Whats a Good Arthritis Medicine for Me, Doctor?

Pain is the body's warning signal that something is wrong. If the pain is due to overuse or arthritis there are many things to consider. In all likelihood, one of the first things a person will reach for is an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines work by blocking the synthesis of cyclooxygenase, the enzyme responsible for the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. The two different pathways that are blocked are COX-1 and COX-2.

Despite the negative publicity surrounding COX-2 drugs, it is clear that all anti-inflammatory drugs have potential cardiovascular risks. These drugs also may inhibit bone and tendon healing. They may also block the absorption of nutrients... So the weekend warrior needs to take notice.

Nonetheless, anti-inflammatory drugs remain a bulwark for the treatment of painful episodes.

Here are some simple suggestions:

If you're going to undertake an activity that you're sure will cause a problem, it's OK to pop a small amount... say 200 mgs of ibuprofen before you do whatever you're going to do. Unless it's a marathon. Dehydration and anti-inflammatory drugs do not mix!

After your activity, it's also OK to pop a bit of ibuprofen or naproxen (200 mgs). Just make sure you're well hydrated. Also do not take these medicines if you have any underlying liver, kidney, or heart disease!

If you already take anti-inflammatory drugs on a regular basis, remain well-hydrated, and avoid alcohol when exercising or undertaking strenuous activity. With the recent data regarding cardiovascular risk, it's a good idea to get your heart checked out.

Make sure you take your anti-inflammatory medicines with food. Sometimes people who develop indigestion with anti-inflammatory medicines but who do not have an ulcer will benefit from taking a proton pump inhibitor medicine such as Nexium or Protonix.

If you absolutely can't take anti-inflammatory medicines because of a true allergy or if you have an ulcer- or another valid reason- you can try acetaminophen (Tylenol). The primary concerns here are that you not take this drug with alcohol (liver toxicity is increased) and you should not take this drug if you have significant liver or kidney disease.

Always consult with your physician prior to taking these medicines on a regular basis. Anti-inflammatory drugs may affect the metabolism of other prescription drugs.

Dr. Wei (pronounced "way") is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. For more information on arthritis and related conditions, go to: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com

In The News:

---

Stem Cell Breakthrough: Can You Now Make Your Own?

Over the past few years, stem cells have been getting... Read More

Phentermine Diet Pills: When Diet and Exercise Arent Enough To Help You Lose Weight

Have you been struggling to lose weight, but diet and... Read More

Thalidomide

Thalidomide is responsible for causing more than 10,000 children to... Read More

Patient Communication: Picking Up Where Medicine Leaves Off

We've all seen patients who were far beyond the reach... Read More

Study Confirms IBS Improvement

Irritable bowel syndrome is a debilitating and distressing condition, which... Read More

Strong Pain Relief - Powerful & Effective Natural Pain Management Alternative

The recent removal of several high profile and popular prescription... Read More

4 Reasons to Feel Safe Submitting an Electronic Medical Claim

Electronic Medical ClaimFor years, both practices and patients have had... Read More

Infants and Acid Reflux

Infant acid reflux is quite common. People of all ages,... Read More

Vioxx Personal Injury Lawsuits

Personal injury attorneys representing clients who have allegedly been harmed... Read More

10 Reasons To Buy Drugs From An Online Canadian Pharmacy

1. Online Canadian pharmacies offer overall best prices on Canadian... Read More

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine is an holistic approach that relies on natural... Read More

Amazing Shoulder Pain Reversing Secrets!

Whether you're a weekend athlete, or a gardener that overdid... Read More

Buy Lunesta Cheap By Comparing Prescription Prices Online

We all know that there's no such thing as cheap... Read More

7 Tips to Keep Your Fluid Down on Dialysis

As any dialysis patient will tell you, keeping your fluid... Read More

Bextra and Vioxx Withdrawal Spurs Price Increase Among Rivals

The market for painkillers is huge. People don't like pain... Read More

Oral Chelation ? Is It Better Than Intravenous Chelation?

Intravenous Chelation was the most common practice until a few... Read More

Using Blood Pressure Monitors To Maintain Your Health

Many people today realize the importance of keeping their blood... Read More

A Look at the Different Acid Reflux Symptoms

Acid reflux symptoms vary in degrees of discomfort, from person... Read More

Utah Drug Rehab: Searching For A Therapist

Finding the right treatment for any person suffering with a... Read More

The Top Seven Myths About Arthritis

Myth #1: "Nothing can be done about arthritis..."You don't have... Read More

Healthcare Providers -- Its Time for Your Physical

I think this is a good time for a checkup,... Read More

Viga Lies Cause Potential Fatalities

Viga and Viga for Women is a dietary supplement sold... Read More

Lotronex Lawyer: Lotronex Side Effects Lawsuit

Even in clinical trials, Lotronex displayed a tendency towards causing... Read More

Could This Be Arthritis In My Hands

Hi Rusty. A few days ago, I slightly injured a... Read More

Understanding Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is done using a local aesthetic. A large... Read More

Treatment for High Blood Pressure

The treatment of high blood pressure is one of the... Read More

Online Pharmacies Are Becoming Increasingly Popular Due To Their Convenience And Discreetness

Leading online pharmacy companies are providing consumer with a secure,... Read More

Redux Lawyer Discusses Fen-Phen Fad

In the early nineties, Redux was the original miracle diet... Read More

Marketing Authorisation - Medicinal Products

Marketing Authorisation: Medicinal Products The case of R (on the... Read More

Be Informed About The Medications You Take

The recent withdrawal of the prescription drugs Vioxx and ... Read More

High Cholesterol Prescription Medications Can Kill You

The World Health Organization declares that heart disease is the... Read More

Orthotics and Your Feet

Orthotics are devices which fit into the shoe to aid... Read More

Celebrex? Vioxx? Can My Doctor Provide Me With Safe Prescription Painkillers?

The news has been full of the recent FDA findings... Read More