What are some over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications for arthritis?
ANSWER
Acetaminophen can ease mild and moderate arthritis pain. But you have to take it carefully. Many other types of medications also have acetaminophen, so it’s easy to take too much without realizing it. Make sure you don’t take more than 3,000 milligrams per day.
NSAIDs also lower swelling and ease pain. Most healthy people can safely take them for short periods without any problems. But NSAIDs can raise your odds of having a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
Skin creams made from capsaicin, an extract from chili peppers, may help relieve mild arthritis pain.
From: Arthritis Pain Relief: Risks and Benefits WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Michael W. Smith on December 14, 2017
SOURCES:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Washington, D.C.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
FDA.
Messier, SP. 2013. JAMA,
Arthritis Care & Research: "American College of Rheumatology 2012 Recommendations for the Use of Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Therapies in Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee."
Solomon, DH. 2008. Arthritis Rheum (Arthritis Care Res),
Schjerning Olsen, A. 2012. Circulation,
Bennett, J. 2005. Circulation,
Parkes, M. 2013. JAMA,
SOURCES:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Washington, D.C.
American Academy of Family Physicians.
FDA.
Messier, SP. 2013. JAMA,
Arthritis Care & Research: "American College of Rheumatology 2012 Recommendations for the Use of Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Therapies in Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee."
Solomon, DH. 2008. Arthritis Rheum (Arthritis Care Res),
Schjerning Olsen, A. 2012. Circulation,
Bennett, J. 2005. Circulation,
Parkes, M. 2013. JAMA,
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.