How to Choose the Right Arthritis Pain Relief Medicine for You

Arthritis is a painful condition that affects numerous Americans today. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this degenerative joint condition, but there are things that you can do to keep the pain under control and slow the damage. Many who are dealing with this disease will turn to arthritis pain relief medicine, either over the counter or through a doctor’s prescription. With so many choices in medication today, it is much more likely that you will find one that will work well for you. However, not every arthritis pain relief medicine will work the same way for everyone. The key is to do a bit of trial and error until you find the best option for your needs.

Over the Counter Choices
Most people suffering with a mild case of osteoarthritis may try their hand at an over the counter arthritis pain relief medicine to start with. Over the counter pain relievers usually come in two types; acetaminophen that you find in Tylenol, and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen that are found under commercial names like Advil, Motrin and Aleve. Acetaminophen is usually not a good choice as an arthritis pain relief medicine because it doesn’t contain the anti-inflammatory properties that your painful joints require. However, anti-inflammatory drugs can have side effects if they are used for too long, so you will want to talk to your doctor about the risks before taking these medications long term.

Another possibility in over the counter arthritis pain relief medicine is a topical solution that is rubbed directly onto the sore area. Some of these will emit heat or cold to relieve the pain, while others have ingredients like aspirin in the formula that get absorbed directly into the skin. This alternative arthritis pain relief remedy can be quick and effective, but the results are only temporary. Take care not to use too much of the creams using aspirin, since serious side effects can occur.

What Your Doctor can Do
If over the counter arthritis pain relief medicine doesn’t work for you, your doctor has choices in prescriptions strength medication. Stronger anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids are commonly used to treat severe flare ups and can slow the joint damage in some situations. Your doctor can help you decide if a prescription medication is in order and which one will work the best for you. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to suffer with arthritis pain. If over the counter medications are not providing the relief you need, talk to your doctor about choices in prescription arthritis pain medicine today.