Many different medications are available for managing arthritis symptoms, from topical creams to injections. These treatments can reduce pain, inflammation, and fatigue due to arthritis.
Medically reviewed by Jennie Olopaade, PharmD, RPH
There are different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and gout. The symptoms you experience are often the result of inflammation in the affected joints, such as with RA, or due to joint aggravation, like in OA.
The symptoms of arthritis conditions are often very similar across the different types and can include:
joint pain
joint stiffness
swelling
fatigue
Finding effective arthritis treatment can help you manage these symptoms and lower your risk of developing complications from arthritis.
Pain medications for arthritis
Photography by Katleho Seisa/Getty Images
Depending on how severe your arthritis is, your doctor may recommend or prescribe medications to help relieve arthritis pain.
For mild to moderate pain from arthritis, the most effective medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen (Aleve).
Other pain medications for arthritis may include the following.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever that can help reduce mild to moderate pain from arthritis. It’s a popular choice for managing arthritis pain as it doesn’t carry the risks of stomach and heart damage that other pain medications can. But taking too much acetaminophen can lead to liver damage.
It’s important to follow the dosage instructions on the label or the instructions of a pharmacist.
Opioid medications
If you experience severe pain from advanced arthritis, your doctor may prescribe an opioid pain-relieving medication. These medications work by blocking the signals from your nerve cells to your brain that cause the feeling of pain.
When taken correctly, opioids are safe and effective. But opioid medications can be highly addictive. It’s important to take opioid medications under the guidance of a medical professional and for short-term relief during periods of severe arthritis pain.
Opioid medications also may not be suitable for all types of arthritis. For example, a 2019 research notes how opioids may not be as effective in managing pain from OA.
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Inflammation is the primary cause of arthritis pain. Medications that lower inflammation can help relieve pain and stiffness that results from inflamed tissue. Anti-inflammatory medications include the following.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs are available both OTC and in higher strength by prescription. They help reduce inflammation by blocking the activity of certain chemicals, called prostaglandins, that trigger inflammation in your body.
NSAID medications can help lower the severity of symptoms, including:
Disease-modifying antirheumatic medications for arthritis
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) work by disrupting the process in the body that causes inflammation. Because they work on this more fundamental level, DMARDs can help treat many types of autoimmune health conditions, including RA and psoriatic arthritis.
By preventing inflammation, DMARDs can help treat symptoms like joint swelling, pain, and redness.
Common DMARDs for arthritis include:
Conventional DMARDs: These are slow-acting oral tablets, including cyclosporine (Neoral) and methotrexate (Trexall).
Biological therapies: These medications work in a similar way to conventional DMARDs, but they work faster. A doctor may prescribe them both together, and they may include rituximab (Rituxan) and sarilumab (Kevzara).
JAK inhibitors: These medications block a specific type of enzyme, the Janus kinase enzymes, that contribute to RA. One type of JAK inhibitor is baricitinib (Olumiant).
Topical medications for arthritis
Several types of topical creams and ointments can help soothe arthritis pain.
Lidocaine (Lidoderm): Creams like lidocaine work by numbing the pain signals on the skin, providing temporary relief from arthritis pain.
Salicylates: Available OTC, these ointments contain the same pain reliever as aspirin.
Diclofenac (Cataflam): Available by prescription in stronger variations, diclofenac helps lower inflammation and pain through skin application.
Other medications for arthritis symptoms
Other medications that can treat symptoms of arthritis include:
Antidepressants
It’s common to experience fatigue from arthritis. A doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), to help increase your energy levels.
Allopurinol
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) is a medication that helps slow the progression of gout-related joint pain. It can prevent the formation of painful crystals on your joints caused by uric acid buildup.
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Summary
A variety of medications, available both OTC and by prescription, can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis and prevent the progression of certain types of the condition.
Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, a doctor may prescribe a combination of medications, such as topical pain relievers, pain medications, and oral biologics to lower inflammation.
