By using anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce joint pain and swelling, patients may be able to begin a physical therapy program to build strength and flexibility. The long-range goal of drug therapy is to change the development of the disease itself and its destruction of bone and cartilage. The short-term goal is to reduce joint pain and swelling.
Drugs either require a prescription from a doctor or are over-the-counter. Osteoarthritis is most commonly treated with the following over-the-counter drugs.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are usually the first drug to be used to treat arthritis. These drugs reduce inflammation, but are not steroids like cortisone, consequently the name nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory. NSAIDs can reduce joint pain, swelling, tenderness and redness.
NSAIDs may take several months for relief of symptoms to be noticed. Currently, the only NSAIDs that are over-the-counter are ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, and others), naproxen (Aleve®), and aspirin.
Aspirin: Aspirin has been used since eighteenth century England to treat arthritis. It can reduce joint pain and inflammation in arthritis sufferers. Aspirin is a form of NSAID.
Acetaminophen – Tylenol®, Datril® Extra Strength, Tempra®, and others: Acetaminophen is a painkiller and lowers fever. However, it is not an anti-inflammatory drug so it does not decrease or reduce inflammation of arthritis.
Side Effects of Over-The-Counter Arthritis Medicines
Side effects can occur, both at normal dose ranges and especially if you take too much of a drug. Common side effects of NSAIDs, aspirin, and acetaminophen are abdominal cramps or pain, abdominal discomfort, bloating and gas, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fluid retention and swelling, headache, heartburn, indigestion, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, ringing in ears, stomach pain, and vomiting.
One way to deal with side effects is to take less of the drug. Another possibility is to learn a way to avoid the symptom. For example, if you suffer from an upset stomach, there are many things you can do to help prevent it. You could take your NSAIDs with food and avoid other stomach irritants such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Over-the-counter antacids can be used to treat an upset stomach.
Before starting any therapy for relieving your joint pain, including over-the-counter medicines, you should see your doctor and discuss your treatment options.
