What’s The Best Over The Counter Medication For Arthritis

Topical Treatment For Joint Pain

Topical treatments, those that are applied directly to the area, are commonly used for joint pain and there is evidence they can help relieve osteoarthritis pain in your knees and hands particularly. Hand and knee osteoarthritis is usually treated with creams containing NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which you can get over the counter at your local LloydsPharmacy. They are best applied with a gentle massage, using the amount specified on the leaflet.

Medical Treatment For Foot & Ankle Arthritis

If you are diagnosed with arthritis in the foot or ankle, NYU Langone doctors often recommend a combination of treatments to lessen discomfort and prevent further joint damage. These may include modifying activities that put stress on the affected joints, using orthotic inserts and braces, taking medication, or receiving corticosteroid injections that provide longer-term pain relief. People diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis may require medications to control the bodys immune response, in addition to some of the following therapies.

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Side Effects And Risks

Celebrex and ibuprofen both contain an NSAID drug. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects, but some different ones as well. Below are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Celebrex, with ibuprofen, or with both drugs .

• Can occur with Celebrex:

• primary dysmenorrhea

NSAIDs like Celebrex and ibuprofen are well accepted as effective pain relievers for these conditions. And prescribed doses of ibuprofen are considered to be as similarly effective as Celebrex.

Both drugs are widely prescribed to treat the conditions listed above. For example, NSAIDs such as Celebrex and ibuprofen are recommended in guidelines for treating pain following musculoskeletal injury, back pain, and menstrual cramps. The drugs are also recommended in guidelines for OA, RA, and JRA.*

However, there can be differences in the risk of side effects with these drugs. For example, lower doses of ibuprofen that you can buy OTC are less likely than Celebrex to cause serious side effects. These side effects include stomach ulcers , heart attacks, stroke, and kidney problems. On the other hand, a large clinical study found that Celebrex is less likely than higher prescribed doses of ibuprofen to cause these serious side effects.

Talk with your doctor about whether either of these drugs is suitable for you.

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Is Celebrex A Blood Thinner

No, Celebrex isnt a blood thinner. Blood thinners are drugs that are used to help prevent blood clots. Celebrex, on the other hand, is a type of drug called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug . NSAIDs are used to treat pain and inflammation .

Aspirin is a different NSAID thats also used in low doses as a blood thinner. NSAIDs like Celebrex can sometimes prolong bleeding time. But unlike aspirin, Celebrex doesnt have a blood thinning effect.

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How To Pick The Best Arthritis Cream For You

Before buying an arthritis cream, consult a health care professional, such as a rheumatologist or physical therapist, for expert guidance to determine whether using one of these products is safe for youespecially if you have vascular issues, asthma, allergies, skin disorders or if you take oral NSAIDs. You may also need to try different types of creams to find the one that works best for your needs.

Consider the following factors when beginning your search:

Complementary And Alternative Medicine

If you prefer a natural approach to treating arthritis, or would like to explore complementary options, it’s imperative that you tell your healthcare provider what you want to try . There are many alternative treatment options that, while popular, are not verified for effectiveness and safety.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health , reports on the effectiveness of some CAM treatments for arthritis:

Be wary of dietary supplements or herbal treatments sold for arthritis relief. You could experience dangerous side effects or drug interactions and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that many are tainted with prescription drugs.

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Drug Forms And Administration

Celebrex comes as a capsule that you swallow. You can also open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of applesauce to swallow. Youll likely take Celebrex once or twice a day. The drug is available only by prescription.

Ibuprofen comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid suspension that you swallow. These forms of the drug can be taken up to four times a day.

Ibuprofen also comes as an infusion. This is an injection into your vein thats given over a period of time by a healthcare provider. They can give this form of ibuprofen up to four times a day.

Ibuprofen is available OTC and by prescription. OTC brands of ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin. Higher doses of ibuprofen are available only by prescription under brand names such as Ibu-Tab.

Will I Need To Use This Drug Long Term

It depends why youre taking it. Celebrex is taken on a short-term basis to relieve acute pain, such as back pain or menstrual cramps. But you may take Celebrex on a long-term basis for chronic conditions such as arthritis, if your doctor determines this is safe for you.

Celebrex should be taken at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time. Be sure to take Celebrex only as directed by your doctor.

Celebrex can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase the number of side effects or make them more severe.

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Celebrex Use With Other Drugs

You may take Celebrex with certain other medications to help control your pain. For example, Celebrex is often used with acetaminophen . This is a different type of pain-relieving drug that you buy without a prescription.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis , you may take Celebrex with a disease modifying antirheumatic drug . DMARDs help stop your immune system from attacking your joints.

Examples of DMARDs include:

Can I Take Celebrex If I Have A Sulfa Allergy

Not according to the manufacturer of Celebrex, but in practice, this can be a slightly gray area.

If you have sulfa allergy, youve had an allergic reaction to a medication that contains sulfonamide. Sulfonamide medications include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole , sulfasalazine , and dapsone. If you have a sulfa allergy, its possible that taking a different sulfonamide medication could also cause an allergic reaction. Celebrex contains a sulfonamide medication.

However, some research suggests that not every medication that contains a sulfonamide will trigger an allergic reaction in people with a sulfa allergy. So in some cases, your doctor might consider prescribing Celebrex. But the decision would be made on a case-by-case basis.

If you have a sulfa allergy, you should talk with your doctor before taking Celebrex.

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Is Diclofenac Safe For Elderly

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of diclofenac in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney or stomach problems, which may require caution for patients receiving diclofenac.

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Best Cream: Sayman Salve Wonder Rub

Courtesy of Amazon

• Product can be sticky

• Some users report feeling nothing when using this product

Three powerful pain fighters give this creamy oil a punch. It contains max strength lidocaine alongside a botanical blend that aims to desensitize aggravated nerves. Together, they dull pain, reduce inflammation and swelling, and relieve stiff joints. Lidocaine, a numbing medication, is a common ingredient in over-the-counter topical medications and can be very helpful. It comes in multiple forms, sometimes combined with other medications, says Dr. Barsoum.

The time-tested formula has more than 150 years of history to its credit, which boasts a pleasant texture and efficient pain relief on hands, feet, and other achy areas. Arnica creates an instant cooling sensation, while hemp oil targets inflammation and cannabinoid receptors. Its clear and has almost no odor.

Price at time of publish: $40

Active Ingredients: Lidocaine, hemp oil, and arnica | Dose: A thin layer applied to affected areas every six to eight hours | Uses: Temporarily relieves minor pain

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What Helps Old Age Pain

Dont lift, push, or pull heavy items without help. Stretching and exercises like yoga and Pilates can help keep your muscles long and limber, and can help when youre feeling sore, too. If your muscles are hurting, try RICE therapy and over-the-counter pain medicine. See your doctor if youre in a lot of pain.

Can Diet Help Treat Arthritis

Research suggests that following an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. A healthy diet can also lead to weight loss, which reduces stress and strain on joints. Gout, a form of metabolic arthritis, can be relieved by avoiding purines that can trigger gout flares.

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Joint Pain Relief: When Should You Avoid Aspirin

You should not take aspirin if you know you are allergic to it. You should also avoid aspirin if you:

• Have bleeding problems
• Are scheduled for surgery

If you drink more than three alcoholic drinks per day, donât take aspirin. Doing so could increase your risk of stomach upset and gastrointestinal bleeding. If you have kidney or liver disease, talk to your doctor before using aspirin.

Medical Treatment For Osteoarthritis Of The Hip

If joint damage caused by osteoarthritis of the hip is mild, arthritis specialists at NYU Langone can recommend effective ways to alleviate symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and protect the hip joint from further damage. These treatments also help to relieve pain and stiffness, making walking and other movements easier.

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Celebrex Withdrawal And Dependence

You dont need to be concerned about withdrawal and dependence if youre taking Celebrex.

Certain pain-relieving drugs have a high potential for misuse. Thats because taking them can cause pleasant or euphoric feelings, also known as a high. This can sometimes lead to addiction or dependence on these drugs and withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them.

Drugs that are associated with these problems are primarily opioid pain relievers, such as codeine, oxycodone , and hydrocodone . Opioids are sometimes known as narcotics. Due to their potential for misuse and dependence, these drugs are controlled substances. This means theyre prescribed and dispensed under federal laws. These laws help ensure that these drugs are used safely.

Unlike opioids, Celebrex isnt a narcotic or a controlled substance. It doesnt cause a high, its not addictive, and stopping Celebrex use doesnt cause withdrawal symptoms. When you stop taking Celebrex, theres no need to taper your dose .

If you have concerns about withdrawal or dependence for any medications you take, including Celebrex, talk with your doctor.

You may wonder how Celebrex compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Celebrex and ibuprofen are alike and different.

Is There A Best Pain Reliever For Osteoarthritis

• By Robert R. Edwards, Ph.D., Contributing Editor

ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Osteoarthritis affects tens of millions of Americans and is a leading cause of disability and reduced quality of life across the globe. Other than joint replacement surgery, there is no known cure for OA, and most treatments focus on relief of symptoms such as pain. Often, the first step is non-medication-based approaches such as physical therapy, exercise, and weight loss. Most patients, however, will eventually use pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . Other kinds of medication, such as opioids, have also been tested as treatments for OA, and there is ongoing debate about what treatments are best.

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Working Toward A Personalized Approach To Pain Management

This meta-analysis cannot tell us which of these types of medication should be prescribed for a particular patient. No study can. The person-to-person variation in the effectiveness of any KOA treatment is huge. One patient may get near-total pain relief while another is not helped at all. These findings do give clinicians a benchmark for the typical amount of pain relief that might be expected from these medications, and suggest that, since they work about equally well, the choice of which one to use will be influenced by considerations other than effectiveness. Providers and those suffering with chronic pain also need to weigh potential side effects. Treatment with oral NSAIDs can result in stomach problems like bleeding, ulcer, and stomach upset, as well as high blood pressure and kidney problems. Opioids can have side effects such as constipation, nausea, and drowsiness. As you are also likely aware, opioids are also associated with a risk of serious overdose and addiction.

About the Author

Robert R. Edwards, Ph.D., Contributing Editor

Over The Counter Dog Arthritis Pain Relief

Some dog arthritis pain reliefmedication can be bought over the counter. There are several products onthe market for which you do not need a medical prescription, but it is recommended to use them in low doses only. If the pain persists, you should consult your veterinarian for prescription medication. Some anti-inflammatory medication that you can buy over the counter can have serious side effects, so if you notice any changes in your dog after administering such drugs, stop the administration immediately and see your veterinarian.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis And Joint Pain

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition which causes the body to attack the joints, leading to pain and swelling.

When you have rheumatoid arthritis, antibodies are sent to attack the linings of your joints. As a result, the cells covering your joints become sore and inflamed, and release chemicals which damage the bones and connective tissue around the joint. Without treatment, this process will continue and the joint will gradually lose its shape and go out of alignment.

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Throbbing and aching pain in the joints, which is normally worse in the morning or after not moving for a long period
• Stiffness in the joints which limits mobility
• Swelling, warmth and redness around the joints
• Firm swellings under the skin around the affected joints

The Most Important Piece Of The Puzzle

If youre overweight or obese, the most effective treatment is weight loss. This isnt surprising. Every extra pound of weight adds two to four pounds of excess pressure on your knees.

Losing weight is probably the most difficult part of the treatment puzzle, but its also the most important, says Dr. Day.

A weight loss program should include both diet and exercise. Some people have difficulty exercising to lose weight because their knees hurt. But any type of exercise can help, even strengthening the upper body.

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Best Gel: Voltaren Topical Arthritis Pain Relief Gel

• In addition to helping with pain, it also improves mobility and reduces stiffness

• Formerly only available by prescription, but is now over-the-counter

• Non-greasy formula

• Can take several days of use to see results

Voltarens fast-acting gel works triple duty. It relieves arthritis aches, improves mobility, and reduces stiffness for overall arthritis joint pain support.

This formula contains a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug , diclofenac gel, which is able to work below the surface of the skin and hit right where it hurts. As an NSAID, diclofenac works by inhibiting the COX enzyme, and it may target additional enzymes, according to some research. That means this ingredient works to alleviate pain from the inside out, and it does so quite effectively.

Voltarens Topical Arthritis Pain Relief Gel is non-greasy so it wont make your feet or any area slippery or sticky. It was previously available by prescription only, but now is over-the-counter. Keep in mind that if you have a health condition or on blood thinners and you have been told not to take oral NSAIDs, topical NSAIDs may not be advised. Ask your physician before using this gel.

Price at time of publish: $22

Active Ingredients: Diclofenac sodium | Dose: Apply on up to two joints out of hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, and knees for topical arthritis pain relief | Uses: Relieves arthritis pain, improves mobility, and reduces stiffness