Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Medicines for osteoarthritis pain: paracetamol, NSAIDs, injections and herbal products, with safety cautions.
Treatment of osteoarthritis combines non-drug care with medicines when needed. Always use medicines under medical advice.
Commonly used options
Ayurvedic and herbal products
Guggulu, Shallaki (Boswellia), turmeric and oils are sold widely. Evidence is limited and quality varies. Choose products from reputable makers, and avoid ones with unlisted ingredients. They can interact with medicines.
Safety points
See a doctor if you need pain medicine most days, or notice black stools, swelling of the legs or breathlessness.
When to get help
Book a visit with your doctor or an orthopaedic or rheumatology clinic if joint pain keeps returning, limits walking, stairs or sleep, or if you are unsure which treatments are safe with your other medicines. Early advice often avoids unnecessary scans, tablets and bed rest, and lets you start the right exercise plan sooner.
Remember
The safest plan uses exercise first and the lowest effective medicine dose, reviewed regularly.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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