Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPhysical ActivityHeat, Ice, or BothOver-the-CounterComplementary RemediesPrescriptionsAssistive DevicesArthritis Surgery
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Physical Activity
Heat, Ice, or Both
Over-the-Counter
Complementary Remedies
Prescriptions
Assistive Devices
Arthritis Surgery
Arthritisrefers to the swelling in one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness. Additional symptoms might include tenderness, redness, and decreased range of motion. Treatment for arthritis will depend on the arthritis type and aims to reduce pain, improve quality of life, and prevent joint damage.
Arthritis conditions can affect different joints in the body.Osteoarthritis(OA) andrheumatoid arthritis(RA) are the most common types.The most commonly affected joints in OA are the weight-bearing joints (i.e., knees, hips, and feet).RA mainly affects the joints of the hands, wrists, and knees.
Aleksandr Zubkov / Getty Images
For noninflammatory arthritis, like OA (which occurs with age), you can get pain relief with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, exercise, rest, and heat and cold therapies.
Inflammatory arthritisconditions like RA, which occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy tissues, require prescription treatment. Such treatments includedisease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs),biologics, OTC pain relievers, exercise, hot and cold therapies, and other natural or nonmedicinal options.
You will work with a healthcare provider to determine what pain relief options might best manage your pain based on your arthritis type and unique health situation.
The article will cover arthritis pain relief options, including physical activity, heat and ice therapy, OTC and prescription pain relief medicines, complementary remedies, and more.
Physical activityis a great way to manage and reduce arthritis pain. It can also help improve joint function.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week for people with arthritis.This can include low-impact physical activities, such as walking, biking, swimming, and water activities that might ease arthritis pain and are safe for most adults.
Physical therapyis also helpful for managing symptoms, increasing your mobility, and improving your function. Aphysical therapistcan teach you specific exercises to help you move easier and with less pain.
Both heat and ice can manage your arthritis symptoms. Heat can increase blood flow to promote joint, muscle, and tissue healing and ease aches and stiffness.In contrast, cold can help ease pain and swelling.
Heat treatments for arthritis pain can include warm showers or baths to ease stiffness and soreness. An electric blanket or heating pain can reduce aches and pain and ease discomfort so you can sleep better at night.
Ice treatment options for arthritis pain include gel ice packs or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Apply the ice to painful joints.
Over-the-Counter Arthritis Medication
You have many different OTC options for arthritis pain and discomfort. These can help manage arthritis, especially in its early stages, and include oral medicines and topical pain relievers (lotions, creams, patches, etc.) that can be applied directly to the skin above the affected joint.
Oral Medicines
But these drugs have side effects, mainly when used in high doses for long periods. Side effects include ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, reduced clotting, kidney function troubles, and allergic reactions.
Acetaminophen can cause side effects, including skin reactions and liver damage, if taken in large doses over prolonged periods or when used with too much alcohol.
What’s the Difference Between Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen?
Topical Pain Relievers
Topical pain relieversare applied directly to the skin to dull joint pain.They can sometimes make skin feel hot or cold. Because they do not affect the whole body, they have fewer side effects than oral pain relievers.
Your OTC topical pain relief options include:
Read the product labeling for OTC pain relievers carefully and measure doses according to those directions.
A healthcare provider can also prescribe stronger versions of available OTC topicals if needed to manage your joint pain.
Pain Relief Without NSAIDsPain and inflammation can be managed using NSAIDs. But these medicines, especially when taken in high doses and for long periods, can eventually lead to liver and kidney problems, heart attacks, strokes, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and other serious health issues. Alternative therapies, including topical pain relievers, complementary remedies, herbs, and supplements, can help you avoid these risks.
Pain Relief Without NSAIDs
Pain and inflammation can be managed using NSAIDs. But these medicines, especially when taken in high doses and for long periods, can eventually lead to liver and kidney problems, heart attacks, strokes, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and other serious health issues. Alternative therapies, including topical pain relievers, complementary remedies, herbs, and supplements, can help you avoid these risks.
Complementary Arthritis Remedies
Complementary arthritis remedies are healthcare practices that are not part of traditional medicine. Many of these have evidence and safety studies behind them and are sometimes combined with conventional therapies.
Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese medical practice uses thin needles inserted at specific points in the body. Research shows it offers short-term relief for people with arthritis.While there is little evidence of its long-term benefits, the risk of harm withacupunctureis low.
Omega-3 Fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acidsare known for reducing inflammation, and an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids might reduce your pain and stiffness.They may even protect your joints from damage. The most common sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish oil and flaxseed. You can get your omega-3 fatty acids from your diet or supplements.
Herbal and Dietary Supplements
Some herbal or dietary supplements might reduce joint pain, but there is not enough research evidence on which supplements best treat arthritis pain or inflammation.
Herbal and dietary supplement options that might reduce arthritis pain include:
Safety NoteThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor herbal and dietary supplements for quality and safety, so buying your supplements from a reputable source is important. Talk to your healthcare provider before you try a new supplement, as some can cause serious side effects or adverse drug reactions.
Safety Note
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor herbal and dietary supplements for quality and safety, so buying your supplements from a reputable source is important. Talk to your healthcare provider before you try a new supplement, as some can cause serious side effects or adverse drug reactions.
Massage
The research onmassageshows some evidence that massage is superior to nonactive therapies for reducing pain and improving function.Your options for massage include going to a day spa, getting a massage as part of physical therapy, and usinghandheld devicesormassage chairs.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Therapy
Research on mindfulness meditation,biofeedback, and relaxation training shows these therapies can improve function and offer higher pain tolerance in people with arthritis.These therapies are designed to bring about relaxation or mindful responses, resulting in a reduced negative response, slower breathing, reduced heart rate, andlower blood pressure, which is the opposite of astress response.
You can learn about mindfulness meditation, biofeedback, or relaxation techniques through educational videos and websites or from a mental health professional.
Mental Health and Arthritis PainThe symptoms of anxiety and depression are common in American adults with arthritis, says the CDC.These symptoms can lead to reduced treatment responses and a poor quality of life. But improving your mental health and treatingmood disordersmight lead to less joint pain.Let your healthcare provider know if you experience symptoms of anxiety or depression or seek out treatment or referrals to therapists or other mental health services.
Mental Health and Arthritis Pain
The symptoms of anxiety and depression are common in American adults with arthritis, says the CDC.These symptoms can lead to reduced treatment responses and a poor quality of life. But improving your mental health and treatingmood disordersmight lead to less joint pain.Let your healthcare provider know if you experience symptoms of anxiety or depression or seek out treatment or referrals to therapists or other mental health services.
The symptoms of anxiety and depression are common in American adults with arthritis, says the CDC.These symptoms can lead to reduced treatment responses and a poor quality of life. But improving your mental health and treatingmood disordersmight lead to less joint pain.
Let your healthcare provider know if you experience symptoms of anxiety or depression or seek out treatment or referrals to therapists or other mental health services.
Tai Chi
Yoga
Like tai chi,yogais an ancient practice that brings together the mind and body through breathing exercises, meditation, and poses that encourage relaxation and stress reduction.
Regular yoga training has been found to help reduce arthritis symptoms, promote physical function, and improve general well-being.Studies have also found some benefits for reducing RA pain and inflammation.
Can CBD Help Arthritis Pain?Cannabidiol (CBD) products, including CBD oil, might help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.CBD oil contains extracts from cannabis plants, and many people use it to manage chronic pain conditions. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of scientific evidence to date proving CBD can be an effective arthritis treatment for humans.If you want CBD to manage your pain, being cautious and educating yourself on the risks is crucial. Inform your healthcare provider so they can monitor you and ensure you are not at risk for adverse drug interactions.
Can CBD Help Arthritis Pain?
Cannabidiol (CBD) products, including CBD oil, might help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.CBD oil contains extracts from cannabis plants, and many people use it to manage chronic pain conditions. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of scientific evidence to date proving CBD can be an effective arthritis treatment for humans.If you want CBD to manage your pain, being cautious and educating yourself on the risks is crucial. Inform your healthcare provider so they can monitor you and ensure you are not at risk for adverse drug interactions.
Cannabidiol (CBD) products, including CBD oil, might help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.CBD oil contains extracts from cannabis plants, and many people use it to manage chronic pain conditions. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of scientific evidence to date proving CBD can be an effective arthritis treatment for humans.
If you want CBD to manage your pain, being cautious and educating yourself on the risks is crucial. Inform your healthcare provider so they can monitor you and ensure you are not at risk for adverse drug interactions.
Prescription Arthritis Medication
Inflammatory arthritis conditions, like RA,psoriatic arthritis, andankylosing spondylitis, are treated with prescription medicines. These include:
7 Types of Medications for Joint Pain Relief
Assistive devicescan make tasks easier on your joints. These products keep joints in the best position for functioning so you can avoid injury and extend your range of motion without pain. Simple devices, such as jar openers, reachers, zipper pulls, and easy-grip utensils, are available to purchase online and can make your life with arthritis a lot easier.
If you have mobility troubles, a therapist, such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or orthotist, can recommend mobility devices and aids can help you determine what might best help you. Mobility devices and aids that can be helpful for people with arthritis include:
Mobility Aids - What People With Arthritis Need to Know
If arthritis leads to severe joint damage, you may need surgery to fix or replace damaged joints, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
Surgical options for people with arthritis include:
Surgery is considered when all other options for treating arthritis pain have failed or joints no longer work because they are too damaged.
Summary
The term “arthritis” covers a range of conditions that affect the joints and lead to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two common types of arthritis.
If left untreated, arthritis can lead to joint damage and mobility and function troubles. Fortunately, you have plenty of pain relief options. Some are available over the counter as oral medicines and topical therapies. Others require a prescription and are available as pills, topical medicines, injections, and IV treatments.
Surgery might be considered for damaged joints, especially when all other therapies have failed.
Discuss all your treatment options with your healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider before trying natural remedies because some of these may pose harm or affect how prescription treatments work.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lindler BN, Long KE, Taylor NA, Lei W.Use of herbal medications for treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.Medicines. 2020;7(11):67. doi:10.3390/medicines7110067National Institute on Aging.Osteoarthritis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rheumatoid arthritis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Exercise to ease arthritis pain.Malanga GA, Yan N, Stark J.Mechanisms and efficacy of heat and cold therapies for musculoskeletal injury.Postgrad Med. 2015;127(1):57-65. doi:10.1080/00325481.2015.992719Osteoarthritis: care and management. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2020 Dec 11. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 177.)Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al.2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guidelinefor the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and dnee.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(2):149-162. doi:10.1002/acr.24131National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Arthritis and complementary health approaches: what the science says.Khanna S, Jaiswal KS, Gupta B.Managing rheumatoid arthritis with dietary interventions.Front Nutr. 2017;4:52. doi:10.3389/fnut.2017.00052Chen L, Michalsen A.Management of chronic pain using complementary and integrative medicine.BMJ. 2017;357:j1284. Published 2017 Apr 24. doi:10.1136/bmj.j1284Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The arthritis-mental health connection.Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, et al.Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.Eur J Pain. 2016;20(6):936-948. doi:10.1002/ejp.818Arthritis Foundation.Medications for arthritis.Curtis JR, Xie F, Smith C, et al.Changing trends in opioid use among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017;69(9):1733-1740. doi:10.1002/art.40152Arthritis Foundation.Physical therapies and devices.Arthritis Foundation.Understand your joint surgery options.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lindler BN, Long KE, Taylor NA, Lei W.Use of herbal medications for treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.Medicines. 2020;7(11):67. doi:10.3390/medicines7110067National Institute on Aging.Osteoarthritis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rheumatoid arthritis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Exercise to ease arthritis pain.Malanga GA, Yan N, Stark J.Mechanisms and efficacy of heat and cold therapies for musculoskeletal injury.Postgrad Med. 2015;127(1):57-65. doi:10.1080/00325481.2015.992719Osteoarthritis: care and management. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2020 Dec 11. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 177.)Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al.2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guidelinefor the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and dnee.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(2):149-162. doi:10.1002/acr.24131National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Arthritis and complementary health approaches: what the science says.Khanna S, Jaiswal KS, Gupta B.Managing rheumatoid arthritis with dietary interventions.Front Nutr. 2017;4:52. doi:10.3389/fnut.2017.00052Chen L, Michalsen A.Management of chronic pain using complementary and integrative medicine.BMJ. 2017;357:j1284. Published 2017 Apr 24. doi:10.1136/bmj.j1284Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The arthritis-mental health connection.Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, et al.Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.Eur J Pain. 2016;20(6):936-948. doi:10.1002/ejp.818Arthritis Foundation.Medications for arthritis.Curtis JR, Xie F, Smith C, et al.Changing trends in opioid use among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017;69(9):1733-1740. doi:10.1002/art.40152Arthritis Foundation.Physical therapies and devices.Arthritis Foundation.Understand your joint surgery options.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lindler BN, Long KE, Taylor NA, Lei W.Use of herbal medications for treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.Medicines. 2020;7(11):67. doi:10.3390/medicines7110067National Institute on Aging.Osteoarthritis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rheumatoid arthritis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Exercise to ease arthritis pain.Malanga GA, Yan N, Stark J.Mechanisms and efficacy of heat and cold therapies for musculoskeletal injury.Postgrad Med. 2015;127(1):57-65. doi:10.1080/00325481.2015.992719Osteoarthritis: care and management. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2020 Dec 11. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 177.)Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al.2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guidelinefor the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and dnee.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(2):149-162. doi:10.1002/acr.24131National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Arthritis and complementary health approaches: what the science says.Khanna S, Jaiswal KS, Gupta B.Managing rheumatoid arthritis with dietary interventions.Front Nutr. 2017;4:52. doi:10.3389/fnut.2017.00052Chen L, Michalsen A.Management of chronic pain using complementary and integrative medicine.BMJ. 2017;357:j1284. Published 2017 Apr 24. doi:10.1136/bmj.j1284Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The arthritis-mental health connection.Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, et al.Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.Eur J Pain. 2016;20(6):936-948. doi:10.1002/ejp.818Arthritis Foundation.Medications for arthritis.Curtis JR, Xie F, Smith C, et al.Changing trends in opioid use among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017;69(9):1733-1740. doi:10.1002/art.40152Arthritis Foundation.Physical therapies and devices.Arthritis Foundation.Understand your joint surgery options.
Lindler BN, Long KE, Taylor NA, Lei W.Use of herbal medications for treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.Medicines. 2020;7(11):67. doi:10.3390/medicines7110067
National Institute on Aging.Osteoarthritis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rheumatoid arthritis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Exercise to ease arthritis pain.
Malanga GA, Yan N, Stark J.Mechanisms and efficacy of heat and cold therapies for musculoskeletal injury.Postgrad Med. 2015;127(1):57-65. doi:10.1080/00325481.2015.992719
Osteoarthritis: care and management. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2020 Dec 11. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 177.)
Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al.2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guidelinefor the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and dnee.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(2):149-162. doi:10.1002/acr.24131
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Arthritis and complementary health approaches: what the science says.
Khanna S, Jaiswal KS, Gupta B.Managing rheumatoid arthritis with dietary interventions.Front Nutr. 2017;4:52. doi:10.3389/fnut.2017.00052
Chen L, Michalsen A.Management of chronic pain using complementary and integrative medicine.BMJ. 2017;357:j1284. Published 2017 Apr 24. doi:10.1136/bmj.j1284
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The arthritis-mental health connection.
Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, et al.Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.Eur J Pain. 2016;20(6):936-948. doi:10.1002/ejp.818
Arthritis Foundation.Medications for arthritis.
Curtis JR, Xie F, Smith C, et al.Changing trends in opioid use among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the United States.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017;69(9):1733-1740. doi:10.1002/art.40152
Arthritis Foundation.Physical therapies and devices.
Arthritis Foundation.Understand your joint surgery options.
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