If you’re taking glucosamine for your joint pain, you’re really only halfway there.

The latest research shows you need the anti-inflammatory power of fish oil to complete the picture – because together, these two supplements are far more effective at reducing and even eliminating joint pain.

In a controlled trial, researchers found that adding fish oil to the equation gave much better relief to osteoarthritis patients than the glucosamine alone. The combined power of the two supplements also worked better at easing morning stiffness and relieving pain in the knees and hips.

The study, which was published in the journal Advances in Therapy, was funded by a British supplement maker – but there’s nothing fishy about this one. In fact, it’s easy to understand why this works so well: The fish oil is easing the inflammation linked to the pain, as the glucosamine works to help rebuild lost cartilage.

Many times, glucosamine is sold with chondroitin – but early research has linked chondroitin to prostate cancer, and most people don’t need it anyway to get real relief. But adding fish oil to the mix gives your body something too many of us miss out on: essential omega-3 fatty acids.

While the study looked at osteoarthritis pain, fish oil can help with nearly any inflammation-related pain. It’s also great for the brain, eyes, heart and overall health

If, like the patients in this study, you’re looking for some relief from osteoarthritis, also make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D – low levels of the sunshine vitamin have been linked to increased pain. Smoking has also been known to worsen the problem – so there’s one more reason to call it quits.

And as I wrote just a few weeks ago, a recent study found slow Chinese tai-chi exercises have also shown to help provide osteoarthritis relief.

Finally, many people don’t realize how big a role food allergies can play in joint pain. Consider an elimination diet – cutting out certain foods and seeing if it makes a difference over time. The most common culprits when it comes to arthritis are nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and many kinds of peppers.

Work with an experienced doctor who can also run some allergy tests as you try the elimination approach.

These allergies may not be responsible for every case of joint pain and arthritis, but they’re behind enough of them that you should look into it, especially if you find your pain won’t go away – or gets worse – no matter what you do.

The alternative is a lifetime’s supply of painkillers and other meds that can damage your body in other ways as they mask the symptoms of your pain.