamine Sulfate.  Glucosamine is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans are a major component of joint cartilage, so supplemental glucosamine may help to rebuild cartilage and treat arthritis.  Glucosamine is often packaged as glucosamine HCL or with Chondroitin, but the only clinical studies that have shown an effect above placebo have been with glucosamine sulfate.  The second product to consider is Hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is available as in injection for joints, currently only FDA approved for the knee, and as a supplement taken by mouth.  HA is an important part of cartilage, responsible for lubrication and resilience of your joints.  Another interesting group of compounds that are currently under research for arthritis are the Omega-3 fatty acids, which have the known benefit of reducing heart disease.  In the same manner which they block plaque formation in blood vessels through an anti-inflammatory effect, omega-3’s also may decrease inflammation in other areas in the body including the joints.

         The supplement line for glucosamine and hyaluronic acid that I use and recommend to my patients is New Performance, which can be found @ http://www.newpfc.com.  As for the Omega-3, I use Moxxor (http://www.mymoxxor.com) which has Omega-3’s derived from ocean mussels that thrive on the plankton that synthesize omegas.

         Back to your shoulder, since I am a shoulder surgeon, you may want to get that checked out.  When I started doing a lot of stand-up paddle surfing I developed some pain in my AC joint, the bump on the top of your shoulder.  Problems with this joint often present with pain and clicking. 

         Hope this helps, cheers

         Brad Thomas

         More info at www.Bradthomasmd.com or www.orthodoc.aaos.org/BradThomasMD

larry burns  05.14.2009 at 12:47 am

Dr. Thomas, You were just recommended by Kyle Daniels through his father in law Danny Williams. I have had four shoulder surgeries and I am afraid that Replacement surgery may be next. Do you know of individuals that have had shoulder replacement surgery and are still able to surf and paddle? Is it realistic to assume that the Replacement device can withstand the stress? Thanks for your time lrb

Hi Larry

Thanks for the question, and Kyle thanks for the referral!  Just to cheer you up, you could definitely paddle again after replacement surgery.  I have a few patients personally who have returned to paddling and rowing after a shoulder replacement.  Of course without a visit it is tough for me to say that is what you need(sorry, legally I had to say that). Shoulder replacements are much less common than knee and hip replacements, but probably an easier recovery and less painful.  Additionally, there are a variety of available replacements, from surface replacements to full ball-and-socket replacements. 

         Hope this is helpful,

         Brad Thomas

            More info at www.Bradthomasmd.com or www.orthodoc.aaos.org/BradThomasMD                                   

Sim Dhan  07.06.2009 at 10:38 pm

i have a question concerning someone who, at random times or periodically, feels stressful pain and tiring sensations in both shoulders. I was hoping someone could help me diagnose the most common of classifications with this particular symptom. Thank you for your convenience.

Sim,

I hope my article helped a little to give you an idea of the kinds of problems that commonly occur in the shoulder.  The symptoms you describe, stressful and tiring sensations in both shoulders, can be tough to pinpoint without a good history of the problem and physical examination.  I have seen both work related problems and activity related problems mimic your complaints, meaning it may be a postural issue or functional position issue.  Additionally, neck problems can present with bilateral shoulder pain, so I would recommend seeing your doctor or an Orthopedic Surgeon to help you better .

Thanks

Brad Thomas

More info at www.Bradthomasmd.com or www.orthodoc.aaos.org/BradThomasMD