Question: Will the glucosamine/chondroitin that supposedly helps arthritis help with the pain and stiffness of steroid withdrawal? Is there any harm in trying it?

Answer: Glucosamine and chondroitin are chemical components of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues that form the joints and muscle attachments. Some people with arthritic joint pain appear to benefit from taking these chemicals as dietary supplements (supplements because they are in a normal diet that contains meat). I am unaware of any report of their effect on the musculoskeletal symptoms of steroid withdrawal. However, I see no reason to anticipate any more risk for their use in this setting than in any other.

By Dr. David Orth MD (Summer, 2000)