In addition to pain, arthritis can affect mobility and compromise the ability to perform certain tasks. Despite the challenges associated with arthritis, there are a number of over the counter medications available to help sufferers reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote quality of life.
Topical treatments such as creams and sprays, which are applied directly to the skin over the affected joints and work by relieving pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen Tylenol can be taken to reduce osteoarthritis, pain in the joints. Avoid acetaminophen if you have liver problems.
Aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, relieves mild pain and is the active ingredient in several brands including Bayer, Excedrin, etc. If you have ulcers, a history of bleeding problems, or anticipate having surgery soon, you should not take aspirin. It's no surprise that arthritis pain has a negative effect on your mood. If everyday activities make you hurt, you're bound to feel discouraged.
But when these normal feelings escalate to create a constant refrain of fearful, hopeless thoughts, your pain can actually get worse and harder to manage.
Heat and cold. Use of heat, such as applying heating pads to aching joints, taking hot baths or showers, or immersing painful joints in warm paraffin wax, can help relieve pain temporarily. Be careful not to burn yourself. Use heating pads for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Use of cold, such as applying ice packs to sore muscles, can relieve pain and inflammation after strenuous exercise.
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This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Arthritis pain: Do's and don'ts. Opioids are not routinely used to treat OA pain, but may be considered if pain relief is not achieved from other medications. The beneficial effects of opioids on OA are often outweighed by their increased risks of adverse events.
Opioids are generally recommended for short-term use in the management of OA. No data exists regarding the benefits and risks of tramadol or opioid use for inflammatory arthritis beyond six weeks. These agents may be used for short periods of time to help inflammatory arthritis pain. Medications to Manage Arthritis Pain. What are non-prescription medications used for? How are non-prescription medications administered?
Which non-prescription medication is right for you? How long will I have to take my non-prescription medication? Prescription Medications What are prescription medications? What are prescription medications used for? How are prescription medications administered? Which prescription medication is right for you? Tramadol and opioids may be used for short-term management of inflammatory arthritis pain.
How long will I have to take my prescription medication?
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