You’ve taken almost every medication out there to relieve those aches and pains in the joints. So, should you consider supplements as well?

“The scientific data is mixed. Some studies have shown some help and some aid in relief. Others have not shown that relief,” says Dr. Charles Springer, an orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System.

He says there are certainly a lot of supplements to choose from. “There are other supplements, natural supplements that are out there such as tart cherry juice. I tell patients to try it and see if it works. Some patients do find relief. Others do not,” adds Dr. Springer.

If you do decide to try one, you may want to do it on a trial basis “Since this stuff is not FDA regulated, we basically tell patients to try it.”

If those aches and pains continue, Dr. Springer advises scheduling a visit with your physician. “Once they are in our office and we do a full work up of each patient, individualized, with a careful history as to what causes this pain, how long it’s been there, progressing to full evaluation of their medical history.”

One thing to remember if you try supplements, some come with certain side effects and could interfere with other medications. It’s best to discuss them with your physician or pharmacists before taking them.