Suggest Alternate Options For Tylenol And Anti-inflammatory Drugs To Treat A Muscle Inflammation

Posted on Mon, 19 Feb 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 Answered on

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a pretty healthy 72 year old female and I have osteoarthritis. I have been taking an anti-inflammatory drug and I recently went to a Rheumatologist. He did blood work and my BUN was slightly elevated as well asmy Creatinine Serum. Was told to stop anti-inflammatory drugs and take Tylenol. Tylenol doesn't help my joint or muscle pain at all. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Opioids, topical pain killers and physiotherapy

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Unfortunately, as you stated, Tylenol does not work as well as the anti-inflammatory medicines.

In terms of medications, other than Tylenol, the only other options would be topical medications/rubs/sprays and opioids eg Codeine, Tramadol, Hydrocodone etc.Topical pain medicines include Voltaren gel and Capsaicin.

Physiotherapy and surgery of certain affected joints Example: knee or hip replacements are the only other non medication options.Physiotherapy would help to strengthen the muscles and ligaments around the affected joints which would help to stabilize and reduce your pain.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James,
General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar