Arthritis Pain Relief

Introduction

Get a grip on arthritis

Arthritic pain can be a debilitating condition. It's certainly not uncommon — between 20 and 50 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis, which means there are lots of products to help remedy the condition. Arthritis comes in many types, but the three most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

Don't confuse arthritis with muscular or ligament strain — arthritis is centered in the joints. It makes joints painful, stiff, and swollen. Remember to look for medications that reduce inflammation. Gels or heat-rubs may relieve the pain and stiffness, but they don't reduce swelling.

Advice

Classifying Your Condition

Understand your arthritis. While all ages can be affected, the incidence of arthritis increases with age. In fact, arthritis symptoms strike 80% of people over age 65. The three main types of arthritis have different causes, so treatments may differ.

  • Osteoarthritis: the most frequently diagnosed form of arthritis is considered one of the "ailments" of old age caused by normal wear and tear on joints. It affects both men and women equally and usually involves symptoms of stiffness and joint pain. Joints which are weight-bearing or under frequent strain are the most frequently affected, and include the knees, hips, spine, and hands.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: an inflammation and swelling of joint membranes caused by the body's autoimmune response. This form of arthritis usually begins in middle age and affects women more frequently than men.
  • Gout: severe, sudden inflammation of one joint at a time caused by the buildup of uric acid; usually affects the feet, ankles, or knees.

Acetaminophen or NSAIDs or Salicylates?

There is no hard-and-fast rule in deciding what medication to take to relieve your pain. Factors include your current health status, liver function, and allergies (to name a few). For prolonged use of medication (more than 10 days), remember to talk to your physician about the best strategy for you.

Several over-the-counter drugs exist to combat the sometimes-debilitating effects of this long-term disease. Many pain relievers combine analgesic and antirheumatic properties, meaning they relieve pain and inflammation, respectively. The most effective medications are internal analgesics like aspirin and other salicylates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.

Chronic arthritis pain often requires nonprescription drugs for long periods of time. Despite the fact that many drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, do not require a prescription, their powerful effects should not be underestimated. Using any of these medications for more than 10 days requires the advice of a physician.

  • Taking pain relievers with food can help reduce the stomach upset that you may experience from NSAIDs, aspirin, and salicylates. In fact, frequent ingestion of NSAIDs or salicylates without food may cause you to develop an ulcer.
  • Never give aspirin to children or teenagers — it has been associated with the rare, but often fatal Reye's syndrome. Naproxen and ketoprofen have not yet been approved for children; use only acetaminophen or ibuprofen for kids. Arthritis is usually not a condition of the very young. Check with your doctor if your child is complaining of arthritis-like symptoms.
  • Acetaminophen can reduce arthritis pain, but it does not have an effect on inflammation. It may, however, be the only option for those who are allergic to aspirin or NSAIDs. Acetaminophen has fewer side effects than the other over-the-counter analgesics. However, prolonged use may increase your risk of liver damage.
  • Aspirin — acetylsalicylic acid — is very effective at reducing mild to moderate pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and helps reduce inflammation.
  • Other salicylic acids, like choline, magnesium, and sodium salicylate, may also be effective at relieving pain and helping reduce inflammation.
  • Ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen are all NSAIDs which offer relief from pain and fever. They also relieve inflammation.

Dietary Considerations

Eat and Drink Smart

Gout, also known as the "rich man's disease", has been closely associated with "rich foods" and alcohol. Gout occurs when there is too much uric acid, which is the end product of a group of chemical substances called purines, in your body. For some people, excessive intake of purine-rich foods can lead to acute gouty attacks. Therefore, it is recommended by health care professionals that if you have gout you should eat and drink smart. Nutritionists recommend the following:

  • Abstain from alcohol (especially beer and wine).
  • Drink plenty of fluid (at least two quarts of non-alcoholic beverages daily) to dilute urine and prevent uric acid buildup.
  • Avoid or limit the amount of foods ingested that are high in purines such as sweetbreads, organ meats, meat extract, gravies, sardines, anchovies, meat, lobster, crab, spinach, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms, oatmeal, and dried legumes.
  • If you are overweight, try to gradually lose weight.

Precautions

Common Side Effects

Analgesic (acetaminophen)

  • None anticipated

Analgesic (salicylate)

  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Heartburn
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea

Analgesic (NSAID)

  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Stomach cramps

Infrequent to Rare Side Effects

Analgesic (acetaminophen)

  • Bruising
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Vomiting

Analgesic (salicylate)

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Rash
  • Stomach ulceration
  • Weakness

Analgesic (NSAID)

  • Confusion
  • Fluid retention
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Nervousness
  • Ringing in ears
  • Stomach ulceration
  • Vomiting

Effects of Overdose

Analgesic (acetaminophen)

  • Kidney damage
  • Liver damage

Analgesic (NSAID)

  • Kidney failure
  • Seizures
  • Severe nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Ringing in ears

Analgesic (salicylate)

  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Headache
  • Liver damage
  • Low blood sugar
  • Rapid breathing
  • Ringing in ears

What to Do in Case of Overdose

If you suspect that you or someone you know has taken an overdose of this medication, immediately STOP USING THE MEDICATION and SEEK MEDICAL HELP.

FDA-Approved Uses

Pain and fever relievers

For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with arthritis.



Warnings

Analgesic (acetaminophen)

Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have:

  • Alcoholism
  • Allergy to acetaminophen or any component in acetaminophen products
  • Kidney impairment
  • Liver impairment

Or if you:

  • Are pregnant or a nursing mother
  • Are a senior; you may require a lower dosage
  • Plan to use more frequently or at higher than recommended doses
  • Still have a fever after three days
  • Are using to treat symptoms for more than 10 days in adults
  • Are using to treat symptoms for over five days in children

Or if you are taking:

  • Chronic alcohol use
  • Isoniazid (Nydrazid)
  • Phenobarbital (Luminal)
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin)
  • Sulfinpyrazone (Anturane)
  • Warfarin (Coumadin)

Analgesic (NSAID)

Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have:

  • Allergy to NSAIDs, aspirin, or iodides
  • Anemia
  • Asthma
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney impairment
  • Liver impairment
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Psychiatric disorder; NSAIDs may aggravate it
  • Pre-existing infection; it might be masked by NSAIDs
  • Ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems

Or if you:

  • Are administering to a child under age 15 with a viral illness, due to the increased risk of Reye's syndrome
  • Are pregnant or a nursing mother
  • Are a senior; you may require a lower dosage
  • Are bedridden or incapacitated
  • Are in sunlight for prolonged periods, as photosensitivity may occur
  • Are on a low-salt diet
  • Develop blurred vision or other eye problems during treatment; consult a physician
  • Experience headaches with drug usage that do not diminish as dose is lowered
  • Plan to use for an extended period of time or at a higher dose
  • Experience severe abdominal pain or cramps

Or if you are taking:

  • Cyclosporin (Neoral, Sandimmune): may increase kidney damage
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin): may increase digoxin levels and effect when ibuprofen is also used
  • Furosemide (Lasix): may decrease furosemide levels when ibuprofen or ketoprofen is also used
  • Lithium (Lithobid): may increase lithium levels or effect
  • Methotrexate (Folex)
  • Other NSAIDs: increases NSAID side effects
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin)
  • Probenecid (Benemid)
  • Salicylates, such as
    • Aspirin (Ecotrin)
    • Choline salicylate (Arthopan)
  • Warfarin (Coumadin): may increase warfarin side effects and the risk of bleeding

Analgesic (salicylate)

Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have:

  • Allergy to aspirin or other salicylate
  • Asthma
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Kidney impairment
  • Liver impairment
  • Nasal polyps
  • Ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems

Or if you:

  • Are administering to a child or teenager with a viral illness, as salicylates may increase the risk of developing Reye's syndrome
  • Are pregnant or a nursing mother
  • Are a senior; you may require a lower dosage
  • Are on a low-salt diet
  • Experience ringing in the ears; consult a physician
  • Note that the drug has a vinegar-like odor; the pill may have decomposed
  • Plan to have surgery; stop use seven days before the procedure
  • Plan to use for an extended period of time or at a higher dose
  • Drink more than three drinks of alcohol a day; may cause liver or stomach damage

Or if you are taking:

  • Urinary acidifiers, such as:
    • Ammonium chloride: decreases salicylate removal
    • Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C): decreases salicylate removal
  • ACE inhibitors, such as:
    • Benazepril (Lotensin): may decrease benazepril effects
    • Enalapril (Vasotec): may decrease enalapril effects
  • Alcohol: increases the risk of stomach ulceration and bleeding
  • Antacids: may decrease salicylate effects
  • Beta blockers, such as:
    • Atenolol (Tenormin)
    • Metoprolol (Lopressor)
  • Corticosteroids, such as:
    • Cortisone (Cortef)
    • Methylprednisone (Medrol)
  • Heparin (Hep-Lock): increases risk of bleeding
  • Methotrexate (Folex)
  • Other salicylates
  • Valproic Acid (Depakote)
  • Warfarin (Coumadin): may increase warfarin side effects and the risk for bleeding