Are over-the-counter or prescription drugs effective for relieving osteoarthritis symptoms?
The painful symptoms of osteoarthritis are typically treated with conventional drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While initially effective in relieving pain and inflammation, the prolonged use of NSAIDs is associated with adverse side effects, including stomach ulcers and damage to the liver and kidneys. Furthermore, research indicates that NSAIDs may actually accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis because they appear to inhibit cartilage repair.
