Research is suggesting that it can be very helpful. The current recommended therapeutic dose is 500 mg 3 times a day. A combination of glucosamine and chondroitin is recommended. Although obesity does not cause arthritis, it certainly doesn't help painful, inflamed joints in the hips, knees or ankles if they are forced to carry excess weight. Take a load off your joints by slimming down to your ideal body weight.
Weight control is important especially when arthritis strikes the lower back and legs.
However, do not use heat if you have infectious arthritis. Certain foods seem to aggravate arthritic conditions. Try a vegetarian or largely vegetarian diet. Strengthen the body with good nutrition Adopting a healthful diet based on fresh vegetables and fruits, plus whole grains and small amounts of protein and dairy products is a good way to begin strengthening the body. Nutritional supplements are useful for general health and strength.