Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is a joint disease in which the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. The loss of cartilage causes the bones under the cartilage to rub together.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting more than 20 million people in the United States.
While both men and women have the disease, it is more common in men before age 45 and more common in women after age 451.
Symptoms include pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint.
OTC medications can be used to control the symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as pain and swelling.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and swelling, however:
Acetaminophen, which helps control pain, does not irritate the stomach and is less likely to cause long-term side effects.
People with liver disease or those taking blood-thinning medicines or NSAIDs should use acetaminophen with caution and only after consulting with a doctor.
There are also topical creams, rubs and sprays that may alleviate pain when applied directly to the skin.
* Active ingredients: ingredients in a medication that produce a therapeutic response
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