what can I take for arthritis pain ?
140183
Short-Term Relief\n\n    * Medications--Because people with osteoarthritis have very little inflammation, pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol*) may be effective. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis generally have pain caused by inflammation and often benefit from aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil).\n\n    * Heat and cold--The decision to use either heat or cold for arthritis pain depends on the type of arthritis and should be discussed with your doctor or physical therapist. Moist heat, such as a warm bath or shower, or dry heat, such as a heating pad, placed on the painful area of the joint for about 15 minutes may relieve the pain. An ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables) wrapped in a towel and placed on the sore area for about 15 minutes may help to reduce swelling and stop the pain. If you have poor circulation, do not use cold packs.\n\n    * Joint protection--Using a splint or a brace to allow joints to rest and protect them from injury can be helpful. Your physician or physical therapist can make recommendations.\n\n    * Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)--A small TENS device that directs mild electric pulses to nerve endings that lie beneath the skin in the painful area may relieve some arthritis pain. TENS seems to work by blocking pain messages to the brain and by modifying pain perception.\n\n    * Massage--In this pain-relief approach, a massage therapist will lightly stroke and/or knead the painful muscle. This may increase blood flow and bring warmth to a stressed area. However, arthritis-stressed joints are very sensitive, so the therapist must be familiar with the problems of the disease.\n\nOsteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are chronic diseases that may last a lifetime. Learning how to manage your pain over the long term is an important factor in controlling the disease and maintaining a good quality of life. Following are some sources of long-term pain relief.
833578
advil or tylenol is what i was recommended.  didn't completely relieve the pain, but it helped to ease it.
435108
How Is Arthritis Pain Treated?\n\nThere is no single treatment that applies to everyone with arthritis, but rather the doctor will develop a management plan designed to minimize your specific pain and improve the function of your joints. A number of treatments can provide short-term pain relief.\n\nShort-Term Relief\n\nMedications--Because people with osteoarthritis have very little inflammation, pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol*) may be effective. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis generally have pain caused by inflammation and often benefit from aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil).\n\nHeat and cold--The decision to use either heat or cold for arthritis pain depends on the type of arthritis and should be discussed with your doctor or physical therapist. Moist heat, such as a warm bath or shower, or dry heat, such as a heating pad, placed on the painful area of the joint for about 15 minutes may relieve the pain. An ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables) wrapped in a towel and placed on the sore area for about 15 minutes may help to reduce swelling and stop the pain. If you have poor circulation, do not use cold packs.\nWhat does it do?\n\nGlucosamine is an important building block needed by the body to manufacture specialized molecules called glycosaminoglycans, found in cartilage.\nWhere is it found?\n\nGlucosamine is not present in significant amounts in most diets. Supplemental sources are derived from the shells of shrimp, lobster, and crab, or may be synthesized.\nWhy do athletes use it?*\n\nSome athletes say that glucosamine\nhelps reduce joint pain.\nWhat do the advocates say?*\n\nFor a long time, glucosamine dominated the market among supplements used to ease joint pain. Now, many practitioners prefer to use a combination of both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Many have found this combination to be effective, particularly for runners, who tend to develop problems with their knees. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are well absorbed by the molecules that make up cartilage. They are not available from food. It is not uncommon to have to take these supplements indefinitely to continue to experience relief.\nRecent research has shown that the results of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis in the knee is no different than that of placebo. This gives people further reason to at least give supplements, such as glucosamine sulfate, a try before enduring more invasive, expensive approaches.\nHow much is usually taken by athletes?\n\nGlucosamine sulfate, 1,500 mg per day, is effective for reducing joint pain caused by osteoarthritis according to most studies,1 2 3 Whether other forms of glucosamine, such as glucosamine hydrochloride, are as effective for joint pain as glucosamine sulfate is unclear at this time, but studies have found some benefits from the use of the hydrochloride form.4 5 Other uses of glucosamine for sports and fitness, including prevention of joint pain or treatment of sports injuries, have not been studied.\nAre there any side effects or interactions?\n\nAt the amount most frequently taken by adults—500 mg three times per day of GS—adverse effects have been limited to mild reversible gastrointestinal side effects. In one trial, people with peptic ulcers and those taking diuretic drugs were more likely to experience side effects.6\nAnimal research has raised the possibility that glucosamine could contribute to insulin resistance.7 8 This effect might theoretically result from the ability of glucosamine to interfere with an enzyme needed to regulate blood sugar levels.9 However, available evidence does not suggest that taking glucosamine supplements will trigger or aggravate insulin resistance or high blood sugar.10 Two large, 3-year controlled trials found that people taking GS had either slightly lower blood glucose levels or no change in blood sugar levels, compared with people taking placebo.11 12 Until more is
691820
Endur Flex\nhttp://www.endur.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=products.displayproduct&id=42&OVRAW=arthritis%20medicines&OVKEY=arthritis%20medicine&OVMTC=standard
222513
You really should go talk to your doctor.  The problem with RA is that it's not just pain, its causing damage to your joints as the disease develops.  Even if you don't have inflammation your joints could still be deteriorating.  Some of the new meds (biologics) really help slow down the damage.  I've been on Enbrel for a six months and am in remission.  When I was diagnosed with RA one year ago I was in incredible pain whenever I tried to unlock the door, start my car, or open a bottle.  Now I feel very little. These meds don't work as well for everyone, but it has really helped me.\n\nAside from visiting your doctor to make sure you are getting proper treatment, you should stay active and eat right.  With a disease that effects the immune system, its important to stay healthy so things don't get worse.  You should try water exercises in a heated pool.  This will give you the exercise you need and is a lot less painful.  You can also ask your doctor what other remedies you can try or changes you can make so that life is a little easier.\n\nVisit http://www.arthritis.org for tips on living with arthritis and to reach out to others with RA - it has helped me a lot.  Good luck with your treatment!!\n\nBy the way... be aware of the difference between rheumatoid arhritis and osteoarthritis!!  They are two very very differnt illnesses, that just share the common name "arthritis." Lots of people get osteo, and they do just fine with a pain reliever.  But RA is a progressive disease.  You can't just stand by and leave it untreated.  It will likely only cause more damage and more pain the longer you wait.  I notice a lot of times people will answer questions about RA like it is the same as what their grandma always had, but it is far more serious and has much different treatments!!
1146419
Hello..I am convinced that the arthritis pain is severe and tormenting.Have you been examined and dyagnosed with arthritis? If so I suppose that the orhtopedist has prescribed you medications. One of the best natural remedies for alliviating arthtitis pain is Willow bark extract,which is absolutely harmless and acts like a natural pain-killer and its composition is near to that of the Aspirin. You can see for some capsules etc. It helps the nettle extract too. There are natural Glucosamine,which even cures such conditions really works great..See for those stuff..If you have no improvement,contact me or see again a dictor..Good luck!!
146666
honestly, there are a lot of things to take for pain. if it is something the doc perscribes but insurance wont pay, there are not to many medications that are cheap enough for a person to pay for. if u want to email me in two days i will have a list of cheaper meds for u. peanutbuttercup4386@yahoo.com
246230
it depends on what arthritis you have. If it is osteo-arthritis then you may use an OTC medication. (ask your pharmacist at a local pharmacy for treatment option best for you because I dont know your profile) But if you have rheumatoid arthritis, go see a physician. This is caused by your immune system attacking your joint areas. This cannot be treated with over the counter meds.
136967
My husband has arthritis in his knees and hips from the same reason. Heating pads work for him at night, and aleve works for him during the day. The heating patches he wears to work and he swears by them. Winter makes it especially hard for him due to the cold weather so every night he takes a hot bath. At night we have the thermostat turned up to make our room warmer to ease the pain while he's sleeping...one simple rule of thumb...think heat because it will relieve the pain...as far as pills once again Aleve!
94022
Try an otc pain reliever.
540490
Treatment\nTreatments for arthritis have improved in recent years. Most treatments involve medications. But in some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary.\n\nMedications\nMedications for rheumatoid arthritis can relieve its symptoms and slow or halt its progression. They include:\n\nNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This group of medications, which includes aspirin, helps relieve both pain and inflammation if you take the drugs regularly. NSAIDs that are available over-the-counter include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). These are available at higher dosages, and other NSAIDs are available by prescription — such as ketoprofen, naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn), tolmetin (Tolectin), diclofenac (Voltaren), nabumetone (Relafen) and indomethacin (Indocin). Taking NSAIDs can lead to side effects such as indigestion and stomach bleeding. Other potential side effects may include damage to the liver and kidneys, ringing in your ears (tinnitus), fluid retention and high blood pressure. NSAIDs, except aspirin, may also increase your risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. \nCOX-2 inhibitors. This class of NSAIDs may be less damaging to your stomach. Like other NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors — such as celecoxib (Celebrex) — suppress an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) that's active in joint inflammation. Other types of NSAIDs work against two versions of the COX enzyme that are present in your body: COX-1 and COX-2. However, there's evidence that by suppressing COX-1, NSAIDs may cause stomach and other problems because COX-1 is the enzyme that protects your stomach lining. Unlike other NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors suppress only COX-2, the enzyme involved in inflammation. Side effects may include fluid retention and causing or exacerbating high blood pressure. Furthermore, this class of drugs has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. \nCorticosteroids. These medications, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone (Medrol), reduce inflammation and pain, and slow joint damage. In the short term, corticosteroids can make you feel dramatically better. But when used for many months or years, they may become less effective and cause serious side effects. Side effects may include easy bruising, thinning of bones, cataracts, weight gain, a round face and diabetes. Doctors often prescribe a corticosteroid to relieve acute symptoms, with the goal of gradually tapering off the medication. \nDisease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Physicians prescribe DMARDs to limit the amount of joint damage that occurs in rheumatoid arthritis. Taking these drugs at early stages in the development of rheumatoid arthritis is especially important in the effort to slow the disease and save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage. Because many of these drugs act slowly — it may take weeks to months before you notice any benefit — DMARDs typically are used with an NSAID or a corticosteroid. While the NSAID or corticosteroid handles your immediate symptoms and limits inflammation, the DMARD goes to work on the disease itself. Some commonly used DMARDs include hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), the gold compound auranofin (Ridaura), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex). Other forms of DMARDs include immunosuppressants and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. \nImmunosuppressants. These medications act to tame your immune system, which is out of control in rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, some of these drugs attack and eliminate cells that are associated with the disease. Some of the commonly used immunosuppressants include leflunomide (Arava), azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). These medications can have potentially serious side effects such as increased susceptibility to infection. \nTNF blockers. These are a class of DMARDs known as biologic
959828
I am so sorry...I don't know what "AA" arthritis is, but I have had "post traumatic" arthritis for 25 years..that is just another name for osteoarthritis caused by a severe bone injury.  People don't understand, do they???  It becomes such an emotional and mental drain as well as physical because you don't want to do anything...because everything hurts.  \n\nI don't see a doctor regularly because I know there really isn't anything they can do, and certainly not a cure for it.  I take Celebrex when I can afford it...it is cost-prohibitive without insurance.  I take it in spite of the warning and negative press.  Maybe it does increase the risks of internal bleeding and heart disease....so what?  I need it to move around.  People I know with the same affliction who say Celebrex doesn't help them take Aleve.  I also take glucosamine sulfate...it doesn't help much with the pain, but it does retard further bone deterioiration.  \n\nLastly, no matter how much it hurts, try to get up and move.  the longer I remain immobile, the more it hurts.  \n\nI sincerely hope you find some relief!!!\n\nMD Lean
70745
I have arthritis and soaking in Epsom salt helps the pain.  I just use my bathtub.
75382
The answers you have received thus far all have something to contribute. Exercise, relaxation, topical analgesics can all help alleviate pain. You may also want to look at the herb boswellia which has been shown in studies to relieve pain. My wife uses Shaklee's Pain Relief Complex (containing boswellia) with excellent results. The herb Cat's Claw is also good. As a preventative many people use glucosamine which builds cartilidge which can improve joint mobility, and thereby reduce pain.
759643
It truly depends on the cause of the pain. What joint is it? Are you overdoing some activity that is straining the joint? Have you been checked for arthritis? Have you had an injury at that location? If none of these are a problem, consider taking a supplement such as "Move Free" that contains condroitin and other proven substances to help with joint health.
546379
My husband and I use a product called "blue emu" it helps alot.  Also you need to start watching what you eat.  I'm very very arthritic and stay away from FAT, it totally swells the pain in my joints to unbearable.  It really works, trust me.  Also there is a product called MSM and it is a wood pulp derivative and works very well in elevating pain. Ive been at this game for some time now.  Follow all these steps and it should really improve your pain considerably.
314111
Boy this one is right up my alley! LOL...I am a 44 yr old female and was diagnosed with junvenile arthritis,now I have osteoarthritis and its very painful. There is no cure for arthritis but if you can take them anti-inflammatories help alot of people. I have ulcers therefore I cant take them,if you have any kind of stomach problems like ulcers,GERD's,or nervous stomach they usually will make you very sick,check with your doctor.There are a few things that work with arthur as I lovingly (NOT) call it,it depends on how severely you have it. If you are in the first stages and dont have too serious of pain you can try massage,physical therapy,whirlpools and hot tubs,Water aerobics,there's alot you can try but like I said it depends on how far along and how much pain.I have to take pain meds for mine because Ive tried everything else and nothing works anymore when youve had it almost 30 years.Good luck to you and God bless.