Physical Health

Joint Pain

About Joint Pain — Physical Health.

Joint discomfort, inflammation, arthritis and reduced mobility.

7studies analysed

5compounds with evidence

Systematic reviewstrongest evidence

Where research is strongest

Add your outcome — free & pseudonymous

Tried something for Joint Pain? Share how it went — only ever published as part of a group of 10+.

7linked compounds

59linked studies

0published community reports

Results By the numbers Community Research Compounds

Headline results for Joint Pain.

Figures as the studies reported them.

Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.

MSM

1 of 3 results reported a benefit

2 studies, including a review of trials

Knee painReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedMSM trials found positive but not definitive evidence that MSM is superior to placebo for knee osteoarthritis pain (n=168).1 review of trials2008 study ↗

No figure given: Overall knee score (no clear benefit).

Also measured alongside: Overall mood (no clear benefit).

Every result

Turmeric Curcumin

3 of 6 results reported a benefit

2 studies, including a review of trials

Knee pain9.1 pointslower on a 0 to 100 rating scale1 randomised trial2 of 2 results reported a benefit2020 study ↗

No figure given: Pain, function and stiffness (mixed results).

Also measured alongside: Joint fluid volume (MRI) (no clear benefit); Cartilage quality (MRI) (no clear benefit).

Every result

Ginger

0 of 4 results reported a benefit

1 review of trials

Joint painNo clear difference7.88 mm lower1 review of trials0 of 2 results reported a benefit2020 study ↗
Knee functionNo clear differencelarge standardised effect1 review of trials0 of 2 results reported a benefit2020 study ↗

Every result

Omega 3

1 of 5 results reported a benefit

1 review of trials

Number of swollen jointsNo clear differencenegligible standardised effect1 review of trials2012 study ↗
Number of tender jointsNo clear differenceslight standardised effect1 review of trials2012 study ↗
Morning stiffnessNo clear differenceslight standardised effect1 review of trials2012 study ↗

Also measured alongside: Anti-inflammatory painkiller use (reported a benefit).

1 more measure

Collagen Peptides

3 of 5 results reported a benefit

1 randomised trial, 139 people

Doctor-rated pain during activityImproved by 16.7 vs 12.2with placebo, unit not reported1 randomised trial2017 study ↗
Pain at restNo clear differenceimproved by 10.2 vs 7.4 with placebo, unit not reported1 randomised trial2017 study ↗
Pain during activityImproved by 19.5 vs 13.9with placebo, unit not reported1 randomised trial2017 study ↗

Also measured alongside: Knee range of movement (no clear benefit); Use of other treatments (reported a benefit).

Every result

Where the evidence is concentrated.

Published research

Joint Pain: findings by compound

What this means: Bars count reported findings, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.

One study may report several findings or appear in more than one pairing. Counts do not show the size of an effect. Comparable numerical estimates are not established for this summary.

View the full data table

Published research: reported directions by pairing
Compound and condition	Findings (count)	Studies (count)	Reported results (finding counts)	How sure?
MSM	3	2	Benefit: 1; no benefit: 2; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded
Turmeric Curcumin	7	2	Benefit: 4; no benefit: 3; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded
Ginger	4	1	Benefit: 0; no benefit: 4; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded
Omega 3	5	1	Benefit: 1; no benefit: 4; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded
Collagen Peptides	5	1	Benefit: 3; no benefit: 2; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded

Degree of benefit for Joint Pain

Strongest evidence first.

Published research: Joint Pain. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Compound	Study designs	Reported findings
MSMResearch score 36/100 · Limited	1 systematic review/meta-analysis + 1 randomised trial — 2 studies	1/3 outcomes showed benefit Pain in knee osteoarthritis, MSM vs placeboReported a benefit — measurement not reportedbenefit2008 study ↗ Exact figures n=168 · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): 168 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Systematic review of the nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the treatment of osteoarthritis. · Systematic Review · systematic-review · PMID 18417375 Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)No clear benefit found — measurement not reportedno benefit2017 study ↗ Exact figures n=180 · Follow-up: 8 weeks · Sample (as reported): 180 · Recorded unit: Not reported · A randomized controlled trial evaluating methylsulfonylmethane versus placebo to prevent knee pain in military initial entry trainees. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 29214616 Profile of Moods States (POMS)No clear benefit found — measurement not reportedno benefit2017 study ↗ Exact figures n=180 · Follow-up: 8 weeks · Sample (as reported): 180 · Recorded unit: Not reported · A randomized controlled trial evaluating methylsulfonylmethane versus placebo to prevent knee pain in military initial entry trainees. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 29214616
Turmeric CurcuminResearch score 38/100 · Limited	1 systematic review/meta-analysis + 1 randomised trial — 2 studies	4/7 outcomes showed benefit Knee pain on visual analogue scale (VAS) — a 0-100 rating scale9.1 mm lowerbenefit2020 study ↗ Exact figures -9.1 mm (95% CI, -17.8 to -0.4 mm [P = 0.039]) n=70 · Follow-up: 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): 70 · Recorded unit: mm · Effectiveness of Curcuma longa Extract for the Treatment of Symptoms and Effusion-Synovitis of Knee Osteoarthritis : A Randomized Trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 32926799 WOMAC knee pain — a knee/hip arthritis questionnaire47.2 mm lowerbenefit2020 study ↗ Exact figures -47.2 mm (CI, -81.2 to -13.2 mm; P = 0.006) n=70 · Follow-up: 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): 70 · Recorded unit: mm · Effectiveness of Curcuma longa Extract for the Treatment of Symptoms and Effusion-Synovitis of Knee Osteoarthritis : A Randomized Trial. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 32926799 Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and WOMAC scores (pain, function, stiffness) — a knee/hip arthritis questionnaireReported a benefit — measurement not reportedbenefit2021 study ↗ Exact figures n=1621 · Follow-up: more than 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): 1621 · Recorded unit: Not reported · The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 34017975 Joint pain, function, and stiffnessNo clear benefit found — measurement not reportedno benefit2021 study ↗ Exact figures n=1621 · Follow-up: more than 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): 1621 · Recorded unit: Not reported · The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 34017975 +3 more outcomes →
GingerResearch score 0/100 · Mixed/Weak	1 systematic review/meta-analysis — 1 study	0/4 outcomes showed benefit Pain (capsules vs placebo)No clear difference (7.88 mm lower)no benefit2020 study ↗ Exact figures -7.88 mm (95% confidence interval (CI), 11.92 to 3.85 (P = 0.00)) · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: mm · Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 32214292 Pain (topical ginger vs standard treatment)No clear difference (moderate standardised effect)no benefit2020 study ↗ Exact figures 0.79 mm (95% CI, -1.97 to 0.39 (P = 0.19)) · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 32214292 Knee function (capsules vs placebo)No clear difference (large standardised effect)no benefit2020 study ↗ Exact figures -1.61 points (95% CI, -4.30 to -1.09 (P = 0.24)) · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 32214292 Knee function (topical ginger vs standard treatment)No clear difference (moderate standardised effect)no benefit2020 study ↗ Exact figures -0.51 points (95% CI, -1.15 to 0.13 (P = 0.12)) · Follow-up: Not reported · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Effectiveness of Ginger on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 32214292
Omega 3Research score 10/100 · Mixed/Weak	1 systematic review/meta-analysis — 1 study	1/5 outcomes showed benefit Swollen joint countNo clear difference (negligible standardised effect)no benefit2012 study ↗ Exact figures -0.170 (95% CI-0.454-0.114, p = 0.241) · Follow-up: 3 months · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 22835600 Tender joint countNo clear difference (slight standardised effect)no benefit2012 study ↗ Exact figures -0.214 (95% CI-0.489-0.062, p = 0.128) · Follow-up: 3 months · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 22835600 NSAID consumptionModerately better than the comparison group (moderate effect)benefit2012 study ↗ Exact figures -0.518 (95% CI -0.915 to -0.121, p = 0.011) · Follow-up: 3 months · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 22835600 Morning stiffnessNo clear difference (slight standardised effect)no benefit2012 study ↗ Exact figures -0.224 (95% CI-0.955-0.212, p = 0.221) · Follow-up: 3 months · Sample (as reported): Not reported · Recorded unit: Not reported · Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis. · Meta-Analysis · meta-analysis · PMID 22835600 +1 more outcome →
Collagen PeptidesResearch score 27/100 · Mixed/Weak	1 randomised trial — 1 study	3/5 outcomes showed benefit Activity-related pain intensity (participant assessment)Improved by 19.5 vs 13.9 with placebo, unit not reportedbenefit2017 study ↗ Exact figures ΔVASBCP = 19.5; ΔVASPlacebo = 13.9 (p = 0.046) n=139 · Follow-up: 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): 139 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Improvement of activity-related knee joint discomfort following supplementation of specific collagen peptides. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 28177710 Activity-related pain intensity (physician assessment)Improved by 16.7 vs 12.2 with placebo, unit not reportedbenefit2017 study ↗ Exact figures ΔVASBCP = 16.7; ΔVASPlacebo = 12.2 (p = 0.021) n=139 · Follow-up: 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): 139 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Improvement of activity-related knee joint discomfort following supplementation of specific collagen peptides. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 28177710 Pain intensity under resting conditionsNo clear difference (improved by 10.2 vs 7.4 with placebo, unit not reported)no benefit2017 study ↗ Exact figures ΔVASBCP = 10.2; ΔVASPlacebo = 7.4 (p = 0.209) n=139 · Follow-up: 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): 139 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Improvement of activity-related knee joint discomfort following supplementation of specific collagen peptides. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 28177710 Range of motion of the knee jointNo clear benefit found — measurement not reportedno benefit2017 study ↗ Exact figures n=139 · Follow-up: 12 weeks · Sample (as reported): 139 · Recorded unit: Not reported · Improvement of activity-related knee joint discomfort following supplementation of specific collagen peptides. · Randomized Controlled Trial · rct · PMID 28177710 +1 more outcome →

Important: This page reflects observational, aggregate-only community reporting and independent published research. It is not medical advice, and it does not claim any compound treats, cures, or is effective for any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or treatment.

No community reports published yet.

We publish joint pain results only once at least 10 people report on the same compound, so no individual report is ever shown.

Turmeric Curcumin
Research saysResearch score 38/100 · Limited2 of 2 studies reported at least one benefit
People reportNot published yet — needs 10 or more reports
MSM
Research saysResearch score 36/100 · Limited1 of 2 studies reported at least one benefit
People reportNot published yet — needs 10 or more reports
Collagen Peptides
Research saysResearch score 27/100 · Mixed/Weak1 of 1 study reported at least one benefit
People reportNot published yet — needs 10 or more reports
Omega 3
Research saysResearch score 10/100 · Mixed/Weak1 of 1 study reported at least one benefit
People reportNot published yet — needs 10 or more reports

Used something for joint pain? Share how it went — only ever published in a group of 10 or more.

Add your outcome

Peer-reviewed research.

Every study behind the numbers above is linked next to its result.

52 more papers, not summarised above

Strongest evidence first.

01Efficacy and Safety of Anti-nerve Growth Factor Monoclonal Antibodies in Managing Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-analysisAbouelella A, et al. · Drugs · 2026

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 41880116 ↗02Effect of collagen supplementation on knee osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsSimental-Mendía M, et al. · Clinical and experimental rheumatology · 2025

Meta-Analysis · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 39212129 ↗03Efficacy of dietary supplements for treating knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysisDu P, et al. · Frontiers in nutrition · 2025

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · open-access full text · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 40123938 ↗04The Safety and Efficacy of Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin in Humans: A Systematic ReviewBaden KER, et al. · Nutrients · 2025

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · open-access full text · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 40647198 ↗05Comparative Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Network Meta-AnalysisZhang Y, et al. · Nutrients · 2025

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 40806131 ↗06Phytotherapy as an adjunct to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis - a systematic review of clinical trialsPiekarz J, et al. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · 2025

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 41005054 ↗07Efficacy and safety of curcumin therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A Bayesian network meta-analysisZhao J, et al. · Journal of ethnopharmacology · 2024

Network Meta-Analysis · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 38036015 ↗08Pharmacological Treatments of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review Including a Network Meta-AnalysisChristidis N, et al. · Drugs · 2024

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 38103150 ↗09A Systemic Review on Nutraceutical Supplements used in the Management of OsteoarthritisNooreen Z, et al. · Recent advances in food, nutrition & agriculture · 2024

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 38258782 ↗10The efficacy of curcumin in relieving osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis of meta-analysesBideshki MV, et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2024

Meta-Analysis · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 38576215 ↗11Evaluation of efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and their combination regimen in the management of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysisRabade A, et al. · Inflammopharmacology · 2024

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 38581640 ↗12Krill oil supplementation for knee pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trialsPimentel T, et al. · Inflammopharmacology · 2024

Meta-Analysis · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 39126570 ↗13Comparison of the clinical effectiveness of treatments for aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia in breast cancer patients: A systematic review with network meta-analysisBae K, et al. · Critical reviews in oncology/hematology · 2023

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 36535489 ↗14Effect of curcumin on rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysisKou H, et al. · Frontiers in immunology · 2023

Meta-Analysis · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 37325651 ↗15Conservative Management of Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic ReviewLongo UG, et al. · Sports medicine and arthroscopy review · 2023

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 37976129 ↗16Effects of diet on the outcomes of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs): systematic review and meta-analyses informing the 2021 EULAR recommendations for lifestyle improvements in people with RMDsGwinnutt JM, et al. · RMD open · 2022

Meta-Analysis · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 35654458 ↗17Comparison of surgical outcomes related to interpositional arthroplasty materials used in patients with temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a systematic review and meta-analysisDesai H, et al. · The British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery · 2022

Meta-Analysis · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 35906111 ↗18Curcumin and rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review of literaturePourhabibi-Zarandi F, et al. · International journal of clinical practice · 2021

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 33914984 ↗19The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic reviewKhatri M, et al. · Amino acids · 2021

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 34491424 ↗20Effect of Anti-Inflammatory Diets on Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisSchönenberger KA, et al. · Nutrients · 2021

Meta-Analysis · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 34959772 ↗21Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trialsGarcía-Coronado JM, et al. · International orthopaedics · 2019

Meta-Analysis · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 30368550 ↗22Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysisLiu X, et al. · British journal of sports medicine · 2018

Meta-Analysis · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 29018060 ↗23Association of Pharmacological Treatments With Long-term Pain Control in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisGregori D, et al. · JAMA · 2018

Systematic Review · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 30575881 ↗24Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical TrialsDaily JW, et al. · Journal of medicinal food · 2016

Meta-Analysis · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 27533649 ↗25Chondroitin for osteoarthritisSingh JA, et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2015

Meta-Analysis · matched via Joint Pain · PubMed record (CORPUS-A)

PMID 25629804 ↗26A Randomized, Open-Label Trial to Assess Feasibility and Tolerability of Topical Cannabis Balms for the Treatment of Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Syndrome (AIMSS)Zylla D, et al. · Cannabis and cannabinoid research · 2026