Safe medications for everyday joint pain

How do you handle chronic pain? For people with pain in the knee, hip, or other joints, it’s common to start by taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.

Depending on the kind of joint pain you’re in, you probably have a few OTC options. But it's important to choose one that's best suited for your needs and doesn’t increase your risk for other problems.

'Over-the-counter' doesn't mean harmless

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve) can be convenient and effective for occasional aches and pains. But if your pain is constant, you should know that reaching for pills day after day comes with risks, such as increased chances of heart attack, stroke, liver damage, and stomach bleeding.

"For people who suffer from chronic joint pain, it's important to reduce the risks of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other oral pain medications where they can," says Natalie Azar, MD, a rheumatologist at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. "If you're popping pills for everyday pain, it's time to see a doctor."

Likewise, if you’re given a prescription medication, Azar warns people to be aware of the potential side effects. "If you're taking oral medicines around the clock as part of your doctor's orders, it's important to know your risks and make sure your doc is monitoring things like your kidney function and blood pressure," she explains.

Trade those pills for a patch

The good news is that there are other ways to treat pain that may not be as hard on your body. For example, some prescription patches, gels, and creams can be applied directly to painful areas. There’s also diclofenac (Voltaren), a topical NSAID that’s available without a prescription.

"These kinds of medicines give you a higher concentration of an NSAID in the area that's inflamed, with less systemic (body-wide) absorption than oral medicines," says Azar. These options work best for specific areas of your body where pain is constant, like your knee or shoulder.

Certain antidepressants may help, as well, Azar notes. While these drugs were designed to treat depression, they can also block pain signals that lead to your brain. Antidepressants can take a few weeks to start working. But many people experience moderate pain relief when they kick in.

You might also consider non-medication options such as acupuncture, magnesium supplements, or hyaluronic acid injections (which help lubricate and protect your joints). Some evidence suggests these therapies may be helpful for joint pain. Speak with a physician or other healthcare provider (HCP) about whether they might be good options for you.

Another way to ease joint pain: Work to shed extra pounds. "I can't even begin to tell you how important weight loss is in relieving joint pain," says Azar. "Losing 10 percent of your body weight is a great start." Weight loss often involves eating a healthy diet and getting enough physical activity. Speak to an HCP for recommendations.

Getting ahead of pain

Being fit is important to your health and can help you manage pain in the long run. In the short term, if you’re planning to exercise, over-the-counter pain relievers could help you handle pain and soreness associated with physical activity. Use them sparingly and be careful: If pain is severe or comes on suddenly, you may need something more than medication.

"Taking OTC pain medicine 30 to 45 minutes before exercise is a great way to get through a workout, if you have mild pain," says Azar. "But if you're experiencing any kind of acute pain that you're trying too hard to push through, it's probably not such a good idea." Listen to your body and talk to an HCP for advice.