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Is Tylenol Good For Knee Pain

Acetaminophen Advantages And Warnings

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You may prefer acetaminophen over NSAIDs if you have high blood pressure or stomach ulcers or bleeding. Thats because acetaminophen drugs such as Tylenol are less likely to increase your blood pressure or cause stomach pain or bleeding than NSAIDs are. However, acetaminophen may cause liver damage and liver failure, especially at high doses. It can also increase the anti-blood-clotting effect of warfarin, a blood thinner.

How To Use Pain Medications Properly

There are two types of over-the-counter pain medications that can be used for osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever but not an anti-inflammatory. It may help with mild knee pain.

NSAIDs can be more effective because they both relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, they come with potential side effects and risks. NSAIDs can irritate the lining of the stomach, which may lead to an ulcer or other stomach problems. They also can impair kidney function. Some NSAIDs can increase blood pressure. And theyve been linked to an increased risk for heart disease.

Because of the risks, Dr. Day cautions against using NSAIDs regularly over long periods of time. Instead, she uses NSAIDs for her patients in two ways. First, people who have a flare-up of pain can take them regularly for three to five days and then stop. Second, they can be used over the long term, but only occasionally, maybe a couple of times a week as needed.

If youre taking NSAIDs several times a day for long periods of time, Dr. Day advises reducing their use by maximizing the other treatment strategies. She also suggests trying a topical NSAID, such as diclofenac , which has fewer potential side effects.

Opioid pain relievers are discouraged for long-term treatment of chronic knee pain. The milder narcotic tramadol might be appropriate for occasional use in some people, says Dr. Day.

Complementary And Alternative Medicine

Less commonly utilized, CAM approaches are not considered to be the first line of defense when treating knee pain. That said, in certain situations, some complementary and supplemental options can have pain-reducing effects on your joint. Be sure to speak with your doctor before trying any alternative or supplemental treatments.

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Retrieval Of Published Studies

Reports of RCTs of paracetamol versus placebo and NSAIDs versus paracetamol were identified through a systematic literature search consisting of:

  • An electronic search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, the Scientific Citation Index, and the Cochrane Library for the period 1966 to 31 July 2003

  • Searches of reference lists of original reports and review articles, retrieved through the electronic searches

  • Searches for conference abstracts in the past 2 years via established international societies of rheumatology, such as the British Society for Rheumatology, EULAR, the American College of Rheumatology , and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International.

The medical subject heading search used in Medline, Embase, and CINAHL consisted of three steps each contained any possible MeSH relevant to the target condition , study drug , and study method . All MeSHs were exploded. The three steps were then combined to produce citations associated with RCTs of paracetamol versus placebo and NSAIDs versus paracetamol in the treatment of OA. Keyword search was undertaken in the Scientific Citation Index and Cochrane Library using the words osteoarthritis and paracetamol/acetaminophen. Titles and abstract were reviewed for possible RCTs, and hard copies of the publication were obtained for further scrutiny.

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WARNING: Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health.

DISCLAIMER: All material available on eHealthMe.com is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. All information is observation-only. Our phase IV clinical studies alone cannot establish cause-effect relationship. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk.

If you use this eHealthMe study on publication, please acknowledge it with a citation: study title, URL, accessed date.

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Is It Safe To Take Tylenol Daily For Arthritis Pain

Question: I suffer from osteoarthritis. My doctor says I should keep exercising even though my joints hurt. He says its okay for me to take a pain medication like Tylenol in order to remain active. But Ive read that Tylenol can damage my liver. What am I to do?

Answer: You are right to be concerned about medication safety. But your doctors also right that you need to be physically active. So how do you balance these seemingly competing objectives?

I posed your question to two specialists at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre: One is a surgeon who performs joint replacement operations and the other is an expert in drug safety.

Lets start with the surgeon. Dr. Jeffery Gollish, Medical Director of Sunnybrooks Holland Orthopaedic and Arthritic Centre, says he sees lots of people who feel the same way you do.

Many patients, he says, fear that exercise will lead to additional damage of their joints. The fact that it hurts when they move is taken as a sign that they are doing harm to themselves. And they worry medications that mask their pain will simply allow them to do even more harm.

The issues of exercise and medication are two areas where the public has misconceptions, says Dr. Gollish. They think both are harmful. In fact, both are beneficial.

Exercise, in general, is good and wont harm the joints. The only thing we tell people to stop doing is running and avoiding any impact activity.

An extra-strength tablet contains 500 milligrams.

Drug Interactions Of Acetaminophen And Ibuprofen

Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can interact with warfarin , a common blood thinner. Taking warfarin with either of these drugs can increase the risk of bleeding. Drinking alcohol with acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also thin the blood and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Acetaminophen can interact with isoniazid, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis. Taking isoniazid can affect how the liver processes acetaminophen and may cause liver damage. Phenytoin and carbamazepine are two antiepileptic drugs that can also increase the risk of liver injury when taken with acetaminophen.

Ibuprofen can interact with more drugs than acetaminophen. As an NSAID, it should be avoided with other drugs like high blood pressure medications as it can alter blood pressure levels. Certain antidepressants can also increase the risk of bleeding when taken with ibuprofen.

Drug
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This may not be a complete list of all possible drug interactions. Consult a doctor with all the medications you may be taking.

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What Are The Main Differences Between Acetaminophen And Ibuprofen

Acetaminophen also known by the brand name Tylenolis an analgesic and antipyretic medication. The exact way in which acetaminophen works is unknown, but it is believed to be a weak inhibitor of the COX enzyme, which is responsible for producing prostaglandins. It may also work in the central nervous system to relieve pain and fever. Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen does not work as well for inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ibuprofen is an NSAID that can be used for pain, fever, and inflammation. Common brand names of ibuprofen include Motrin and Advil. Unlike acetaminophen, ibuprofen is a nonselective COX enzyme inhibitor that can reduce pain and inflammation from arthritis and joint pain. Because of its effects on the COX-1 enzyme, ibuprofen may also have adverse gastrointestinal effects.

Tylenol Isnt An Effective Treatment For Arthritis Pain

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If you have arthritis pain and reach for a Tylenol for relief, you may be doing yourself a disservice.

According to a recent study, Tylenol is only a little bit better than a placebo for treating arthritis pain in the hip or knee. It also doesnt do much to improve joint function.

The study, conducted by researchers in Switzerland, found that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as Advil or Motrin, are better for temporarily relief of osteoarthritis pain.

Researchers reviewed more than 70 clinical trials that took place over a 35-year period and involved 58,000 patients. They examined how well different doses of acetaminophen, the class of drug to which Tylenol belongs, worked to relieve arthritis pain compared to seven different NSAIDs. They found that diclofenac, a type of NSAID that treats pain, migraine and arthritis, was the most effective drug for osteoarthritis pain. However, patients should use diclofenac and other NSAIDs with caution because these pain relievers may increase the risk for heart attack or stroke.

Common symptoms include pain, stiffness and swelling, which is why many people seek over-the-counter medications to manage the condition. But as the study suggests, Tylenol isnt the best option. Acetaminophen isnt meant to treat inflammation. These drugs treat various aches and reduce fever, but they arent anti-inflammatory. Acetaminophen pain relievers also can damage your liver if they are overused.

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Where To Turn For Pain Relief

The first line of treatment for many knee and hip problems includes taking over-the-counter pain medications. Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen are the most common pain medication options. However, these pain medications have a variety of side effects, so it’s important to discuss your personal health risks with your doctor when considering long-term use for chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Acetaminophen is usually effective for mild pain and is easy on the stomach. However, it is toxic to the liver at high doses. The recommended maximum per day is generally set at 4 grams , which is the equivalent of eight extra-strength Tylenol tablets. But that dosage can still cause liver problems for some people. To be safe, aim for 3,000 milligrams or less, and be cautious of mixing multiple products containing acetaminophen, such as a pain reliever and a cold medication or a prescribed narcotic.

The FDA now recommends using products containing no more than 325 milligrams per pill or capsule in order to avoid excessive dosages. Don’t take acetaminophen if you drink more than a moderate amount of alcohol on a regular basis or if you have liver disease.

Using Tylenol To Kill Knee Pain

Earlier today to was talking to a good friend of mine who is an anasthesiologist at the University of Louisville. Basically they are the doctors that know just how much drugs to give you when you are getting operated on.

Anyhow, I asked her some questions regarding acute knee pain and chronic knee pain . What I was curious to find out was the effect of taking over the counter drugs like Tylenol, advil, nuprin, and motrin for long periods of time. Getting feedback especially from a doctor that specializes in administering drugs I felt was even more valuable

I got some really interesting feedback

I found out that when there is swelling, pain, and discomfort in the knees from a knee injury there is a chemical reaction that sends signals to the brain to deal with the swelling, pain, and discomfort in the knees. If an over the counter drug like Tylenol, advil, nuprin, or motrin is taken within the first few days of the injury this can be beneficial in dealing with the knee injury.

The longer you continue to take these over the counter drugs the more likely it is for you to build up a tolerance to one of these drugs. This may not sound like that big of a deal however if you take into consideration that combining one of these drugs with another drug like alcohol can have significant health implications to your body especially to your liver.

Another exampleis like the garbage men are on strike and they cant haul the trash away

Let me know what you think

Bill

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How Knee Pain Is Treated

Knee pain is an extremely common musculoskeletal problem that frequently causes people to seek medical attention. Whether from osteoarthritis, a sprained ligament or strained muscle, cartilage damage, or tendonitis, many different issues can cause this type of joint discomfort.

In addition, many of these conditions can be accompanied by other symptoms like swelling, stiffness, and instability in your joint. This can cause everyday activities like walking, squatting, or climbing stairs to become quite difficult.

Fortunately, there are numerous different ways to address the symptoms you may be feeling in your knee. These options range from home remedies and over-the-counter medications to more invasive procedures or surgeries. In addition, lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy body weight can also be extremely beneficial. The sections below detail the most effective options for treating the pain you are experiencing in your knee.

Supplements For Those With Mild Pain

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For people with milder pain, Dr. Day suggests trying supplements, such as the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin or the spice turmeric.

The evidence for glucosamine and chondroitin is mixed, but they are safe. So it might be worth trying. However, people with a shellfish allergy may not be able to tolerate them. Any effect wont kick in right away. Dr. Day recommends trying it for six to eight weeks. If you notice improvement, great if not, then stop it, she says.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and there is some evidence for its usefulness for painful knee arthritis. You can add turmeric to your food or take it as a supplement. It can thin blood, so people who take a blood thinning medication should not use turmeric.

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Common Knee Surgery May Not Alleviate Pain

Next come over-the-counter treatments, including acetaminophen for many people, because it is non-toxic in recommended doses and doesnt cause stomach bleeding like other drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can. Steroid injections come next, but not unless pain pills dont do the trick.

We believe that pharmacologic intervention is important for patients that can tolerate it, Jevsevar said. We believe that surgery is a last resort.

At least one study has found that surgery is no better than medication and physical therapy for relieving the pain and stiffness of moderate or severe arthritis.

How To Stay Within Limits

If you ever have concerns about how much acetaminophen you can tolerate based on your age, body size, and health status, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Here are some general precautions for avoiding an accidental overdose of acetaminophen.

  • Cold and flu remedies count. When you reach for an over-the-counter cough, cold, or flu product, take a look at the label. Does it contain acetaminophen?
  • Know the milligrams in your pills. In acetaminophen products available over the counter, each pill may contain 325, 500, or 650 milligrams of the drug. Be extra cautious when taking 500 or 650 milligram pills.
  • Stick to recommended doses. When taking acetaminophen, don’t be tempted to add a little extra to the recommended dose. A small-bodied person should stay on the low end of the recommended dose range .
  • Easy on the alcohol. Drinking alcohol causes the liver to convert more of the acetaminophen you take into toxic byproducts. Men should not have more than two standard drinks per day when taking acetaminophen .
  • Know if your medications interact. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your prescription medications could interact badly with acetaminophen.

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How To Get Moving Every Day

In addition to physical therapy, its critical to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine.

Joints are built to move, says Dr. Day. The evidence shows that people who are least active have more arthritis pain than people who do some form of exercise. Choose lower-impact activities, such as bicycling, swimming or exercising in a pool.

Using A Brace After Injury

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A knee brace can help improve pain after more severe ligament sprains or tendon strains, when instability in the joint commonly occurs.

Unfortunately, there is minimal evidence supporting the use of braces for other conditions that cause knee pain like osteoarthritis or meniscus degeneration.

To help ensure a brace is appropriate in your situation and that you purchase the correct one, it is best to speak to your doctor first.

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What Is The Dosage For Acetaminophen Vs Ibuprofen

Acetaminophen dosage

  • The dose for adults is 325 to 650 mg every 4 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours when using immediate release formulations.
  • The dose for extended release caplet is 1300 mg every 8 hours.
  • The maximum daily dose is 4 grams.
  • The oral dose for a child is based on the child’s age and weight. If less than 12 years old the dosing is 10-15 mg/kg every 6-8 hours not to exceed 2.6 g/day . If older than 12 years of age the dose is 40-60 mg/kg/day every 6 hours not to exceed 3.75 g/day .

Ibuprofen dosage

  • For minor aches, mild to moderate pain, menstrual cramps, and fever, the usual adult dose is 200 or 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours.
  • Arthritis is treated with 300 to 800 mg 3 or 4 times daily.
  • When under the care of a physician, the maximum dose of ibuprofen is 3.2 g daily. Otherwise, the maximum dose is 1.2 g daily.
  • Individuals should not use ibuprofen for more than 10 days for the treatment of pain or more than 3 days for the treatment of a fever unless directed by a physician.
  • Children 6 months to 12 years of age usually are given 5-10 mg/kg of ibuprofen every 6-8 hours for the treatment of fever and pain. The maximum dose is 40 mg/kg daily.
  • Juvenile arthritis is treated with 20 to 40 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses.
  • Ibuprofen should be taken with meals to prevent stomach upset.

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