Composition and method for treatment of conditions having an inflammatory component

The present invention relates to therapeutic compositions and methods of treatment for conditions having an inflammatory component, and more specifically bone, joint or connective tissue inflammation. Examples of such conditions include arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, tendonitis, bursitis, degenerative spinal disc disease, and trauma to joints, tendons, and ligaments, including sports trauma. Compositions and methods of treatment for conditions in humans and animals which have an inflammatory component, are disclosed. The composition comprises a glucosamine component dispersed in a controlled-release matrix system capable of releasing the glucosamine over a designated time period. In another aspect, the invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of arthritis in humans and animals without adversely effecting glucose regulation.