Chronic arthritis pain isn't something to ignore: not only can it affect your quality of life, it can also deplete your emotional stores (leading to anxiety and/or depression) and muscle fitness (leading to weakness or complete muscle breakdown).

But whether you suffer from osteoarthritis ("wear and tear" of the joints), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints) or gout (excess uric acid that accumulate in the joints), relief from your arthritis pain is available. This article will discuss the pros and cons of over the counter (OTC) medications and supplements for osteoarthritis, focusing on managing arthritis pain and maintaining the ability to use the joint in question.

Arthritis Pain Relief: Acetaminophen
Of the drugs in our list of arthritis pain relievers, acetaminophen is widely accepted as the OTC with the least amount of undesirable side effects and the lowest long-term costs. However, acetaminophen does nothing to reduce inflammation associated with arthritis pain, normally can only treat mild to moderate cases of osteoarthritis and can easily become toxic if mixed with alcohol.

Arthritis Pain Relief: NSAIDs
NSAIDs help sufferers with both arthritis pain and inflammation and are quite inexpensive (like acetaminophen). However, long term usage has been shown to cause upset stomach and other, more serious side effects (such as skin rashes or speeding up the progression of osteoarthritis by interfering with cartilage repair and promoting cartilage destruction).

Arthritis Pain Relief: Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate
Combined together, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are excellent supplements in the fight against arthritis pain: they are said to increase mobility, reduce osteoarthritis pain and form the building blocks for cartilage growth. However, those allergic to shellfish must avoid glucosamine at all costs (since it's derived from the shells of shrimp, lobster and crab).

Arthritis Pain Relief: MSM
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) has been studied extensively (for over twenty years) as an arthritis pain relieving supplement. By blocking pain transmitters in the affected nerve, MSM users find similar arthritis pain relief to acetaminophen, but without the potential liver toxicity. Some osteoarthritis sufferers have also noticed a reduction in inflammation of the joints also, since MSM reduces histamine levels (linked to allergy-related inflammation).

Arthritis Pain Relief: SAMe
SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) has been shown to reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis sufferers as much as NSAIDs. However, SAMe takes a longer time to see symptom reduction, but offers less gastrointestinal discomfort than NSAIDs in general. Arthritis pain sufferers should ensure enough B vitamins are ingested along with SAMe to feel the full effects, and expect slow but steady arthritis pain relief.

Arthritis Pain Relief: Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)
Found in evening primrose and borage oils, GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid said to help lessen arthritis pain, stiffness and swelling. Few side effects have been recorded, however all omega-6's are blood thinners and may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with NSAIDs.

As with all OTC supplements and drugs, check with your doctor first before starting any arthritis pain reducing regimen on your own. You may also want to monitor your liver and kidney function for most of the medications discussed above since almost all have a slight risk of side effects. Start with the lowest dosage possible to see how your body and your illness tolerate the item, and be patient: you'll never be sure if a new supplement or medication is actually working if you don't take adequate time to test.

John Robben is the owner/operator of Ultimate Water Massage (est. 2000), a Washington-based company that offers over 2000 products to ease arthritis pain. Visit for more information, tools, supplies and tips for living with arthritis at http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/.

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