Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in middle-aged and older people. It often occurs in large joints, such as the knees and hips. The pain may limit a person's ability to get up from a chair, stand, walk, or climb stairs and tends to get worse with activity. Treatment aims to decrease pain and other symptoms and to keep people active. Treatments include drugs to decrease pain and inflammation; weight loss, if needed; physical therapy; and exercise. Unfortunately, these treatments do not always help, and some have side effects. Many people with knee osteoarthritis seek alternative treatments, such as glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate is a natural substance that is found in healthy joint cartilage. Some studies suggest that glucosamine sulfate helps osteoarthritis, particularly that of the knee. Others studies have not shown a benefit. It is also not known whether glucosamine sulfate helps patients with hip osteoarthritis.