I tried glucosamine years ago...the jury stayed out. I also tried diclofenic...again the results were so so. I also tried a drug free gel called flexiseq which came in 2 versions. The one for wear and tear was more effective, but it's very expensive for what it does. I stick with paracetamol, etc. I've also used topical magnesium as it's always been helpful.
A few months ago when my knees became more painful, rather than uncomfortable, I connected it with resuming eating bread containing wheat, which along with other grains, is considered to be inflammatory. Stopped the bread and within a week I was back to uncomfortable as opposed to "in pain". I know some may scoff at this, but it's worth trying.