This type of medication is recommended for those who experience mild pain or discomfort. Topical analgesics are recommended for those who experience moderate pain, and are usually suggested in the form of creams with counterirritants (such as eucalyptus or wintergreen) which will distract the brain from experiencing joint pain by stimulating the nerve endings within the body. For moderate to severe pain, patients can also take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID’s) such as ibuprofen to diminish swelling and inflammation (Arthritis-Health, …show more content…
There have been some side effects associated with the intake of these particular substances though, such as increased risk of heart attack and stroke, possibility of allergic reaction and skin reactions, as well as gastrointestinal bleeding. The negative effects of taking these types of medications can be seen in as little as two weeks of taking the drugs, and they elevate their potential to act negatively over an increased intake span. The specific medications known to conceivably cause these side effects are ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib along with others. However, aspirin is an NSAID that has been shown to reduce the potential for heart attack and stroke among daily dosage users, and is possibly a preventative measure in this way. If an individual does decide to take these medications (aside from daily consumption of aspirin) the lowest effective dose should be administered for the shortest amount of time (U.S. Food and Drug Administration,