What over the counter medicine is good for rheumatoid arthritis?

If you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, then you’re likely no stranger to the pain and inflammation that comes with it. Common symptoms of this degenerative disease include joint swelling, stiffness, and discomfort making every daily activity one struggle after another. While prescription drugs are a popular choice for RA treatment, over-the-counter medications provide an affordable and easily accessible alternative—with some having surprisingly effective results. In this article we will explore five options available in pharmacies near you, so stop what you’re doing grab your wallet, and let’s dive into it!

1. Acetaminophen

If there’s one go-to medication that individuals turn to at the first sign of body aches or pains—especially headaches—it would have to be acetaminophen (or as some folks refer to it: “Acey”). While not proven directly as an anti-inflammatory agent like other OTCs mentioned below, Acey has general analgesic properties making them ideal when dealing with low-grade muscle or joint pain.

I should mention though, high doses can cause severe liver damage leading our organ on a path straight outta town! Oh! Did I forget to mention? This is definitely NOT great news if already taking prescribed meds linked with liver toxicity such as methotrexate.

One fun tip – taking Acey something greasy (just about any food) may help reduce stomach-related side effects but ahem… calories people!

2. NSAIDs

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs sound sinister than they are; simply put; NSAIDs reduce inflammation in humans giving much-needed relief from its painful clutches.

Common examples include ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve), diclofenac potassium (Zipsor). These everyday heroes share relatively identical functions although their potency varies significantly. NSAIDs work opposite to Acetaminophen, focusing mainly on the inflammation while providing pain relief.

While very effective, users should know that larger doses and extended usage can lead to upper gastrointestinal tract problems (bleeding ulcers) which I must say may not be as exciting as they sound!

3. Topical Salicylates

Salicylates aim at offering localized relief from joint pain whilst simultaneously lowering swelling caused by RA symptoms, placing them in a great position alongside other OTCs featured here; however only in isolated cases of v ery mild RA (if you have severe Rheumatoid arthritis please stay away!).

One such example is Aspercreme, popular among athletes dealing with twisted ankles or sore muscles—as it helps soothe the area without being absorbed into the bloodstream directly thus reducing blood clotting possibilities associated with oral medications.

Topical salicylate methods generally come with less risk of systemic side effects but may cause redness ad tingling around application site sometimes . So don’t just copy someone else’s idea – experiment first!

4. Capsaicin

Capsaicin has significant benefits for low-grade musculoskeletal ache much like acetaminophen yet essentially creating temporary tolerance over time making them even more useful than Acey.

Ironically sourced from chili peppers whose spicy effect most people dread makes capsaicin unique because it blocks specific enzymes called Substance p which transmits painful signals normally sent through nerve endings during conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis .

I’d suggest using some gloves when applying these ointments so hurting fingers aren’t massaged unintentionally. Now go ahead grab those leftover jalapenos hidden in your fridge and let’s create something hot together (without eating it).

5.Glucosamine

Besides having future issues resisting a lot moaning about aging joints Glucosamine might prove beneficial for folks dealing with degenerative joint disease like Rheumatoid Arthritis. Glucosamine works optimally as a chondroprotective agent – this means that it supports cartilage regeneration; refreshing elderly joints.

A study in 2007 concluded Glucosamine could help those dealing with osteoarthritis but more research needs to be done for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. It’s essential we advise most efficiently when selecting this drug-like over-the-counter medication, It’s not FDA approved – so check up on unfamiliar brands carefully!

Conclusion

There are several straight-forward OTC medicine. Nonetheless, no two people with rheumatoid arthritis equal; thus individual suitability will also invariably differ. However, some medications surprisingly show excellent potential if used correctly without the internet “free textbook” assumed knowledge base propagated by influencers promoting dubious “cure-all” claims.

So there you have it! Five simple choices proven/possessive of predicting effective results already accessible at your local pharmacist or online retailer—the rest is good old-fashioned trial and error along with medical guidance from credible sources (Stay wary of untrustworthy sources) . With patience and understanding towards one’s journey—or in this case—medicine bag we might conquer RA once and for all!

Happy Healing!!

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