Osteoarthritis is a very common condition affecting the joints that’s frequently associated with the aging process. For some people the symptoms are mild requiring little more than an occasional Tylenol or Advil, while others experience significant pain and debilitation that may require joint replacement in extreme cases. If the pain of osteoarthritis is mild, the use of over-the-counter medications may be all that’s needed to relieve the pain and joint stiffness frequently experienced with this disease. Here are two inexpensive treatments for osteoarthritis pain you can get at your local drugstore – no prescription required.

Glucosamine Sulfate

This is a natural treatment that works for some, but not for others. Studies on the effectiveness of Glucosamine for treating the pain of osteoarthritis have been mixed with some showing moderate benefit and others showing none. The most recent studies suggest that it’s effective in about four out of ten people when it’s taken three times a day at a total daily dose of 1500 milligrams. Some studies suggest that it’s more effective when combined with chondroitin. It’s believed to improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis by helping to rebuild the damaged cartilage and by reducing inflammation. Glucosamine sulfate can be purchased at most drugstores and health food stores with and without chondroitin. and costs around $6.00 to $30.00 per month. Ask your doctor if you’re a good candidate and keep in mind that it can take up to four months to see improvement.

Capsaicin

This is a topical treatment sold at most drugstores for temporarily relieving the pain of osteoarthritis as well as other types of joint and muscle pain. The active ingredient is capsaicin, the ingredient in chili peppers that gives them their fiery taste. It appears to act by lowering levels of a neurotransmitter called Substance P which is associated with the transmission of pain. It’s applied directly to the affected joints up to four times a day and reduces pain in about forty percent of people who use it. It’s also an active ingredient in many sports creams formulated to relieve the pain of athletic injuries.

Other Options to Relieve the Pain of Osteoarthritis

NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or acetaminophen can be used to temporarily relieve the pain of osteoarthritis, but may be difficult for some people to take because of their potential side effects. Acetaminophen should always be taken according to directions, never at high doses, since it can be associated with liver toxicity. There’s also some evidence that omega-3 fatty acid supplements or fish oils can help to reduce the pain of arthritis. 

Always talk to your doctor before self-treating osteoarthritis to confirm the diagnosis. If the symptoms are mild, you may want to give these less costly, over-the-counter remedies a try.