NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling. The problem is that some of those enzymes also help blood to clot and protect the lining of your stomach.
Methotrexate is widely regarded as one of the safest of all arthritis drugs, though it carries some potential downsides.
Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available.10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex. It is also available as a topical gel, Voltaren, which is available over the counter.
Besides ibuprofen and naproxen, other examples of prescription NSAIDs include diclofenac (Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac, meloxicam (Mobic), oxaprozin (Daypro), and piroxicam (Feldene).
Try heat and/or ice therapy
Heat can help relieve muscle and joint stiffness, warm up joints before activity, and/or ease a muscle spasm. Cold can help reduce joint inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation by blocking hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Naproxen (Aleve), aspirin and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are available over the counter. Others like indomethacin (Indocin) and celecoxib (Celebrex) require a prescription.
NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.
Acetaminophen is generally a safe option to try first for many types of pain, including chronic pain. Ask your health care provider for guidance about other medications to avoid while taking acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is not as effective as NSAIDs for the treatment of knee and hip pain related to osteoarthritis.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved baricitinib (Olumiant), a pill that is taken once a day. Baricitinib is a targeted disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that blocks Janus kinase (JAK), a group of enzymes that enable inflammatory signals to be activated inside a cell.
1. FATTY FISH. Fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna give you protein and the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These components reduce inflammation in the body.
A doctor may prescribe daily ibuprofen to treat chronic pain associated with arthritis. In these cases, a doctor may prescribe or recommend slow-release ibuprofen tablets. A person can take these once or twice per day depending on the dose.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs reduce inflammation as well as ease pain. These are some of the most popular medications given for arthritis. NSAIDs include aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen, and naproxen. They are usually taken in pill form but may cause stomach upset or bleeding.
Voltaren helps alleviate joint pain due to arthritis in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, and knees. Apply Voltaren gel to the skin over the affected part of the body. Do not use on more than two body areas at the same time.
Do not use for more than a few days at a time unless your doctor tells you to. Do not take more than the recommended dose unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use PANADOL OSTEO to treat any other complaints unless your pharmacist or doctor tells you to.
Meloxicam is considered a stronger medicine than ibuprofen. Meloxicam is only available on prescription and ibuprofen is available over the counter as well as on prescription. Meloxicam is a long-acting medicine that only needs to be given once a day.
Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3, and green tea are just a few of them. Glucosamine has been touted as an anti-inflammatory that helps keep the cartilage in joints healthy. Studies have shown some benefit for joint pain, but they are not conclusive. Natural glucosamine levels drop as people age.
Upgrade Your Diet
Refined carbohydrates, red meats, and fried foods raise inflammation in your body. Swap out unhealthy foods for inflammation-fighting fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and fish. Plan your menu around foods such as tomatoes, blueberries, almonds, walnuts, lentils, and salmon.