Joint pain is a common ailment that most people grapple with at some point in their lives. Fortunately, over-the-counter medications can help. So many factors can influence joint health; disease, injury and old age are among the usual suspects. Up to a third of Americans are suffering from joint pain, with knee pain, shoulder pain and hip problems making up the majority of complaints. The best joint pain relief medications are methyl salicylate, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. For awhile, Cox-2 inhibitors were seen as the best new joint drugs on the market, but most were pulled from the market due to the increased chances of a heart attacks. These solutions are tried and true, though they do come with their own warnings. Read on to learn more about the top three joint pain medication treatments.
While they do provide fast and effective joint pain relief, there are side effects to be aware of, as with most medications. NSAIDs have been associated with bleeding in the intestines and stomach (ulcers), as well as damage to the heart and kidneys. Sometimes people will use another drug in conjunction with NSAIDs known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to protect this type of damage. PPIs are especially recommended for those who have had a prior history with any of these symptoms. Methyl salicylate is toxic in heavy doses, but generally safe when used in the right amounts.
It will depend on the level of pain each person can tolerate, so it's a question that is specific to everyone. Your doctor may give you a set schedule to follow of how many times and how many pills should be taken a day for most effective joint pain relief, or advise you to take the medication as needed. Always discuss any medications with your doctor prior to use.
Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium (e.g., Aleve) are known as NSAID medications, which stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Both of these medications can help with swelling and provide general pain relief for mild to moderate joint pain. These medications always need to be taken with a great deal of care, as improper doses can lead to serious side effects. Methyl salicylate is a compound used in creams like Bengay to relieve general aches. It can cause a general warming and cooling effect on the skin which can immediately begin to lift the pain.
Ideally, yes. Exercise and proper care of the affected joint will be one of the healthiest roads to recovery. The person who's suffering from the pain should be diligent about following doctor's orders to the letter, whether it's physical therapy or immobilization. Each person's joint pain will vary, so it's necessary to consult a doctor if the pain is severe or debilitating or has no obvious cause.
These can be taken by rubbing them on the affected area as is the case of methyl salicylate, or they can be taken in standard pill form. The topical treatments that are rubbed on rather than swallowed may cause skin irritation, but they won't cause any internal problems. They may or may not need to be taken with food, depending on a doctor's instructions and the reaction of a person to the medication.
Everyone's body is different, so it's best to experiment with which joint pain medication gives the most relief. Learning about the differences between each product can help people understand which one is right for their bodies to make better decisions for their joint health.
Yes, a doctor may prescribe any number of other solutions. The recommendations here are meant for OTC pain medications. When it comes to injections, supplements and surgeries though, a doctor will need to make recommendations based on a person's particular needs.
Again, this is based on body chemistry to a certain extent. Many of the other pain medications that are in development simply haven't gone through enough testing to declare the safest medication available on the market today.