OTC pain relief medication can be helpful for managing arthritis symptoms. These medicines include Tylenol(r), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids.
NSAIDs help relieve pain by inhibiting production of prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals that play a significant role in inflammation. Unfortunately, they can also cause stomach irritation and bleeding if taken for extended periods or at high dosage levels.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is an effective over-the-counter (OTC) medication to alleviate arthritis pain. It works similarly to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Acetaminophen differs from NSAIDs in that it does not cause stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding and does not increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Acetaminophen may be all most people need to manage the pain from arthritis; if you take additional medicines that could interfere with its effects, be sure to notify your physician as well.
Be mindful to avoid alcohol when taking acetaminophen. Alcohol increases liver conversion of acetaminophen into toxic byproducts; men should limit themselves to no more than two standard drinks daily and women one.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are an increasingly popular choice to alleviate pain and inflammation, and come in various forms including tablets, capsules, suppositories (capsules inserted under the bottom), topical gels or creams.
Typically, anti-inflammatories are effective in relieving short-term pain from arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, as well as to decrease fever and ease postoperative discomfort and swelling.
NSAIDs work by blocking the activity of enzymes COX-1 and COX-2 that help produce proteins responsible for pain and inflammation in your body. They're safe when taken in low doses for short periods, though prolonged usage increases your risk for heart attack or stroke as well as stomach bleeding.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a class of drugs used to reduce inflammation in the body by altering immune activity. They can help treat numerous conditions, including arthritis, asthma, autoimmune diseases (such as Lupus), skin disorders and certain cancers.
These medications may be taken orally, injected directly into the body, inhaled or applied topically and are particularly useful when used temporarily to stop an outbreak of disease or enhance other medications' effectiveness.
These medications may cause numerous side effects, some of which are potentially serious. Common issues include weight gain, bone loss, diabetes, glaucoma and cataracts in the eyes; furthermore they increase your risk of infections and other health problems and should therefore not be used long-term for arthritis treatment.
Orthotics and braces
Orthotics and braces are devices designed to ease pain caused by arthritis. Furthermore, they increase joint strength and support.
Braces can relieve pressure in the knee joint, making walking or moving less painful. To make sure it works well for you, always consult a professional when getting fitted for one.
Orthopedic specialists use knee braces tailored specifically to each person's individual needs, protecting your knee from further injury while decreasing pain allowing you to engage in more physical activity. A good brace can provide effective protection and allow more exercise to occur.
An unloader knee brace can relieve arthritis pain by shifting weight-bearing pressure away from the part of the joint with arthritis and onto its opposite side, making walking or standing less painful. These braces must be ordered through a physician's office and may cost over \$100; however, your insurance may cover this expense.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy (PT) is an excellent solution for relieving symptoms associated with arthritis. PT may reduce inflammation, improve mobility and decrease dependence on pain medications.
Physical therapists may recommend supportive devices or changes in your environment that can relieve strain on the joints, helping to protect you against injury and maintain independence.
Physical therapy (PT) can not only address arthritis-related pain, but can also increase strength and flexibility to make you more mobile while protecting against future injuries - an invaluable benefit for those with arthritic hips, knees, or spines.
