Treating chronic or acute arthritis pain, or pain after arthritis surgery, is often done with medication. Some people find relief and effective management with over-the-counter medications, while others may need doctor-prescribed options such as opioid medications. Learning the options available and creating a pain management plan with a rheumatologist or other physician can be an important part of managing ongoing arthritis pain.
There are many medication options available to treat arthritis and musculoskeletal pain. Learn the indications and risk factors of some of the most common options for arthritis pain relief.
A prescription-strength topical medication for arthritis pain relief is typically prescribed only if relief cannot be had from OTC options or there are concerns about oral medications.
Although biologics often cause fewer side effects that other traditional medicines for arthritis, there is an increased risk for infection and possibility for allergic reaction.

Making biological therapies is a highly complex process that often involves living organisms, such as bacteria, yeast, tissue and cells

advertisement
advertisement