No one knows for sure at this point. Glucosamine has been tested for knee osteoarthritis, with good results in easing pain. However, these tests only looked at knee osteoarthritis, and the studies only followed patients for up to two months. Glucosamine’s long-term effects, effects on different joints, and effects on different diseases are unknown.
Glucosamine does look promising. Some doctors have decided that glucosamine is worth a try, even if it isn’t fully tested yet. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in trying glucosamine.