There are more than 30 different preparations, including aspirin. Ibuprofen (Advil) and Naproxen (Aleve) are NSAIDS are available by prescription, and in a lower dose that can be purchased over the counter. All NSAIDs may cause bleeding ulcers, damage the kidneys, and decrease the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications. Therefore, safe use of these medications, including non-prescription preparations, requires medical supervision. If you take NSAIDs for more than 3 months, blood tests for kidney and liver function should be obtained.

Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex are arthritis medications that have similar action to NSAIDs, but are less likely to cause ulcers. Vioxx and Bextra have been removed from the market due to increased risk of stroke or cardiac problems in certain individuals taking the medications for long periods of time. Celebrex remains on the market, and should be considered for patients on blood thinners or at higher risk for bleeding problems. The pain relieving potency of Celebrex is comparable to other NSAID drugs.

Tylenol: Tylenol can be used to control arthritis pain. Studies suggest that Tylenol provides pain relief comparable to NSAIDs, but does not provide anti-inflammatory activity. How Tylenol works is not known. Tylenol has relatively few side effects. Doses exceeding the label recommendations may be harmful to the liver.

Steroids: Corticosteroid preparations, like prednisone, are powerful anti-inflammatory medications, having significant systemic side effects. Steroids are usually reserved for severe arthritic conditions. Side effects include severe osteoporosis, fluid retention, susceptibility to infection and increased blood sugar. Steroids injected into joints have far fewer systemic side effects, in that the medication is made to stay in the joint. Therefore, the dose is smaller, and systemic absorption is less.

Steroids used to treat arthritis are not the same as the anabolic steroids abused by athletes to enhance performance. Steroids used to treat arthritis are corticosteroids. In contrast, steroids used by athletes are anabolic steroids, chemically similar to naturally occurring male sex hormone, testosterone.

Narcotics: Narcotic containing pain relievers have no role in the long term treatment of arthritis pain. In our practice, narcotics are dispensed only for treatment of acute painful conditions, and only on a short term basis.

Chondroitin / Glucosamine: Chondroitin and glucosamine are compounds normally found in articular cartilage. The effectiveness and dosing of these compounds is still being studied. In our clinical experience, a small percentage of patients experience some improvement in arthritis symptoms on a temporary basis.

Topical Rubs: Topical treatments work by causing some irritation to the skin, resulting in the “freezing” or “heating” feeling. Our clinical experience is that a small percentage of patients get temporary, partial pain relief from these preparations. The only medical caution for most preparations is to avoid contact with the eyes or broken / sensitive skin. The exception to the rule is DMSO which can be toxic, and should not be used.