Overview
Arthritis pain can sometimes leave a person completely immobile due to chronic joint pain followed by inflammation. Several medications are collectively prescribed to treat arthritis after a careful and complete diagnosis by a healthcare provider. The best prescription medications for arthritis pain can be NSAIDs like Diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), Etodolac, Meloxicam, Oxaprozin, and Piroxicam, prescribed according to your specific needs. Other than NSAIDs, Opioid pain relievers are prescribed, including codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone. Medications like Hyaluronan Injections and steroids can also be prescribed depending on the severity of your pain and inflammation in joints.
In short, the best prescription medication for your arthritis pain will be the one prescribed by your healthcare provider after carefully diagnosing your pain and inflammation!
What are the prescription medications for arthritis pain?
For arthritis pain, OTC and prescription NSAIDs are the first go-to options due to their lesser side effects and minimum dose. However, the dose will be increased, and stronger pain relievers like opioids, steroids, and injections will increase pain and inflammation.
Prescription NSAIDs work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Some prescription NSAIDs and their adult dose is:
- Celecoxib (Celebrex): prescribed 200 mg once daily or 100 mg twice daily.
- Diclofenac (Voltaren): prescribed 50 mg 2–3 times daily.
- Naproxen (Naprosyn) : 250–500 mg twice daily.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): 400–800 mg 3–4 times daily.
These medications come in other brands, as well as those mentioned above, with different doses. The dose can only be determined by your healthcare provider after careful diagnosis. The one prescribed after careful diagnosis will be the most effective arthritis pain medication for you.
Other than NSAIDs, prescription medications like opioid analgesics (pain relievers) are also prescribed only in case of worse or unbearable pain. Some of them are :
- Tramadol: usually prescribed 50–100 mg every 4-6 hours (maximum 400 mg/day).
- Hydrocodone-acetaminophen is 5/325 mg (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) prescribed every 4–6 hours.
- Oxycodone-acetaminophen with the usual recommended adult dose of 5/325 mg (oxycodone/acetaminophen) every 4–6 hours as needed.
What is the most effective medication for arthritis?
Antirheumatic drugs are a class of medications that work on the joint and treat inflammation and pain. Some of the most commonly prescribed antirheumatic drugs are:
- Methotrexate
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Sulfasalazine
- Leflunomide
They work on the underlying disease processes to slow or stop inflammation and halt joint damage rather than just treating pain. The drug selection will be based on the diagnosis and cause of the inflammation. Your healthcare provider can prescribe the most effective after diagnosing your condition. These are not over-the-counter medications and can only be dispensed on prescription.
What are the best anti-inflammatory medicines for joint pain?
NSAIDs (OTC and prescription) can be the best option to treat joint pain. Other than NSAIDs, medications like prednisone (5-10mg daily ), methylprednisolone (2- 48mg daily), and triamcinolone can also serve as the best option for anti-inflammatory medications for joint pain,
It’s important to note that consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary for an effective treatment plan for joint-related problems.
When to consult a doctor?
If left untreated, arthritis pain, including joint pain and inflammation, can worsen over time, leading to immobility greatly disrupting daily activities. Connect with an online doctor for an effective diagnosis and treatment plan.
FAQs about the best medicine for arthritis pain
When arthritis pain is unbearable, consult your healthcare provider immediately. Only a doctor can determine the cause of pain and prescribe a suitable medication regimen.
Along with medications, home remedies like capsaicin, an extract from chili peppers, can help relieve arthritis pain (it is available in cream form).
