New perspectives in the management of osteoarthritis. structure modification: facts or fantasy?

Several entities have been carefully investigated for the symptomatic and structural management of osteoarthritis (OA). The most compelling evidence of a potential for inhibiting the structural progression of OA has been obtained with glucosamine sulfate, while some preliminary results also suggest that other compounds could be used in the same indication. At any rate, several medications have clearly demonstrated a symptomatic action, mainly in OA of the lower limbs, including pain relief and improvement of functional disability. An important issue is that all conclusive studies with such chemical entities resulted from the use of prescription medicines and not over-the-counter or nutriceutical supplements.