With the increase in the number of people getting affected by Arthritis, many of us yearn to know the possible medications that can alleviate the joint disorder. We present you the details of various arthritis pain medication that are in vogue thereby helping you to understand and choose the most suitable one for arthritis pain management by proactively consulting with your medical practitioner.

NSAID, the Most Common Arthritis Pain Medication

They defend against inflammation and are commonly referred to as the Non Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Cortisone related ingredients are not present in this class of drugs. Ibrofen, indomethacin, piroxicam, nabumetone, aspirin and acetaminophen belong to this class of drugs. Mild side effects include the contraction of gastrointestinal disorders.

Pain Relievers or Analgesics

Pain killer medications available over the counter are often referred to as analgesics. When consumed, they tend to relieve the pain at the joints. However, the long term usage of these medications is highly discouraged. Tylenol, Advil, nuprin are a few that belong to this class of medications.

A separate class of pain reliever, the narcotic pain reliving medication is also taken for arthritis. Examples include codeine, propoxyphene and oxycodone. They are habit forming and have also been reported to cause urinary problems and constipation.

Biological Response Modifiers (BRMs)

Popularly known as the Disease Modifying Antiheumatic Drugs (DMARDS), this type of drugs have testified to induce modifications in the human body’s response to contraction of infections and diseases and are used when there is a need for using potent medications. In spite of the fact that the body synthesizes a nominal amount of these, this class of arthritis pain medication is artificially prepared and injected into the human body to alter the body’s response to the pain and inflammation of the joints. Sulfasalazine and gold salts are the other BRMs that are usually prescribed for arthritis patients.

Steroids

Cortisone containing drugs are commonly referred to as steroids or corticosteroids. Glucocorticoid is a hormone that influences the metabolism of carbohydrates predominantly and to some extent fats and proteins. This is secreted by the cortex of the adrenal gland in human beings. They are also manufactured artificially and are given in the form of medication for arthritis.

However, long term usage of this class of medicines is not recommended due to the adverse side effects that they induce.

Hyaluronan Injections

Also known as viscosupplementation, it is injected into the knee joints with the aim of increasing mobility in the knee joint and decreasing the pain.

Chemotherapy Medications

Less potent chemotherapy mediations are also useful in treating arthritis.