If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard of a relatively new over-the-counter remedy called Glucosamine. But what is Glucosamine, and how does it work to relieve arthritis pain?

Glucosamine, together with a related ingredient called Chondroitin, are substances which exist naturally in your body. It is believed that glucosamine helps to build and repair cartilage (spongy material between your joints), while chondroitin lends to the elasticity and flexibility of joints. A deficiency of either one can lead to increased wear and tear on the joint, and cause redness, swelling and stiffness as a result. When used together, glucosamine and chondroitin act as a tag-team of arthritis fighters, improving flexibility, soothing inflammation and reducing swelling caused by achy joints.

You can find these products in virtually any pharmacy or health goods store. The downside to this is, like other herbal and alternative medicines, supplements are not regulated by any governing body. That's why you'll need to do a little bit of research to find the best, most potent brand to suit your needs. Here's what you need to know when comparison shopping for glucosamine supplements:

1. You should expect to pay anywhere from $1-3 per pill when taking glucosamine every day. Since insurance companies will rarely cover nutritional supplements, you'll likely be paying for them out of pocket.

2. Read the ingredients on the bottle to determine your dosage. Around 1500mg of glucosamine and 1200mg of chondroitin have been safely used in clinical trials. Depending on your individual tolerance and the severity of your arthritis, you should consult your physician or rheumatologist to find the right dose for your specific needs.

3. Select supplements manufactured by well-known, reputable companies. Recommended brands include: Osteo Bi-Flex, WholeHealth, Flex-A-Min, MoveFree and individual pharmacy brands.

As with any medication or supplement, there are a few things you should be aware of:

1. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, as no long-term studies have been done to gage what materials (if any) are passed on to the baby either internally or through breast milk.

2. If you are diabetic, chondroitin (a form of sugar) may cause your blood sugar to rise.

3. Chondroitin also acts as a mild blood thinner. Therefore, if you are taking any heart medication or are taking an aspirin regimen, talk to your doctor to determine your proper dosage.

4. Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements should not be taken by children since no studies have been done to determine their effect (if any) on a child's development.

And lastly; The information contained within this article is not intended to replace or substitute for that of an experienced physician. Remember to check with your doctor or rheumatologist before starting daily glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, and don't stop or reduce any of your current medications (whether they're for arthritis or not) without first consulting your doctor).