Medication for arthritis pain
November 12, 2025Tramadol pain medication
November 12, 2025
Joint pain is managed with a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications, depending on the severity and underlying cause (e.g., osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis). These include oral pills, topical creams/gels, and injections.
Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication to ensure it is appropriate for your specific health condition and to avoid potential side effects or interactions with other drugs.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Options
These are generally used for mild to moderate pain.
| Medication Type | Examples | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) | Tylenol | Primarily relieves pain, has no anti-inflammatory effect. Generally safe for the stomach but high doses can cause liver damage. |
| Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) | Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve), low-dose oral Diclofenac (Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel) | Reduce both pain and inflammation. Can cause stomach irritation, ulcers, and increase the risk of heart issues, especially with long-term use. |
| Topical Treatments | Diclofenac gel, creams with menthol, camphor, or capsaicin | Applied directly to the skin over the painful joint for localized relief with fewer systemic side effects than oral medications. |
Prescription Medications
Stronger options are available if OTC medications are not sufficient, or for specific inflammatory conditions.
| Medication Type | Examples | Key Benefits/Use |
|---|---|---|
| Stronger NSAIDs | Celecoxib (Celebrex), Indomethacin, stronger doses of Diclofenac | Offer potent anti-inflammatory and pain relief. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks based on your health history. |
| Corticosteroids | Prednisone (oral), Cortisone (injections) | Powerful anti-inflammatory effects for quick, short-term relief of pain and swelling. Long-term oral use has side effects, so injections into the joint are common for localized issues. |
| Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) & Biologics | Methotrexate, Hydroxychloroquine, Adalimumab (Humira) | Used for inflammatory types of arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis) to slow the disease progression and prevent joint damage, not just manage symptoms. |
| Other Pain Relievers | Tramadol, Duloxetine (antidepressant also approved for chronic pain), Opioids (short-term only) | Prescribed for moderate to severe pain not managed by other options. Opioids are used cautiously due to potential for addiction and side effects. |
Key Considerations
- Inflammation vs. Pain: Acetaminophen is for pain only, while NSAIDs and corticosteroids target both pain and inflammation.
- Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects, such as liver damage with acetaminophen or stomach/heart issues with oral NSAIDs. Topical NSAIDs often have fewer systemic risks.
- Drug Interactions: Many joint pain medications can interact with other drugs (e.g., blood thinners, blood pressure medication). Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking.
- Consult a Professional: For chronic or severe joint pain, a medical assessment is crucial for a proper diagnosis and the right treatment plan.
