But research doesn't always show that they work well. Compared with other products, topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines have more studies that show that they work and are safe.

The other products work only a little better or no better than the controls, called placebos, that are used in studies. Capsaicin might work better when used with other treatments, such as pills containing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Putting capsaicin creams on the skin can make the skin burn or sting.

But this might get better within a few weeks of daily use. If you use a product with capsaicin, wash your hands well after each use. Don't touch your eyes.

You might need to wear latex gloves when putting on the cream. Don't use any topical pain relievers on broken or irritated skin. Don't use them with a heating pad or bandage.

If you are allergic to aspirin or take blood thinners, talk with a member of your health care team before using topical medicines with salicylates. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.

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Products and services. Arthritis pain: Treatments absorbed through your skin Learn about the various types of topical pain medicines available for pain relief. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing!

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Kolasinski SL, et al. Topical NSAIDs offer joint pain relief. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed April 17, Overview of the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain.

Accessed May 30, Factors that affect arthritis pain. Arthritis Foundation. Natural relief for arthritis pain. Managing chronic pain: How psychologists help with pain management.

American Psychological Association. Benefits of exercise for osteoarthritis. ACPA resource guide to chronic pain management: An integrated guide to medical, interventional, behavioral, pharmacologic and rehabilitation therapies, edition. American Chronic Pain Association. Tips for managing chronic pain.

Smoking and musculoskeletal health. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Products and Services Bath Safety and Mobility Products A Book: Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging A Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Arthritis.

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The second form of arthritis is RA. According to the Arthritis Foundation , RA affects about 1. It more commonly affects women than men. It can deform and debilitate the joints over time. In some cases, your joint pain will require you to see a doctor. You can book an appointment with a primary care doctor in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.

Your doctor will probably perform a physical exam. This may help to narrow down the potential causes. A joint X-ray may be necessary to identify arthritis-related joint damage.

They may also request a sedimentation rate test to measure the level of inflammation in the body or a complete blood count.

Doctors consider both OA and RA to be chronic conditions. However, there are ways to manage the pain:. Your treatment options will depend on the cause of the pain. In some cases, your doctor will need to draw out accumulated fluid in the joint area to test for infection or gout or other causes of the joint pain.

They might also recommend surgery to replace the joint. Other nonsurgical treatment methods could include lifestyle changes or medications that can potentially cause your RA to go into remission.

In the case of RA, your doctor will first address inflammation. Once the RA goes into remission, your medical treatment will focus on keeping a tight rein on your condition so that you avoid flare-ups.

Joint pain is often a result of the damage that occurs through normal wear and tear. However, it can also be a sign of an infection or potentially debilitating RA. Early detection and diagnosis can allow for effective treatment of the underlying cause of your discomfort.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Treatments for arthritis include over-the-counter and prescription medications, but natural and lifestyle remedies also play a key role.

Find out more…. Chronic knee pain is long-term pain in one or both knees.

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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Appointments at Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Request Appointment. Arthritis pain: Do's and don'ts.

Products and services. Arthritis pain: Do's and don'ts Will physical activity reduce or increase your arthritis pain? By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Rosenquist EWK.

Overview of the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain. Accessed May 30, Factors that affect arthritis pain. Arthritis Foundation. Natural relief for arthritis pain. Managing chronic pain: How psychologists help with pain management.

American Psychological Association. Benefits of exercise for osteoarthritis. ACPA resource guide to chronic pain management: An integrated guide to medical, interventional, behavioral, pharmacologic and rehabilitation therapies, edition. American Chronic Pain Association.

Tips for managing chronic pain. Smoking and musculoskeletal health. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Products and Services Bath Safety and Mobility Products A Book: Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging A Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Arthritis.

See also 5 signs a psoriasis support group is right for you 6 ways to manage itchy skin when you have psoriasis Arthritis Arthritis rehabilitation Arthroscopy Bone marrow aspirate concentrate injection Brucellosis Can psoriasis make it hard to sleep?

Chronic pain: Medication decisions Crohn's Crisis Crohn's disease Crohn's disease and the gut microbiome What is Crohn's disease? A Mayo Clinic expert explains Crohn's or Colitis CT scan Ease stress to reduce your psoriasis flares Exercise and chronic disease Exercising with arthritis Gluten sensitivity and psoriasis: What's the connection?

Hand exercises for people with arthritis Henoch-Schonlein purpura Herniated disk FAQs Inflammatory bowel disease IBD Inflammatory bowel disease FAQs Intermittent fasting Is the Mediterranean diet good for psoriasis?

Is there a special diet for Crohn's disease? Isometric exercise Joint pain Joint protection Joint replacement Living better with Crohn's disease Living better with psoriasis Maintain your social life with Crohn's disease Psoriasis-related health risks MRI Paget's disease of bone Prednisone risks, benefits Prednisone withdrawal: Why taper down slowly?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding when you have psoriasis Psoriasis Psoriasis and clinical trials Psoriasis and intimacy Psoriasis and your self-esteem Identifying what worsens your psoriasis Psoriasis: Get the most out of your treatment Psoriasis: How can I protect my skin during a workout?

Psoriasis treatment options Psoriasis: What if I get psoriatic arthritis, too? Psoriasis: What to share with your doctor Scalp psoriasis vs. seborrheic dermatitis Seeing inside the heart with MRI Slide show: 5 ways to thrive with psoriasis through the holidays Slide show: Caring for your skin when you have psoriasis Staying active with Crohn's disease Cane tips Walker tips Tips for easing stress when you have Crohn's disease Types of psoriasis Ultrasound Vasculitis MRI Alternative psoriasis treatments What are the risks of vaccinations for people living with psoriasis?

What's the best way to manage scalp psoriasis? Where can I learn more about living with Crohn's disease? X-ray Show more related content. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.

Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book.

ART Home Arthritis pain - Dos and donts. Show the heart some love! They include oral tablets, topical gels, liquids, patches, and injectable formulations.

OTC options are available at most stores and can effectively relieve joint pain. Prescription medications are an option when OTC medications are ineffective or when a person has particular health considerations.

For osteoarthritis OA pain, the Arthritis Foundation AF notes that NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for joint pain, as they block enzymes that cause pain and swelling. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are available as patches, topical gels, prescription liquids, and tablets.

In a review , researchers noted that oral NSAIDs provide effective pain relief and help reduce inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis RA. The AF cautions that long-term use of NSAIDs can damage the stomach lining and cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

These medications can also increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, so a person should not use them for longer than a doctor recommends.

If people cannot take NSAIDs, they can try taking acetaminophen to reduce pain. However, according to the AF, recent research has concluded that acetaminophen has little effect on OA pain.

Still, it may help some people. A doctor may recommend two main forms of OTC medication for joint pain: NSAIDs and acetaminophen. Ibuprofen is a type of NSAID. NSAIDs work by non-selectively blocking cyclooxygenase COX 1 and 2.

Blocking these chemicals can reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. The AF recommends NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, as a first-line treatment for joint pain.

Ibuprofen comes in several forms, in doses of — milligrams mg. A doctor may recommend that a person take — mg up to three times per day.

Ibuprofen may cause side effects. If the following symptoms are severe or persist, a person should contact a doctor:. Ibuprofen can cause other side effects that may be serious. If someone feels unwell or experiences unusual symptoms, they should discontinue using ibuprofen and contact a doctor immediately.

Learn more about ibuprofen and its side effects here. Naproxen is another NSAID and is available under the brand name Aleve. It works the same way as ibuprofen, by blocking COX 1 and 2 and thereby reducing fever, pain, and inflammation.

Naproxen is available in several forms, including :. For mild to moderate arthritis pain, the dosage may be — mg every 12 hours. However, people should avoid taking more than 1, mg per day and use the medication for no longer than 6 months.

Naproxen may cause side effects. Naproxen can cause side effects that may be serious. If someone feels unwell or experiences unusual symptoms, they should discontinue using naproxen and contact a doctor immediately. Learn more about naproxen and its side effects here.

Diclofenac is available in oral and topical forms. It is the only topical NSAID currently available in the U. Diclofenac gel, liquid, and patches can provide pain relief to the affected joint by applying it directly to the skin. People who tend to benefit from using them are those who:.

The available forms of topical NSAIDs include :. Diclofenac may cause side effects. Acetaminophen is available under multiple brand names, such as Tylenol and Actamin. It can help reduce pain by blocking the activity of COX 3. Acetaminophen is suitable for adults and children, but a caregiver should check with a doctor before giving children any medication.

Dosing can vary based on form. Adult doses come in — mg tablets. Common side effects from acetaminophen include :. Acetaminophen can cause other side effects that may be serious. If someone feels unwell or experiences unusual symptoms , they should discontinue using acetaminophen and contact a doctor immediately.

Prescription-strength medications can be beneficial but tend to have a higher risk of negative side effects. Tramadol, available under the brand names ConZip and Ultram, is a prescription medication that helps block pain receptors in the brain. Some experts consider it an atypical opioid with less potential for misuse and dependence than other opioids.

However, many doctors group it with other opioids when discussing medication. Experts recommend the use of tramadol for only certain people, including those who:.

Tramadol may cause side effects. Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and pain. A healthcare professional will inject a corticosteroid and numbing agent directly into an affected joint. Doctors often recommend corticosteroid injections for RA and less commonly recommend them for OA.

These injections may benefit people who are experiencing severe pain and those who do not respond to other pain medications. A person will typically require 3—4 injections per year. Each injection can provide several months of relief, but after the first dose the medication may not be as effective or work as quickly.

An advantage of injected steroids is that, because the doses are low, people rarely experience side effects. The most common side effects are injection site pain, a worsening of symptoms for 24 hours , and possible infection.

Many of the side effects that oral steroids can cause, such as weight gain, occur very rarely from injections. However, corticosteroids may cause side effects. Steroid injections can cause side effects that may be serious.

If someone feels unwell or experiences unusual symptoms, they should contact a doctor immediately. Learn more about steroid injections here.

Massage can provide an overall sense of well-being and help manage joint pain, stiffness, and discomfort. A study also found that a Swedish massage could help reduce the amount of pain relievers people take to manage their symptoms of arthritis.

They add, however, that massage is unlikely to pose a risk and may provide indirect benefits, such as reducing stress. Ask a doctor to recommend a massage therapist who has experience treating people with arthritis. Alternatively, you could ask a physical therapist to teach you self-massage.

Some herbal supplements may help reduce joint pain. Some of these herbs include:. Therefore, you cannot be sure exactly what a product contains. Be sure to buy from a reputable source. Always talk to a doctor before trying a new supplement, as some can cause side effects and dangerous drug interactions.

Some over-the-counter OTC pain relievers for arthritis may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , acetaminophen Tylenol , and capsaicin topical creams. Prescription medications like immunotherapy and corticosteroids could provide pain relief by decreasing inflammation.

The best way to help prevent arthritis from getting worse is to follow your treatment plan. This may include taking medications, doing daily exercises and stretches, practicing meditation, and eating a well-balanced diet.

Some ways to help manage arthritis flare-ups may include resting your joints, using heat and ice treatments, and using OTC pain relievers and NSAIDs. Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that may cause stiffness, inflammation, and pain in your joints.

A treatment plan may help provide pain relief, slow disease progression, and improve your quality of life. Speak with a healthcare professional if arthritis is impacting your daily functions.

I broke 3 of my fingers 10 years ago and have been experiencing arthritis pain ever since. The only thing that really works for me is massaging them, thankfully it really only happens when the seasons get cold.

I can't really imagine taking pain meds for it yet since it's just my hands and not terrible. We encourage our readers to share their unique experiences to create a helpful and informative community here on Healthline.

Our editors will also review every comment before publishing, ensuring our high level of medical integrity.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Magnesium has become a popular sleep aid. Learn the effects of magnesium on the body, particularly on the processes that promote sleep.

Potassium iodide can protect your thyroid gland in the event of exposure to nuclear radiation. If you're experiencing burnout, you may feel drained both physically and emotionally. These tips may help.

Standard treatment for hypothyroidism includes oral medication, but there are natural therapies too. Read about the pros and cons of five natural…. Warnings Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen.

Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 6 caplets in 24 hours, which is the maximum daily amount with other drugs containing acetaminophen 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product Allergy alert: acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions.

Symptoms may include: skin reddening blisters rash If a skin reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen prescription or nonprescription.

If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist. if you are allergic to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients in this product Ask a doctor before use if you have liver disease Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking the blood thinning drug warfarin Stop use and ask a doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days new symptoms occur redness or swelling is present These could be signs of a serious condition.

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. Additional information store between °C °F. Directions Do not take more than directed. See overdose warning adults take 2 caplets every 8 hours with water swallow whole; do not crush, chew, split, or dissolve do not take more than 6 caplets in 24 hours do not use for more than 10 days unless directed by a doctor under 18 years of age ask a doctor.

Related products. Where to Buy. Log In. Log in using your account with. Or use your traditional account. Forgot your password? Don't Have an Account? Sign Up Now! Sign In. Most are relatively safe, but no medication is completely free of side effects. Talk with your doctor to formulate a medication plan for your specific pain symptoms.

Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen Tylenol, others , ibuprofen Advil, Motrin IB, others or naproxen sodium Aleve can help relieve occasional pain triggered by activity your muscles and joints aren't used to — such as gardening after a winter indoors.

Cream containing capsaicin may be applied to skin over a painful joint to relieve pain. Use alone or with oral medication. It's no surprise that arthritis pain has a negative effect on your mood. If everyday activities make you hurt, you're bound to feel discouraged.

But when these normal feelings escalate to create a constant refrain of fearful, hopeless thoughts, your pain can actually get worse and harder to manage.

Heat and cold. Use of heat, such as applying heating pads to aching joints, taking hot baths or showers, or immersing painful joints in warm paraffin wax, can help relieve pain temporarily.

Be careful not to burn yourself. Use heating pads for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Use of cold, such as applying ice packs to sore muscles, can relieve pain and inflammation after strenuous exercise.

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