Acetaminophen can ease mild and moderate arthritis pain. But you have to take it carefully. Many other types of medications also have acetaminophen, so it’s easy to take too much without realizing it. Make sure you don’t take more than 3,000 milligrams per day.
NSAIDs also lower swelling and ease pain. Most healthy people can safely take them for short periods without any problems. But NSAIDs can raise your odds of having a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
Skin creams made from capsaicin, an extract from chili peppers, may help relieve mild arthritis pain.