Osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis is the most common form of arthritis in which the protective cartilage present at the end of the bones wears out with time damaging the bone joints present in various parts of the body. Gout is a more complex form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden attacks of pain in the joints. The joints affected by osteoarthritis include knee joint, hip joint, lower back, neck and hands. Symptoms often involve sharp, burning pain in the muscles and tendons, stiffness, locking of joints, loss of mobility, spasms and contractions. Osteoarthritis worsens with time and although there is no known cure for this diseases yet, it can be prevented or the progression can be slowed down with treatments and remedies that also improve mobility and relieve the unbearable pain.
Causes of Osteoarthritis:
Cartilages are cushion-like substances that are present in the bone joints and help in easy movement. But gradual breakdown of the cartilages exposes the bone ends that are rubbed against each other which cause the pain and stiffness. There are two types of osteoarthritis- primary and secondary. The arthritis that is caused by aging and has no specific cause is known as primary osteoarthritis. When osteoarthritis develops from specific condition such as injury or disease, it is called secondary osteoarthritis. 
Causes of Primary Osteoarthritis:
- Aging of the joints
- Cartilage Degeneration
- Heredity or Genetic Condition
Causes of Secondary Osteoarthritis:
- Obesity
- Injury or Surgery to the Joint
- Congenital Abnormalities
- Diabetes
- Gout
- Hormone Disorders
Glucosamine for Treating Osteoarthritis:
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is found naturally in the human body as well as the exoskeletons of crustaceans and other arthropods. But as people age the level of glucosamine drops in the body that leads to degeneration of the bone joints. Glucosamine in the form of Glucosamine Sulphate and Glucosamine Hydrochloride function as nutritional supplements that have been shown to relieve joint pain and slow down the progress of osteoarthritis by repairing damaged cartilages. Glucosamine in combination with MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) and chondroitin work as effective supplements that function by creating glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins which are the crucial component of joints, ligaments, cartilage, tendons and synovial fluid. Supplementing glucosamine in the form of tablets helps in relieving pain and slowing down cartilage damage. The most effective form of glucosamine for relieving osteoarthritis is glucosamine sulphate that is extracted from shells of shellfishes and incorporated into supplements. Sulfur plays a key role in restoring damaged cartilages and glucosamine is required to integrate the sulfur for cartilage repair.
Glucosamine with MSM:
MSM or methylsulfonylmethane is an organosulfur compound that can be found in pure cow’s milk, alfalfa sprouts, tomatoes, tea, coffee, fruits, grains and vegetables. The powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of MSM reduce the inflammation of muscles and joints and recover the damaged cartilages and connective tissues. MSM in combination with glucosamine sulfate regenerates cartilages, improves bone strength, reduces inflammation and relieves joint pain. The most effective way of utilizing the benefits of glucosamine sulfate and MSM is to consume them in the form of supplements or tablets. This is now possible with INLIFE’s Glucosamine + MSM Tablets made from a combination of Glucosamine Sulphate (extracted from shells), MSM, Calcium and Vitamin D3 which not only relieves the complications of osteoarthritis, but also improves joint flexibility, regenerates cartilages, improves bone strength and reduces the risk of fractures.
Benefits of Glucosamine Supplements:
Scientific studies prove that glucosamine supplements work effectively to relieve complications related to osteoarthritis- especially hip and knee joints.
- Reduce joint and muscle pain related to osteoarthritis
- Improve mobility of the patient
- Reduce stiffness and locking of joints
- Relieve swelling of joints and muscles
- Relieve muscle spasms and contractions
- In addition, glucosamine also helps relieve conditions of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Natural Sources of Glucosamine:
Natural sources of glucosamine are rather limited, and it can only be derived from crustaceans, animal cartilage and bone marrow, cheese and corn.
Crustaceans:
Glucosamine is extracted from the outer shell or exoskeleton of crustaceans. Shells of edible crustaceans such as shrimps, prawns, lobsters, crabs, krill, crayfish and yabby are a rich source of naturally occurring glucosamine. But in most cases the shells are discarded before preparing the crustaceans. 
Animal Cartilages:
Animal cartilages such as ears, snouts and joint tissues are a great source of glucosamine. These parts can be incorporated in the diet in the form of stews, soups and sausages. Another significant source of glucosamine is animal bone marrow, but most of us don’t really enjoy the idea of chewing bones. 
Role of Vitamin D3 in Treating Osteoarthritis:
The health benefits of vitamin D are innumerable and any discussion about osteoarthritis remains incomplete without stating the importance of vitamin D3 in relieving the complications of this chronic disease. Diet plays a very significant role when it comes to chronic diseases, and a diet rich in vitamins and other nutrients is essential to ease the pain and other related symptoms of osteoarthritis. Vitamin D, specifically vitamin D3 helps in improving bone strength and structure. It is the most important calcium regulator that helps in the absorption of calcium from foods. 
Image Sources:
naturalproductsinsider.com
motherearthnews.com
zo.utexas.edu
genio.virgilio.it