NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

Some patients use nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin— both found in healthy joint fluidJoint Fluid
A transparent, lubricating fluid secreted by a membrane of an articulation (place of union between two or more joints) or bursa (a saclike body cavity between a tendon and bone) and cartilageCartilage
A usually translucent somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton. Supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin (obtained from shellfish, cattle and sharks), can be purchased wherever vitamins or supplements are sold.

These products are treated by the Food and Drug Administration as food items and not controlled by the FDA in the way that medicines are. Talk to your doctor to see if nutritional supplements are recommended or if their side effects might interact with other medicines you may be taking.