Recently there has been some publicity over a study that showed that Glucosamine Chondroitin had little if any benefit in reducing the pain of Osteoarthritis. Personally, I would question the quality of the Glucosamine Chondroitin that was used in the trial as over 50% of my patients that take this do experience less pain.
There has been another recent study that showed significant reduction in pain and improved physical function with Methylsuflonylmethane (MSM) a popular dietary supplement. Participants took 3 grams twice daily for 12 weeks. The particular brand that was used was OptiMSM. This can be found in products by major brand name manufacturers such as Schiff, Solgar, Vitamin Shoppe, Nature’s Way and Enzymatic Therapy. At our office we carry a brand that combines MSM with Glucosamine so that there is one less supplement to take. Be sure to take for at least 3 months before determining if it helps.