What you can take for arthritis pain depends on the type of arthritis, how severe your pain is, and what your body tolerates

The main categories are over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, topical creams, and injectable treatments. Most people start with over-the-counter options — nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, or acetaminophen — because they are inexpensive and widely available. If those do not work well enough or cause side effects, your doctor can prescribe stronger medications or recommend injections into the affected joint.

The right choice depends on your specific type of arthritis, other health conditions you have, and what you have already tried. Some medications only mask pain, while others actually slow the disease. Your doctor can help you build a plan that addresses both when ready relief and long-term joint protection.

Key Takeaways

  • Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce both pain and swelling, but can cause stomach upset or raise blood pressure with long-term use.
  • Acetaminophen relieves pain without reducing inflammation and is gentler on the stomach, but does not slow arthritis progression.
  • Prescription medications like methotrexate or biologic drugs can slow joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis, not just mask pain.
  • Topical creams and gels work best for pain in joints close to the skin, like hands and knees, and carry fewer side effects than pills.
  • Corticosteroid injections into the joint can provide weeks or months of relief and are often used alongside other treatments.

Over-the-counter pain relievers and how they differ

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin — reduce both pain and the swelling that causes stiffness. They work by blocking the body's production of prostaglandins, chemicals that trigger inflammation. For many people with mild to moderate arthritis pain, an NSAID is the first thing to try because it addresses both the pain and the underlying inflammation.

The trade-off is that NSAIDs can irritate your stomach lining, especially with long-term use, and may raise blood pressure or affect kidney function. If you take NSAIDs regularly, your doctor may recommend taking them with food or adding a medication that protects your stomach. People with a history of ulcers, heart disease, or kidney problems should check with their doctor before using NSAIDs regularly.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) relieves pain but does not reduce inflammation. It is gentler on the stomach than NSAIDs and does not raise blood pressure. However, it does not slow the progression of arthritis or reduce swelling, so it works best for mild pain or as a backup when NSAIDs are not tolerated. The maximum safe dose is 3,000 to 4,000 mg per day, and you should not exceed that even if the pain is severe, because acetaminophen can damage the liver at high doses.

Prescription medications that slow arthritis, not just pain

If over-the-counter options do not control your pain or if you have rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory type, your doctor may prescribe medications that actually slow the disease. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate, sulfasalazine, or leflunomide reduce inflammation throughout the body and can prevent permanent joint damage. These take weeks or months to reach full effect, so they are often paired with a faster-acting pain reliever while you wait.

Biologic drugs — such as adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), or infliximab (Remicade) — target specific parts of the immune system that drive inflammation. They are injected or infused and work faster than traditional DMARDs for many people. Biologics are expensive and require regular monitoring, but they can significantly reduce pain and swelling and halt joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.

Prescription NSAIDs like meloxicam (Mobic) or celecoxib (Celebrex) are stronger than over-the-counter versions and may work better if standard NSAIDs have not been enough. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against the risks based on your age, other medications, and medical history.

Topical creams and gels for joint pain

Creams and gels you rub directly onto the skin over a painful joint can provide relief without the side effects of pills. Topical NSAIDs — diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen gels, and others — work best on joints close to the surface, like hands, knees, and elbows. They reduce inflammation in that specific area without entering your bloodstream in significant amounts, so they are safer for people who cannot take oral NSAIDs because of stomach or heart issues.

Capsaicin cream, made from hot peppers, blocks pain signals and can reduce arthritis pain with repeated use over several weeks. It causes a warming or burning sensation at first, which fades with time. Menthol-based rubs provide temporary cooling relief but do not reduce inflammation. Topical treatments work best when combined with other pain relief methods rather than used alone for moderate to severe pain.

Corticosteroid injections into the joint

When pain is concentrated in one or a few joints, your doctor can inject a corticosteroid directly into the joint. This delivers a high dose of anti-inflammatory medication exactly where it is needed. Relief usually begins within a few days and can last weeks or months. Corticosteroid injections are often used for knee pain, shoulder pain, or hand joints when other treatments are not working well enough.

The injections are typically spaced at least three months apart because repeated injections in the same joint can weaken cartilage over time. They work best as part of a broader treatment plan that includes exercise, weight management, and other medications rather than as a standalone solution. Your doctor will discuss how often you can safely receive injections and monitor your response.

Combination approaches that work better than one treatment alone

Most people with arthritis pain get better results by combining treatments rather than relying on one. For example, you might take a low dose of an NSAID daily, use a topical cream on the worst joint, and do gentle exercise to maintain mobility. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you might take a DMARD to slow the disease while using acetaminophen or topical NSAIDs for day-to-day pain.

Your doctor can help you build a plan that addresses both pain relief and disease progression. This often means starting with the gentlest option that works, adding or switching treatments if pain is not controlled, and reassessing every few months as your arthritis changes. Keeping a straightforward log of what you take, when you take it, and how much relief you get helps you and your doctor spot patterns and adjust your plan.

Side effects and when to contact your doctor

Over-the-counter NSAIDs can cause stomach upset, heartburn, or black stools — a sign of internal bleeding. If you experience any of these, stop taking the NSAID and contact your doctor. Long-term NSAID use can also raise blood pressure or affect kidney function, so your doctor may check your blood pressure and kidney function if you take them regularly.

Prescription medications like DMARDs and biologics require regular blood tests to monitor for side effects on your liver, kidneys, or blood cells. You will need to schedule these tests before starting and then at intervals your doctor sets. If you develop new symptoms — unusual bruising, persistent fatigue, fever, or shortness of breath — contact your doctor right away. Topical treatments rarely cause serious side effects, but capsaicin can irritate your eyes or skin if you touch your face after explore it, so wash your hands thoroughly after use or wear gloves while explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take ibuprofen and acetaminophen together?

Yes, you can alternate between them or take them together, and many people find this combination works better than either one alone. For example, you might take ibuprofen in the morning and acetaminophen in the afternoon. However, do not exceed the maximum daily dose of either medication, and check with your doctor if you take other medications that might contain acetaminophen or NSAIDs.

How long does it take for arthritis medications to work?

Over-the-counter pain relievers work within 30 minutes to an hour. Topical creams take 15 to 30 minutes. Corticosteroid injections begin working within a few days. Disease-modifying medications like methotrexate or biologics can take 6 to 12 weeks to reach full effect, so your doctor usually pairs them with faster-acting pain relief while you wait.

Is it safe to take arthritis pain medication every day?

Over-the-counter NSAIDs can be taken daily, but long-term use increases the risk of stomach problems and high blood pressure. Acetaminophen is safe at recommended doses but should not exceed 3,000 to 4,000 mg per day. Prescription medications require monitoring by your doctor. Talk with your doctor about the safest long-term plan for your specific situation.

What should I do if my usual pain medication stops working?

Do not increase the dose on your own. Contact your doctor instead. Your arthritis may be progressing, or your body may have adapted to the medication. Your doctor can adjust your dose, switch to a different medication, add a second treatment, or recommend an injection. Changing your plan based on what your doctor learns is safer than guessing.

Are there natural or herbal remedies for arthritis pain?

Some people report relief from turmeric, ginger, or fish oil supplements, but research on their effectiveness is mixed and they are not regulated like medications. If you want to try a supplement, tell your doctor first because some interact with arthritis medications or blood thinners. Supplements should not replace prescribed treatments, especially for rheumatoid arthritis, where slowing disease progression matters.