Which supplements help for osteoarthritis of the hip?

Answer:

Several supplements may modestly reduce pain or improve other symptoms of hip osteoarthritis, which is inflammation caused by damage or "wearing away" of cartilage in the hip. Use the links below for more information.

SAMe supplements have been shown to reduce joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis of the hip, and may be as effective as many of the leading anti-inflammatory drugs.

Ginger may modestly reduce pain and disability in people with hip osteoarthritis. 

A branded enzyme supplement containing bromelain, trypsin and other ingredients, Wobenzym, was found in one clinical study to reduce pain and stiffness, and improve function in men and women with hip osteoarthritis just as well as a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

One small study found that, compared to fish oil, a formula containing green-lipped mussel oil (providing omega-3 fatty acids EPA + DHA), olive oil and vitamin E (Omega XL) reduced pain and improved physical function in men and women with osteoarthritis of the hip. However, there are no studies comparing this formula with a placebo for hip osteoarthritis. (Although there is evidence that fish oil supplements may help to reduce pain due to rheumatoid arthritis, there is not enough evidence to suggest it's helpful for osteoarthritis of the hip.)

There is some evidence that collagen hydrolysate may reduce pain associated with hip osteoarthritis.

Tart cherry juice has been found to reduce markers of inflammation, but not pain, in people with osteoarthritis, although the type (knee or hip) was not specified.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular supplements for joint health and some early clinical research suggested a benefit, however, more recent and larger clinical studies have tended to show little or no benefit for osteoarthritis of the hip.

There is mixed/preliminary evidence that other supplements, such as white willow, rosehip, cat's claw, devil's claw and avocado and soy unsaponifiables (ASUs) may be beneficial for hip osteoarthritis.

Supplements such as curcumin, boswellia, MSM and ashwagandha, which have shown some promise for helping with knee osteoarthritis do not appear to have been studied in well-controlled clinical trials for hip osteoarthritis.