What is the best medicine for joint pain? I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of different answers to this question, but they don’t all make sense. In fact, some of them are almost contradictory.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
I was recently asked by my husband, what is the best medicine for joint pain. He told me that NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are fine. He didn’t like the effects of the drugs on his kidneys or on his heart though. He also said that NSAIDs tend to have more side effects than the alternative – laser therapy.
My response to his question was, “I think that if you have a severe pain, you should consider NSAIDs, particularly if you also take acetaminophen and aspirin.” He frowned and then said, “Are you saying that taking NSAIDs is bad for people with joint pains caused by neurological pains?” My answer was, “No, not necessarily.” Then he asked, “What about taking acetaminophen or aspirin?” I said, “That depends.
In order to understand what the best medicine is for joint pain, it’s important to understand how pain happens. Pain happens when our bodies do not signal the proper situations to us. That means that our cells send signals that we’re injured or hurt, but there’s no pain. Pain comes when our tissues, bones, muscles, or tendons no longer get the messages they need from our brain. When this happens, signals get cut off that result in pain.
So, it makes sense that the best medicine for joint pain might be something that can reduce inflammation and increase the production of natural proteins like collagen. The best anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, and anti-narcotic medicines have been proven to increase the natural production of collagen in the body. Some are available in oral form, while others are taken as supplements. Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and turmeric have all were found to be effective in treating inflammatory and neurological pains.
Besides these, other kinds of best medicine for joint pain are those that increase extensibility or stretchability of the joints. This means that a patient’s ligaments, tendons and muscles become less rigid so that they can stretch further. These medicines may come in tablet, capsule, liquid or even cream form. All of them must be taken daily, on an empty stomach, in order for the medicine to be absorbed properly by the body. For patients with extensor problems, oral medications are often recommended in addition to the topical creams.
Taking Vitamin D is also considered a good medicine for joint pains. Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium and phosphorus which are essential for healthy cartilage. It is found in fatty fish such as salmon, Herring and haddock and in fortified dairy products. However, supplements are available which provide the required amounts of vitamin D for effective treatment.
Another vitamin substance that is believed to benefit joint pain and other ailments is the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins are powerful antioxidants that help rid the body tissues of free radicals. They also ensure that the system remains capable of eliminating toxins from the blood. Vitamin A and C are found in citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers and tomatoes. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, wheat germ, almonds and other whole grains.
Cartilage stimulators also work in the same way as hyaluronic acid injections. They stimulate bone formation in cartilage damaged areas. Joints become stronger and they lubricate and protect the injured joints. This is due to the fact that these substances make cartilage stronger and more pliable.
There are many other types of joint medicine available. These include steroid injections and enzyme therapy. Both these treatments are used on a short term basis. For chronic joint pain, it is possible to use injections or enzymes on a continual basis. For example, steroid injections are given on a regular basis to prevent infection and to promote the repair of cartilage damage.
If the cause of the best medicine for joint pains is unknown, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers. These products will provide you with temporary relief from minor aches and pains. However, if your pain persists and causes severe distress then you should consult your doctor. They may suggest other options such as prescription medication, natural remedies, or anti-inflammatory medications.