It can be purchased without a prescription, and does not irritate the stomach like other medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen. It is supplied in time release caplet form, meaning that the drug is released over an extended time period. This means that the medication need not be taken as frequently as other pain killers.

Tylenol Arthritis Pain does not appear to have any side effects, but if you have an existing condition alongside arthritis you should consult with your doctor before taking it or you are taking other medication. Tylenol should not be taken with other pain relieving medication, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, prescription medication or any other product containing acetaminophen.

Many arthritis sufferers have found some pain relief from taking Tylenol Arthritis Pain, so it may be worth discussing this with your doctor or physician.

Arthritis creams have very few side effects and are generally safe to use, but if you are planning on using them you should consult your doctor as there is a chance that they could affect other medication you may be taking. If you have sore or broken skin, you should also be wary of using them.

The main types of arthritis cream available are;

Trolamine Salicylate Topical Analgesic creams, containing the active ingredient Trolamine Salicylates. These work by reducing the inflammation and swelling in the joints and muscles affected by arthritis. People who are allergic to aspirin or who are taking blood-thinners should discuss with their doctor before taking these as they could affect this medication. Trolamine Salicylate Topical Analgesic creams include Aspercreme and Sportscreme.

Topical Analgesic creams containing the active ingredient, Capsaicin, which is derived from chili pepper seeds. It is thought to work by decreasing the levels of the substance responsible for transmitting pain in the body (substance P). These creams are thought to work best on joints which are closest to the skin, such as finger joints. These creams include Zostrix.

Counter-irritants, which generally contain combinations of eucalyptus, camphor, Methyl Salicylate and menthol. These creams work by causing irritation to the skin where it is applied. This stimulates the body’s sensory receptors to heat and cold, which then produces a counter irritant response which provides a temporary relief from the pain and discomfort of the arthritis symptoms. Counter-irritant creams include Bengay Products

There are also various other arthritis creams available, including;

Voltaren Gel; this is a NSAID product which typically contains diclofenac sodium in a topical gel formation. Voltaren Gel should not be used by patients with a sensitivity to diclofenac. Patients taking oral NSAIDS and aspirin should not use Voltaren Gel as there is an increased risk of adverse side effects.

Glucosamine Cream; the benefits of taking Glucosamine supplements to relieve arthritis symptoms are well known. Glucosamine is also available as a cream, and is known to be effective at relieving joint pain and discomfort and increasing joint function.

Tiger Balm Arthritis Rub;
this is a counter-irritant cream but also works by soothing the joint pain and muscular aches associated with arthritis. Active ingredients include clove oil, camphor, cajuput oil and menthol.

Painkillers or Analgesics
Painkillers come in different strengths, from those that can be bought over the counter to the strongest ones which must be prescribed by a doctor. They may also contain anti-inflammatory medication.

Ibuprofen
Rheumatoid arthritis in particular causes pain from inflammation, which can be eased by taking Ibuprofen based medication or other anti-inflammatory drugs. Ibuprofen also provides some pain relief, but there is a risk of ulcers if it taken over a long period of time. Ibuprofen can also irritate the stomach, so is best taken with food.

Acetaminophen
Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is often accompanied by very little inflammation. Acetaminophen based medications relieve the pain but not inflammation. There is less risk of irritation of the stomach which can be caused by ibuprofen, and less likelihood of long term damage. However, if you are taking blood thinning medication such as Warfarin, or have a history of liver disease, then Acetaminophen based medication should be taken with caution.
Other painkillers include Aspirin and Codeine.

Glucosamine Sulphate
Glucosamine Sulphate is the same compound produced by the body and found naturally in cartilage and connective joint tissue. Cartilage lines the joints and acts as a natural shock absorber. As the body ages, its ability to manufacture Glucosamine reduces, which can lead to joint problems and eventually arthritis. When taken as a supplement it can stimulate the natural manufacture of Glucosamino-glycans, which can improve and repair joint function, lead to greater flexibility and prevent further degeneration. It can also help to reduce joint pain caused by arthritis. There are few side effects associated with Glucosamine.

Prescription Medication

Prescription Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs help to reduce swelling in the joints and inflammation and also provide pain relief. These include ibuprofen and aspirin based medication prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. More NSAID’s include Naproxen, Diclofenac, Piroxicam, and Nabumetone. Newer types of NSAIDS have recently been developed, such as Celebrex, Rofecoxib and Bextra. These are classed as COX-2 inhibitors and are designed to lessen the risk of stomach irritation. Side effects can include the risk of cardiovascular problems, so if you have a history of heart disease or strokes, you will need to discuss this with your doctor.

Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid medication are either injected directly into the arthritic joint (corticosteroids) to reduce pain from osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, or given by mouth (Prednisone) to reduce the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. However, the Corticosteroid injections, although effective at treating the condition, can cause damage to the cartilage, so are usually limited to one or two injections in a year. It is also recommended that those taking steroid medication have annual flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Anti- TNF & Biological Response Modifiers
These drugs work by blocking the reaction of a chemical known as tumur necrosis factor (TNF). TNF is thought to exacerbating the inflammation and degeneration prevalent in inflammatory arthritis. They include Enbrel, etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab, usually administered by injection or infusion.

There are some associated side effects, and they won’t be suitable for everybody. However, people with psoriatic arthritis and very severe rheumatoid arthritis may find these drugs beneficial. They are often taken in conjunction with Methotrexate.

Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) These are often used to treat forms of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
They  include immunosuppressants which slow down the activity of the immune system. This can therefore slow the progress of the disease and can be instrumental in reducing the amount of damage it does. They are often used very soon after the condition has been diagnosed. These include leflunomide, sulphasalazin, ciclosporin and methotrexate.
However, the side effects can be severe, so use must be carefully monitored by a doctor.

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