Arthritis pain news: creams lose effectiveness

Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) lose their effectiveness against osteoarthritis pain after two weeks, according to an analysis of previous research published online by BMJ, formerly British Medical Journal.

That’s significant because current guidelines recommend their use. Oral NSAIDS are associated with more stomach problems, so doctors like to prescribe topical treatments, that is, creams applied to the skin. While topical NSAIDS were better than a dummy treatment in relieving pain due in the first two weeks, trials lasting four weeks showed no benefit.

The British researchers recommended revising current guidelines. Read the full paper.