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Medicines Used for Joint pain and arthritis

Also in: ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ଓଡ଼ିଆ

Joint pain is pain, stiffness or swelling in one or more joints, and arthritis is a common cause. Osteoarthritis is the most common type, caused by wear of the cartilage that cushions the joint, while rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. Painkillers such as NSAIDs only ease symptoms and do not change the course of the disease, so a doctor should confirm the cause.

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Medicines used for Joint pain and arthritis

These active ingredients are in medicines whose approved uses include Joint pain and arthritis. Brands are listed A to Z, not ranked. A doctor or pharmacist decides which medicine is right for you.

Diclofenac

  • Voveran 50 · 50 mg gastro-resistant (enteric-coated) tablet

Etoricoxib

Ibuprofen

Methylprednisolone

Naproxen

Paracetamol

Prednisolone

Common questions

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis comes from wear of the joint cartilage and usually affects the knees, hips, hands and spine. Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune condition that inflames the joint lining, often in both sides of the body. A doctor makes the diagnosis.

Do painkillers treat arthritis?

Painkillers such as paracetamol and NSAIDs ease pain and swelling but do not remove arthritis or stop joint damage. Rheumatoid arthritis usually needs specialist medicines. Which medicine suits you is a decision for your doctor.

When should I see a doctor about joint pain?

See a doctor if joint pain lasts more than a few days, comes with swelling, redness or fever, or limits movement. Morning stiffness lasting more than half an hour should also be checked.

Sources

  1. Osteoarthritis. NHS (UK)
  2. Rheumatoid arthritis. NHS (UK)