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.