The joints -- the connections between bones hidden deep within the skin, muscles, and connective tissues -- are easy to take for granted. That is, until arthritis-swollen fingers, a stiff hip, or an inflamed wrist remind us all too clearly of how important well-functioning joints are to a healthy, active life.

The statistics are alarming. One in five Americans currently suffer with joint pain and a quarter-million more will develop arthritis this year. Besides the personal pain and suffering caused by arthritis and other joint disorders, Americans lose 115 million work days a year as a result of these disabling symptoms. This is equivalent to 470,000 people going on sick leave for an entire year!

Many diseases can strike the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent joint disease, and is caused by cumulative wear and tear on the joints. Sadly, almost everyone over the age of 60 suffers from some degree of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another common joint disorder. It is a severe type of inflammatory joint disease in which the body's own immune system damages the joints (known as an autoimmune disease). Rheumatoid arthritis frequently develops in the joints of the knees, hands, and feet.

"No bones about it," shark cartilage really works
After years of research, the conclusion seems clear: shark cartilage supplements can provide tremendous relief to painful, swollen, and stiff joints. The secret to shark cartilage's success in treating arthritis primarily lies in the complex carbohydrates it contains, called mucopolysaccharides, which relieve the chronic and painful inflammation that plagues so many arthritis sufferers.

Other benefits of shark cartilage are immune system regulation and the prevention of new blood vessel growth into the cartilage of the joints.

European researchers, according to a study published in Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, report dramatic reductions in pain and inflammation in arthritis patients supplementing with shark cartilage.

Glucosamine sulfate: a busy 'construction' worker
Glucosamine sulfate, a naturally-occurring amino sugar, plays a crucial role in helping the body construct connective tissue and synovial fluid. Rebuilding connective tissue and lubricative joint fluids is especially important when healing from an injury, reducing inflammation, or counteracting joint degeneration.

Many arthritis experts have already made glucosamine sulfate supplements their treatment of choice for arthritis. And with good reason. One recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 155 subjects with osteoarthritis in the knee concluded that supplemental glucosamine sulfate "...is more effective than placebo and at least as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in relieving osteoarthritis symptoms."

Another study reported that supplements of glucosamine sulfate reduce the amount of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) needed by arthritis sufferers, an obvious advantage in light of the numerous side effects of NSAIDs, which include everything from excessive bleeding to eventual death.

An herb that really "scratches out" arthritis pain
The Peruvian rainforest botanical, cat's claw, so-named after the resemblance of its thorns to its namesake, is a traditional tribal medicine that has been used for centuries as an arthritis remedy. The arthritis-fighting ability of cat's claw is based on its anti-inflammatory properties. Another advantage of cat's claw is its profound healing abilities and immune system stimulation.

Conventional medicine has proved a dismal failure when it comes to healing joint disorders. In one recent year, Americans collectively spent $2.4 billion on NSAIDs to mask the symptoms of arthritis. And what did they get in return? Only 30 percent of patients on these drugs reported less pain and 15 percent showed improved joint function.

Dietary supplements show a great deal of promise for those with arthritis and other joint disorders, without the short- and long-term side effects often experienced with the NSAIDs. One supplement found in local health food stores contains a unique combination of shark cartilage, glucosamine sulfate, and cat's claw to provide the nutrients necessary for joint growth and repair.