Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis in which the patient generally experiences severe inflammation. Therefore, tone of the most important aspect of treatment includes dealing with them. For this purpose, various methods are used. Osteoarthritis medications are among the most important methods for dealing with pain and inflammation.

There are two types of medications. There are various types of medications used for dealing with pain and inflammation. Some of them are such that they reduce the inflammation and thus cause a reduction in the pain while some are such that they act just as painkillers reduce the pain sensation. Today however there are several osteoarthritis medications available which not only act as painkillers but they also reduce the inflammation as well. Some of the widely used osteoarthritis medications and the information related to them are given below.

• Acetaminophen is the most commonly used painkiller. Though it does not reduce the inflammation, it is very effective and therefore it is widely used.
• The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have emerged to be the most useful osteoarthritis medications.  They are very effective as the painkillers and in addition to this they are also are able to reduce the inflammation. Actually, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the formation of prostaglandins which have are major role in the development of inflammation as well as pain.
• COX-2 selective inhibitors, for example celecoxib, rofecoxib and valdecxib, are similar in function to the other types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as NSAID.
• Some steroids as corticosteroids were in use in the previous days. Today also, some of the doctors prescribe them. However, their side effects are far more than the benefits they provide. Therefore, they are not advisable as better options are available.
• Narcotics can relieve the patient from the chronic pain. The narcotics as tramadol, opioids, etc are used as osteoarthritis medications. However, they are never advisable. As they are very effective pain relievers, they can be used for the extreme cases of pain.

Osteoarthritis medications provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation. However, they also help in keeping osteoarthritis under control. As there is no effective treatment available for arthritis the osteoarthritis medications, which help in dealing with the symptoms as pain and inflammation play a very important part in the treatment.

However, it is always better to use them carefully as most of them associated with some side effects as well. Moreover, the pain relief should also be supported by the other therapies exercises, nutritional supplements.