Joint pain is the most common symptom of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, both of which are chronic diseases that can affect the person afflicted over a long period of time. Arthritis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be treated through a variety of products and methods. Sports-related activities as well as falls and other trauma can injure the cartilage within a joint and, if it is not provided sufficient time to heal, chronic pain and persistent disability can follow. Additionally, damage to the bone surface can start a biological process that results in joint degeneration. This, in turn, often leads to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This is a brief overview of some of the products currently available, through both prescription and over-the-counter, to treat the symptoms of arthritis, specifically joint pain.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever but does not reduce swelling, which is a common symptom associated with some types of arthritis, specifically rheumatoid arthritis. As such acetaminophen, the best known of which is Tylenol, may be effective for people afflicted with osteoarthritis which often times have very little...