Healthy joints largely determine the general condition, endurance, ability to work and mood of a person. For people aged, professional athletes and those who have serious problems with the musculoskeletal system, it is important to take drugs and use drugs that support the normal state of the joints and prevent their deformation. One of these drugs is Chondroitin (gel). In our article, we will consider the main components that make up this drug, the principle of their action on the joints, as well as indications for the use of this gel.
Release form and components included
Chondroitin (gel) is available in the form of a 5% emulgel intended exclusively for external use. The gel is homogeneous, has a white color, may exude a specific smell.
The main active ingredient of the gel is chondroitin sulfate (5 g) - mucopolysaccharide, which is extracted from the joint tissues (mainly cartilage) of cattle.
In addition to chondroitin sulfate, Chondroitin (gel) contains the following excipients:
- orange (or neurol) oil, lavender oil;
- purified water;
- carbomer;
- methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- dimexide;
- trolamine (triethanolamine).
The principle of drug action of the gel
The main active component of the gel is chondroitin sulfate. This unique component has a number of healing properties that effectively fight inflammation and connective tissue disease:
- prevents damage to cartilage by suppressing enzymes that stimulate the destruction process;
- reduces the likelihood of collapse of connective tissue by preventing the destruction of cartilage;
- stimulates and activates the synthesis of proteoglycans, which contributes to the rapid restoration of previously damaged cartilage surface of the joints;
- accelerates the restoration of the main substance of cartilage tissue (synovial fluid);
- activates chondrocytic synthetic processes, thereby improving the overall ultrastructure of cartilage tissue;
- increases joint mobility by reducing pain;
- slows down the progression of osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis.
Excipients of the gel are also endowed with certain restorative and protective functions:
- Dimexide - promotes faster and deeper penetration of chondroitin into tissues, through cell membranes.
- Essential oils have a local warming effect, improve blood circulation in places of application.
Indications for use of the drug
Due to its pharmacological property, Chondroitin (gel), the instructions for use of which will be discussed later, is recommended for systematic use in the following problems and diseases:
- osteochondrosis;
- a variety of joint diseases;
- peripheral osteoarthritis;
- degenerative joint diseases.
Chondroitin (gel): instructions for use of the drug
According to the official instructions for the gel, it must be applied with light movements to the skin near and above the lesion.
Manipulations are carried out 2-3 times during the day, rubbing the gel until it is completely absorbed into the skin. The course of treatment can be from two weeks to two months.
Contraindications and possible side effects
Like any other drug, chondroitin gel balm can have side effects. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur after using the gel. But a similar phenomenon is observed only in people with hypersensitivity to the main active substance - chondroitin sulfate.
During pregnancy and lactation, the drug should be used only as directed by a doctor. At the moment, clinical studies, the results of which could refute the negative effect of the drug on the fetus or establish its concentration in breast milk, are absent.
The average cost of the gel
The price of this drug may vary depending on the manufacturer, the volume of the tube and the pharmacy margin. On average, it ranges from 150 to 480 rubles.
Chondroitin gel: patient reviews about the drug
There are very few negative reviews about this gel. Patients note its consistency as one of the advantages of the gel, due to which the substance is absorbed very quickly, and after application does not leave greasy and sticky marks on the skin. Chondroitin does not stain clothes and leaves no residue.
Judging by the reviews, some found Chondroitina and a slightly different use - cosmetic. You can find information that this gel with regular application to the nails strengthens and protects them from delamination. But since we are considering the medicinal properties of this drug, we will not dwell on the cosmetic use of the gel.
After using this drug, many noticed that for the relief of pain in the joints and spine, Chondroitin (gel) needs to be used for a rather long time. A faster effect can be achieved by combining the gel with the use of chondroitin tablets.
For this reason, for various joint diseases, the use of Chondroitin gel is most often recommended as adjuvant therapy in parallel with the administration of tablets and injections.
Pharmaceutical release from various manufacturers and additional additives to the composition of the gel
Medicines for external use, the main active ingredient of which is chondroitin sulfate, are produced by various pharmaceutical companies. All have the same principle of action as Chondroitin gel, but may differ in tube volume, name and additional components that make up their composition. Next, we briefly consider several of these drugs.
The “HCH” medication - glucosamine chondroitin gel - is a universal drug that contains glucosamine in addition to chondroitin sulfate.
The gel also includes auxiliary components such as saber extract, D-panthenol, juniper oil and clary sage. The instructions for this drug indicate that it has the following properties:
- slows down the development of joint diseases;
- strengthens collagen fibers in connective tissues;
- activates the production of intraarticular fluid.
Based on these properties, this gel is recommended for use with the following problems:
- osteoarthrosis of the spine and joints;
- post-traumatic period;
- prevention of diseases with increased physical exertion and sports activities.
The drug "HCH" is produced in a tube of 50 ml, and its average cost is 150 rubles.
The domestic manufacturer offers another gel - "911 gel with chondroitin." In addition to chondroitin, it contains glucosamine hydrochloride, vitamins B6 and B12, menthol, camphor and essential oils (juniper, thyme, eucalyptus, fir and rosemary).
Due to its composition, this gel has the following medicinal effect:
- restores cartilaginous surfaces;
- slows down degenerative processes in the joints;
- increases articular mobility.
This tool is recommended as adjunctive therapy for a number of diseases:
- radiculitis;
- gout
- arthrosis and arthritis;
- osteochondrosis.
This gel is available in aluminum tubes of 100 ml, its average cost is 150 rubles.
Manufacturers can change and improve the composition of their chondroitin-based gels. In pharmacies, you can find this drug with various useful additives, among which are most often used:
- horse chestnut;
- bee venom;
- saber
All components have an additional healing property, which is indicated in the instructions for the drugs. Despite the fact that almost all ointments based on chondroitin are sold freely available without a prescription, it is advisable to consult your doctor before using them.