Joint Pain – What Works?
Topical painkillers
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Counter irritants: produce a warm sensation to distract one from the pain
Medicated gels/creams/patches: contain pain relief medication (e.g. Ketoprofen, Diclofenac
gel)
Oral painkillers
Medication
Paracetamol
Paracetamol/ Orphenadrine
(Anarex)
Diclofenac, Ibuprofen
Key Points
 Do not exceed 4g (8 tablets) a day
 May cause drowsiness
 Has a muscle relaxing action
 Do not take additional paracetamol
 Take after food as this medication may cause gastric
irritation
 May worsen any pre-existing asthma
 Has anti-inflammatory properties
 Must be used with caution if kidney problems are
present
Lifestyle management
1. Rest
 Let your joints rest if you experience any pain or inflammation and avoid doing
repetitive movements involving the injured joint.
2. Exercise
 Exercising helps to strengthen the muscles so they can support the joints better.
3. Weight Management
 Excess weight increases the stress on your joints and weight loss helps to relieve
pressure on the joints and thereby reduces pain.
4. Use of heat and cold compresses
 Warm compresses help to soothe stiffness while cold compress helps to relieve pain and
reduce inflammation.
Supplements for joints
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Glucosamine acts as building blocks for cartilage formation.
Chondroitin, usually given with glucosamine, helps to attract fluid into joint spaces to
provide cushioning upon impact.
Methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM), also usually used in combination with glucosamine and
chondroitin, has some anti-inflammatory properties and might help with pain and
stiffness.
Herbal products such as Indian Frankincense, Cat’s Claw, Ginger, Turmeric, Willow Bark,
Winter Cherry may possess some anti-inflammatory properties.
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