There is a long list of non-drug treatments that some believe may help arthritis, ranging from special diets to copper bracelets. Glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate is unusual in that it is both a non-drug treatment and is proven to help. It is a nutritional supplement made of two of the normal building blocks of cartilage. It has been shown to give relief of aching, stiffness, and pain better than a similar looking placebo (“sugar pill”).

While Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate does hold promise for pain relief, there are some important points to remember. First, it may take 6 to 8 weeks to see improvement. If there is not significant relief after 8 weeks, other treatments can be recommended by your physician. Second, since it is not a drug, it is not as tightly regulated as medications. Several studies have shown that some samples contained much less than the amount specified on the label, so it is best to stay with a larger, trusted brand. Also, while it does give pain relief to many, there is not yet any evidence that it slows down the wear and tear of cartilage. This is being studied, but the answer will not be known for years, despite some manufacturer’s claims. While there have been few serious side effects reported, it should be stopped if any side effects are experienced.