[Cajundaddy]

Caveat: I am not an MD and this is not medical advice. I am simply relaying my personal experience.

20 years ago I started to develop arthritis in my hands and R knee (had surgery in college). My wife is a Radiologic Technologist and was working with a bunch of Orthopedics at the time. One day they were discussing the effectiveness of Glucosamine, inconclusive human studies but a very significant success with a study on German Shepherd pups known for genetic hip dysplasia.

We put our Rottie on glucosamine for 3 months as she had a significant prior shoulder injury and seemed to be suffering arthritis. After 3 months she greatly improved, was no longer limping on hills, and easily completed her 2 mile walk every morning and evening.

I was the next experimental subject as we enjoyed hiking but after about 5 miles my right knee was in significant pain. After 3 months I noticed significant improvement in my hands and R knee. Hiking became fun again and I could play a 3 hour gig on guitar without major suffering the following morning. Fast forward 20 years and I would say that my arthritis symptoms have improved 90% with no other treatments and zero side effects.

It was definitely not instant relief but over time proved to be very effective either as an actual agent of relief or powerful placebo effect. Either way I can call it a win. This is a cheap over the counter treatment, no prescription required, no negative side effects, no surgery.