Arthritis

Hi is paracetamol 500mgs any good for arthritis?

[TKLOVE]

You can try it but it's doesn't help me, but I've been on prescription strength zapain which is paracetamol and codeine and that does even help much anymore but I have been taking them for at least 9 yrs, hope you find something to give you some relief x

[BubbleMonkey]

Different things work for different people. I don't think a lot of people find it helpful (I personally don't find it helpful for my pains), but it's worth trying. I believe ibuprofen is at least theoretically better since it's anti-inflamatory so you might like to give that a go too.

It's all about finding the right fit for you so start with the basics like paracetamol and keep trying stuff until you find something.

[hawker955 in reply to BubbleMonkey]

Yep, paracetamol is only a weak pain killer but generally very safe so is used as first-line analgesia. It is not anti-inflammatory so non-steroidals tend to be more effective.

[Hidden]

I can't tolerate anti inflammatories so rely on paracetamol for pain relief. If the pain is particularly bad I switch up to Zapain. I find paracetamol quite effective for mild to moderate pain as long as I take the full recommended dose.

[BoneyC]

NSAID's are better at treating inflammatory pain, but can upset stomach.

[nomoreheels]

Whilst regular doses of paracetamol can be effective for pain (as opposed to 1000mg now & again but I think there are better meds available for our Rheumy's to prescribe. The source of the pain needs to be determined though, inflammatory pain is usually receptive to any one of the various NSAID groups (a PPI should be co-prescribed to protect the tum), as are steroids (oral or injection). There's also co-codamol (paracetamol & codeine) in various strengths. I'd have a talk with either your Rheumy or nurse or even your GP if you're in need & not due to see the former.

[Joy_1]

Does not work for me.

What works 100% of the time every time is Tiger Balm - the white not red one - and branded not cheap version.