Osteoarthritis Knee Pain Treatment Guide

There are many types of medications to help manage your osteoarthritis knee pain. Some medications manage arthritis (of which osteoarthritis is a sub-type) pain in general whereas others help manage osteoarthritis pain in specific joints in your body.

Please review the classes of medications and the examples given.

This is not a complete list of available medications. Some of these medications may also treat other conditions. For more information about the medications listed, speak to your healthcare professional or check the patient information for individual products.

Touch or click on the tabs below to see the examples, then download & print your completed treatment guide.

Over-the-counter treatments

Select the medications that you are interested in learning more about by clicking or tapping on the class or example medication. Your selections will appear highlighted on the printable treatment table and will help guide the discussion with your doctor at your next appointment.

Oral Oral

ANALGESICS

What it is used for in osteoarthritis?Relief of arthritis pain.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-
inflammatories)

What it is used for in osteoarthritis?Relieves arthritis pain.

NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS

What it is used for in osteoarthritis?Helps relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Topical Topical

NATURAL HEALTH
PRODUCTS: COUNTER-
IRRITANTS

What it is used for in osteoarthritis?Temporarily relieves arthritis pain.

OTHER COUNTER-IRRITANTS

What it is used for in osteoarthritis?Temporarily relieves arthritis pain.

Prescription Medications

Select the medications that you are interested in learning more about by clicking or tapping on the class or example medication. Your selections will appear highlighted on the printable treatment table and will help guide the discussion with your doctor at your next appointment.

Oral Oral

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-
inflammatories)

INCLUDING COX-2 INHIBITORS

What it is used for in osteoarthritis?Relief of symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.

SNRI (selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor)

What it is used for in osteoarthritis?Management of pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee.

NARCOTICS AND OTHER OPIOIDS

What it is used for in osteoarthritis?Management of moderate to moderately severe pain associated with various forms of arthritis.
Topical Topical

ANALGESICS

What it is used for in osteoarthritis?Relief of severe pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-
inflammatories)

What it is used for in osteoarthritis?Relief of symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Prescription Injections and Devices

Select the medications that you are interested in learning more about by clicking or tapping on the class or example medication. Your selections will appear highlighted on the printable treatment table and will help guide the discussion with your doctor at your next appointment.

Intra-Articular Injections Intra-Articular Injections

STEROID INJECTIONS

What it is used for in osteoarthritis?Relieves joint inflammation of osteoarthritis as adjunctive therapy.
Medical Devices Medical Devices

VISCOSUPPLEMENTATION

What it is used for in osteoarthritis?Relieves the pain of osteoarthritis.

This is not a complete list of available medications. Some of these medications may also treat other conditions. For more information about the medications listed, speak to your healthcare professional.

Remember: This information is not a substitute for your doctor's advice. All medications can cause side effects, some of which can be serious. Speak to your doctor about what's best for you and what to expect from your treatment plan.

Consult individual product monographs for details.

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