Glucosamine is a natural amino sugar that is produced by the body to help build and maintain cartilage, tough connective tissue that strengthens and stabilizes the knee and other joints. Glucosamine supplements are used to treat knee pain due to osteoarthritis, in which injury or wear and tear has caused damage and inflammation to the cartilage and other tissues of the joint. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that although results from medical studies on the effectiveness of glucosamine supplements to relieve arthritis knee pain vary, some research does show positive results.
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Consult the doctor regarding your knee pain and get a physical exam, including an x-ray of the knees if it is recommended.
Step 2
Get a blood test to rule out other causes of knee pain, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Discuss the test results and all of your treatment options for the knee pain with the doctor. Get a referral to a specialist such as a rheumatologist if your primary care physician advises it.
Step 3
Ask your doctor about glucosamine and whether it should be used alone or in conjunction with other medications or supplements, such as chondroitin sulfate. Discuss related lifestyle treatments to decrease the knee pain and inflammation, such as physical therapy and changes to diet and exercise.
Step 4
Purchase glucosamine dietary supplements from a health food store or pharmacy. Take 500mg of glucosamine three times a day. Take 400mg of chondroitin sulfate if it is taken in conjunction with glucosamine. Continue the glucosamine treatment for four to eight weeks before assessing any improvement of the knee pain. Record any changes in the pain while taking the supplement.
Step 5
Consult your doctor about the knee pain if it persists. Discuss continuing the glucosamine supplements as well as trying other treatments to relieve the pain and prevent further damage to the knee joint.
