Arthritis is often referred to as a chronic disease. This means that it can affect the person afflicted with arthritis over a long period of time, perhaps for the rest of a person's life. It cannot be cured, but it can be treated through a variety of products, both prescription and over-the-counter, as well as natural and medical-related methods. 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. This is a brief overview of some of the methods and products that arthritis sufferers can use to alleviate many of the symptoms associated with arthritis, especially joint pain.

Detailed information on joints and joint pain products:

Over-The-Counter Products

Acetaminophen

People afflicted with osteoarthritis often times have very little inflammation. As such, pain relievers such as acetaminophen, the most well know of which is Tylenol, may be effective. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever but does not reduce swelling. Acetaminophen does not cause stomach irritation and is less likely than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), described later, to cause long-term side effects. Research has shown that acetaminophen relieves pain as effectively as NSAIDs for many patients with osteoarthritis. People with liver disease, people who drink alcohol heavily, and those taking blood- thinning medicines or NSAIDs should use acetaminophen with caution.

Ibuprofen

On the other hand, people afflicted 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). Ibuprofen combines anti-inflammatory with pain relief, but does typically cause some stomach discomfort if not taken with food and have been linked to ulcers with long-term use.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are components of natural joint cartilage. Studies indicate that glucosamine and chondroitin can help alleviate joint pain related to osteoarthritis and improves general joint function including greater joint flexibility. It appears that together they help offset joint space narrowing, the loss of cartilage within the joint, seen with osteoarthritis by stimulating production of new cartilage. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are synthesized by the body and are naturally found in cartilage. Researchers theorize that glucosamine assists in the creation of new cartilage, while chondroitin slows cartilage destruction. Some studies indicate that glucosamine may help as much as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and tolmetin in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee, with fewer side effects.

Prescription Products

Prescription Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

This class of drugs includes aspirin and ibuprofen that are used to reduce pain and inflammation, as noted above, and may be used for both short-term and long-term relief in people with osteoarthritis and, more commonly, rheumatoid arthritis. NSAIDs also include Vioxx (rofecoxib), Celebrex (celecoxib), and Bextra (valdecoxib), all of which are classified as COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibitors work by blocking an enzyme known to cause an inflammatory response. COX-2 inhibitors had been approved for short-term use in the treatment of pain, and for longer-term use to treat the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

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