12 best pain relievers for joints

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Arthralgia (joint pain) occurs against the background of irritation of the nerve endings. The provocateurs can be toxic substances, products formed against the background of autoimmune processes, salt crystals or other inflammatory components. Joint pain often occurs against the background of:

1. geriatric joint changes;
2. the formation of bone growths (osteophytes);
3. developmental anomalies identified at birth;
4. excess weight and physical inactivity;
5. excessive exercise.

Often, joint pain occurs against the background of injuries or sprains of the tendon-ligamentous apparatus. Also, pain syndrome can be triggered by disorders of the vascular system, after a change in meteorological conditions or prolonged muscle spasm. Joint pains are also provoked by neurological pathologies of the spinal column or diffuse connective tissue diseases.

To identify the exact causes and provide qualified assistance, it is best to seek help from a doctor. But many are in no hurry to do this, and are looking for effective pain relievers. In this review, we'll look at the best ones that can be taken orally, injected, or applied to the site of an arthralgia lesion.

Rating of the best pain relievers for joints

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best pain relievers for joints in tablets	1	Nurofen	83 rbl.
	2	Ketonal	206 r
	3	Naklofen SR _	RUB 101
	4	Movalis	542 r
The best pain relievers for joints in injections	1	Voltaren	266 r
	2	Dexalgin	262 r
	3	Amelotex	249 r
	4	Ketanov	120 RUB
The best pain relievers for joints in gels / creams	1	Teraflex Hondrocrem Forte	RUB 318
	2	Diklak	270 RUB
	3	Bengey	317 r
	4	Ketonal cream	406 r

The best pain relievers for joints in tablets

When joint pain occurs, many people prefer to take some kind of pill in order to quickly get rid of this discomfort. This is the most demanded type of pain relief, which does not require outside help (like injections) or special conditions (like applying a cream / gel).

Nurofen

Popularity rating: 4.9

A UK manufacturer produces Nurofen. It belongs to NSAIDs, since it contains ibuprofen as an active ingredient. It is widely used for various inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the joints and spine, for articular syndrome caused by exacerbation of gout, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and many other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. This drug not only relieves pain, but also eliminates inflammation.

Nurofen is available in the form of white, round, biconvex tablets. One side is overprinted in black 'Nurofen' letters. The tablets are small, swallowed easily, a sweetish taste of the shell remains in the mouth. Each of them contains 200 mg of ibuprofen. Adults and children over 12 years old are allowed to take 1 tablet 3-4 times a day. And to achieve faster pain relief, you can take 2 pieces at a time.

In the reviews, many note that Nurofen is a very effective pain reliever for joints. The effect develops within 60 minutes after taking the pill and lasts for 4-6 hours. However, taking it on an ongoing basis is impractical, since it can provoke a number of side effects. If, when using Nurofen for 2-3 days, the symptoms persist or worsen, then you need to consult a doctor.

Advantages

• perfectly removes joint pain;
• the effect lasts for 4-6 hours;
• the tablets are easy to swallow.

disadvantages

• a large list of contraindications and possible side effects.

Ketonal

Popularity rating: 4.8

The pharmaceutical company Sandoz (Slovenia / Switzerland) produces Ketonal. It contains ketoprofen as an active ingredient. This remedy is used to eliminate the pronounced pain syndrome that occurs against the background of degenerative-destructive diseases of the musculoskeletal system, accompanied by a strong inflammatory process.

Ketonal is a light blue tablet. They are small, round, biconvex, film-coated. The tablets are placed in a dark glass jar (20 pieces) or placed on blisters (10 pieces). They should be swallowed whole during or immediately after finishing a meal. Be sure to drink the pill with half a glass of pure water or milk. It is allowed to take no more than two pieces of Ketonal 100 mg per day.

According to reviews of those who have experienced severe arthralgia, Ketonal is excellent for pain relief for joints. It is a strong, working drug. The analgesic effect develops within 15-30 minutes and lasts for 8-10 hours. But this tool should not be abused and is best used only in extreme cases. It is important to study the instructions before use, since Ketonal has many contraindications and side effects.

Advantages

• quickly (in 15-30 minutes) removes joint pain of any intensity;
• the analgesic effect lasts up to 8-10 hours;
• easy-to-swallow tablets.

disadvantages

• cannot be used for a long time.

Naklofen SR _

Popularity rating: 4.7

The pharmaceutical company Krka (Slovenia) produces the drug Naklofen SR. It contains diclofenac sodium. Naklofen SR refers to a prolonged (gradual drug release) action. The drug has proven itself well in various forms of arthritis, spondylitis, osteoarthritis. However, Naklofen SR acts only at the time of use, and in the long term there is no therapeutic effect on the disease itself.

Naklofen SR is produced in round, biconvex, reddish-brown film-coated tablets. They are small, smooth, so they can be swallowed without problems. Each tablet contains 100 mg of diclofenac. It is recommended to take it 1 piece once a day. If joint pains are especially troubling at night, and you also feel stiffness after waking up, then it is recommended to use Naklofen SR before bedtime.

Those who suffer from joint pain note in their reviews that Naklofen SR is a very powerful remedy. One tablet is enough to feel comfortable all day long. But for all their effectiveness as an anesthetic, many note that their stomach suffers greatly against the background of the use of such a medicine. And also, such a drug cannot be used for a long time, since many other side effects may appear.

Advantages

• extended-release tablets;
• easy to swallow;
• perfectly anesthetize joints at night;
• relieve morning joint stiffness.

disadvantages

• bad for the digestive tract.

Movalis

Popularity rating: 4.6

The German drug Movalis contains an active ingredient – meloxicam. Its dosage can be 75 or 150 mg. This NSAID is actively used in osteoarthritis with severe pain syndrome, as well as in other degenerative-destructive pathologies. It differs from other NSAIDs in that it causes fewer side effects from the gastrointestinal tract.

Movalis is produced in small round tablets, convex on one side (the company logo is embossed on it). Their color is pale yellow. They are swallowed without problems. The drug is taken orally 1 time per day. This is done in conjunction with eating. The tablet should be taken with a sufficient amount of water or other liquid. Depending on the severity of pain in the joints, a dosage of 75 or 150 mg can be used.

Reviews of the drug Movalis are mostly good. People with arthralgia report that this remedy has excellent analgesic properties. Many people like that this is the original drug, and not generics, which are much weaker. Joint pain disappears within an hour and comfortable sensations persist for 8-12 hours. And although the drug has a milder effect on the digestive tract than other NSAIDs, it should not be abused. In some, against the background of the use of Movalis, hemorrhoids worsened.

Advantages

• an original drug, not a generic;
• acts milder on the digestive tract than other NSAIDs;
• easy-to-use tablets;
• excellent analgesic effect.

disadvantages

• can provoke an exacerbation of hemorrhoids or other side effects.

The best pain relievers for joints in injections

In case of serious pathologies of the joints, accompanied by severe pain, they resort to injectable drugs that quickly relieve the condition.

Voltaren

Popularity rating: 4.9

The Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis produces the drug Voltaren. It contains diclofenac sodium as an active ingredient. The analgesic properties of this drug are especially relevant for inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, spondylitis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendovaginitis).

Voltaren is available in 3 ml ampoules containing 75 mg of diclofenac. The solution is suitable for intramuscular use. The introduction of Voltaren into the gluteus muscle is trying to make it deep. Experts do not recommend using the injectable form of this drug for more than 2 days in a row. It is advisable to subsequently switch to taking pills or using suppositories.

According to reviews, Voltaren injections is an excellent pain reliever for joint pathologies. The administration of the solution itself is painless, and relief of joint pain occurs in 15-30 minutes. The effect lasts up to 8 hours. But for this drug, many are confused by the price, as well as the presence of a large number of possible side effects. But they rarely appear, if you do not abuse this medicine.

Advantages

• effective pain reliever;
• painless injections;
• joint pain disappears in 15-30 minutes.

disadvantages

• you can not inject more than 2 days in a row.

Dexalgin

Popularity rating: 4.8

The German pharmaceutical company Berlin Chemie produces the pain reliever Dexalgin. Its active active ingredient is dexketoprofen. It is suitable for the elimination of pains of varying intensity and of various origins, and is also used to treat all kinds of pathologies of the spine and joints, occurring in an acute or chronic form.

Dexalgin is sold in 2 ml tinted glass ampoules containing 50 mg of dexketoprofen. The solution may be injected into a muscle or vein. It is transparent, with a pronounced alcoholic odor. IM injections are made deep into the buttock. IV is done slowly (no faster than 15 seconds), after diluting the contents of the ampoule in physiological or other suitable solution. No more than 3 injections are allowed per day.

In the responses, the patients report that Dexalgin simply saves them. The analgesic effect occurs 30 minutes after parenteral administration. And it lasts for 4-8 hours. But some note that after the introduction of this medication, slight drowsiness and dizziness occurs, so it is better not to drive at this time. This pain reliever is popular, but it should be borne in mind that it has a large list of side and contraindications.

Advantages

• suitable for intramuscular and intravenous administration;
• painless injections;
• the analgesic effect occurs rather quickly.

disadvantages

• provokes drowsiness and dizziness.

Amelotex

Popularity rating: 4.7

The Russian PharmFirma Sotex produces an anesthetic injections – Amelotex. The active ingredient in it is meloxicam. It is an effective generic of Movalis. It also has three main pronounced effects: pain relieving, inflammation and hyperthermia. It is actively used for all kinds of joint pathologies, accompanied by pain.

Solution for injection Amelotex is sold in 1.5 ml clear glass ampoules, which contain 15 mg of meloxicam. The medicine itself is yellowish. Anesthetic is injected deep into the muscle fibers of the buttocks once a day. Some people experience local discomfort in the injection area 10-15 minutes after injection.

According to reviews of those who used Amelotex as an anesthetic for joints, this Russian drug, although inferior in effectiveness to Movalis, is also quite strong. After the first injection, relief comes after 30 minutes. Side effects are minimal if injections are given every other day and no more than three injections. It is a good alternative for those who cannot afford imported pain relievers.

Advantages

• quality generic Movalis;
• the analgesic effect occurs after 30 minutes;
• injections are painless.

disadvantages

• a large list of contraindications and side effects.

Ketanov

Popularity rating: 4.6

The Indian injection drug Ketanov contains ketorolac. This substance has a pronounced analgesic effect. It is widely used in various fields of medicine. And also with its help, joint pain of varying intensity and origin is well relieved. Ketanov is approved for use for adults and adolescents over 16 years old.

This anesthetic for joints is sold in 1 ml ampoules containing 30 mg of ketorolac. Ketans are allowed for short-term use only. It is allowed to do no more than three injections per day and no more than two days in a row. Between the introduction of the next dose of Ketanov, 4-6 hours should pass. The injection itself is very painful.

In reviews, people with joint pains note that Ketanov eliminates them perfectly. But they don't like the manipulation of the introduction. The analgesic effect develops within 30-40 minutes after the injection and lasts up to 4-6 hours. Like other NSAIDs, Ketanov is not devoid of numerous side effects, so they should not be abused.

Advantages

• well removes joint pain of any intensity;
• up to three injections per day are possible;
• the pain goes away for 4-6 hours.

disadvantages

• painful injections;
• a lot of side effects.

The best pain relievers for joints in gels / creams

In order to protect the digestive tract from the negative effects of NSAIDs, many people prefer to use local pain relievers for joints.

Teraflex Hondrocrem Forte

Popularity rating: 4.9

The Russian pharmaceutical company Nizhpharm, in cooperation with the German company Bayer, produces Teraflex Hondrocrem Forte cream. It contains 2 active ingredients: meloxicam (pain reliever) and chondroitin sulfate (stimulator of joint tissue regeneration). The components of the cream are very well combined and mutually enhance the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of each other.

Teraflex Hondrocrem Forte is a white cream with a greenish tint with a specific odor. It is absorbed pretty quickly. The cream is allowed to be applied 2-3 times a day. How much to squeeze out the funds depends on the size of the pathological focus. After spreading Teraflex on the skin, it is recommended to thoroughly wash your hands. This joint pain reliever has been approved for use since the age of 12.

According to reviews, Teraflex Hondrocrem Forte has a mild analgesic effect. With severe pain syndrome, it may be weak. But with a course application, pain is noticeably reduced due to the presence of chondroitin, which increases the mobility of the affected joints. Usually, such a cream is well tolerated, but sometimes at the site of application it can provoke redness, itching, and rash.

Advantages

• a combination of meloxicam and chondroitin;
• moderate analgesic effect;
• improving joint mobility.

disadvantages

• rash, redness in the area of ​​application is possible.

Diklak

Popularity rating: 4.8

The German pain reliever Diclac gel contains diclofenac sodium. In the area of ​​drug application, pain and swelling that occur against the background of the inflammatory process is noticeably reduced. This drug helps many people with various forms of arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis of the peripheral joints and spine.

Diclac is a transparent thick gel with a pronounced alcoholic odor. After application, it disappears rather quickly. The drug is approved for use from 6 years old. An approximate single dose of Diklak is 2 g. After application to the skin, it should be rubbed a little. You can use this pain reliever up to 3 times a day. When applying this product, it is important to ensure that the skin is free of abrasions and damage.

Reviews of Diklak gel are mostly positive. It is praised for being absorbed rather quickly, does not leave stickiness, does not stain clothes. Its analgesic effect is quite good. But often at the site of application, it provokes swelling, redness of the skin, the appearance of contact dermatitis. But due to the fact that diclofenac is practically not absorbed into the systemic circulation, the severity of other side effects characteristic of NSAIDs is minimal.

Advantages

• quickly absorbed, leaves no sticky layer;
• good pain relief;
• can be used from 6 years old.

disadvantages

• provokes local undesirable reactions at the site of application.

Bengey

Popularity rating: 4.7

Bengei French topical cream contains methyl salicylate and racementol. The drug is actively used to relieve pain and stiffness in joints or muscles in case of injury, sprains and inflammation. This cream is approved for use by adults and children over 12 years old. The drug is not used with occlusive dressings.

Bengey is a white homogeneous cream with a characteristic odor, placed in 50 g aluminum tubes. It is applied in a thin layer directly to the painful area and gently rubbed until completely absorbed. If necessary, the procedure is repeated every 3-4 hours (up to 3-4 times per day). After application, a cooling effect is felt on the skin.

According to reviews, many people really like the analgesic effect of Bengey cream. Severe pains subside within 10-15 minutes. The cream is comfortable to apply and absorbs quickly. But many are confused by its corrosive smell. Usually this remedy is well tolerated, but occasionally allergic reactions or paresthesias may occur at the site of application.

Advantages

• effectively relieves pain;
• quickly absorbed without a trace;
• can be used 3-4 times a day.

disadvantages

• corrosive smell.

Ketonal cream

Popularity rating: 4.6

German cream Ketonal contains ketoprofen. The drug has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effect. However, it does not negatively affect the condition of the articular cartilage. In children's practice, it is approved for use from the age of 15. Ketonal cream has proven itself well in the symptomatic treatment of painful and inflammatory processes of various origins.

Each gram of Ketonal cream contains 50 mg of ketoprofen. This pain reliever has a fairly dense white consistency. The cream is odorless and non-sticky. But it is absorbed for a long time. It can take up to 15 minutes for this to occur. A small amount of cream (about 3-5 cm) is applied with a thin layer on the skin over the lesion with light rubbing movements. It is allowed to use this remedy up to 3 times a day.

In the reviews, patients note that this product is quite economically consumed. Ketonal cream perfectly relieves problem joints. Many people like that the drug acts exclusively locally and does not burden the digestive tract. Also, this drug has a rather attractive price, and it rarely causes side reactions.

Advantages

• quickly removes pain, swelling;
• has no smell;
• not sticky;
• economically consumed.

disadvantages

• absorbs for a long time.

The popularity rating is based on the analysis of demand data from the wordstat.yandex.ru service.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.