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Are there any over-the-counter treatments for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis affects the crucially important cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of bones within the joints. It causes this cartilage to break down, so that bone comes to rub against bone inside the joint. Then come the symptoms that people with osteoarthritis are all too familiar with: pain, stiffness and joint immobility. The disease most commonly affects joints of the fingers, neck, back, knees, and hips..

Acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) is usually a good first choice for relieving arthritis pain. It causes few side effects, and studies have shown it relieves arthritic pain nearly as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Other nonprescription drugs for osteoarthritis include the NSAIDs, which include aspirin as well as ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin IB), naproxen (Aleve) and ketoprofen (Orudis KT). These drugs reduce joint pain but can cause gastrointestinal side effects in some people, such as stomach upset and stomach bleeding.

Creams and lotions containing capsaicin (Zostrix) can also relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. You rub them on affected joints three to four times daily. These products usually are less effective than medicines you take by mouth but may cause fewer side effects.

Sources:
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. McGraw-Hill Companies, 1998.
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. Appleton & Lange, 1999.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.

This answer prepared 1/8/2001.
This information updated 1/9/2007.

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