The two main forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, affect an estimated 40 million Americans. Arthritis, and the pain it causes, can be absolutely debilitating, affecting mobility, mood, stress level, and quality of life. There are many treatment options available, but medication in the form of an arthritis pain reliever makes up the core of any treatment plan. Which arthritis pain reliever is best suited for you will depend on your medical history and what type of arthritis you have. For this reason, you should talk to your doctor before determining which medication is best for you.
NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are the most common type of arthritis pain reliever. This group of medication includes Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Aleve. NSAIDs reduce inflammation and provide long-term pain relief. However, taking an NSAID as an arthritis pain reliever for long periods will raise the risk of harmful side effects. bIf you experience gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, nausea, or vomiting, you should seek medical attention. Newer, “selective” NSAIDs, such as Celebrex, reduce inflammation but do not negatively impact your digestive system. New research suggests that all NSAIDs increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Before taking an NSAID as an arthritis pain reliever, make sure you discuss these risks with your doctor.
Analgesics are generally prescribed for short-term arthritis pain relief. This type of drug includes Tylenol as well as powerful narcotics such as Morphine and Codeine. Do not use this type of unless you suffer from extreme pain. Narcotic analgesics are potentially addictive and do not reduce inflammation or treat other symptoms of arthritis. Taking an analgesic as an arthritis pain reliever for long periods of time can result in liver damage, respiratory depression, and overdose. While risky, this type of medication can significantly improve your quality of life.
Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation caused by lupus, and other conditions. Steroids provide effective and immediate inflammation reduction. Because the potential for side effects increases greatly when taken long-term, steroid use is tightly controlled. However, if you need an arthritis pain reliever that is effective and fast, there is none better. Corticosteroids are often injected directly into the joint to reduce pain like joint pain relief products. The best arthritis pain reliever will depend on which type of arthritis you have, your tolerance for risk, and your medical history. Talk to a doctor to get a professional recommendation.
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