We don’t need to tell you that having a chronic pain condition like osteoarthritis can be overwhelming. It can be incredibly distracting, make it harder to do things you used to do, prevent you from sleeping and so on. Yet the pain medication often used to address these issues can have negative connotations, so it makes sense that you’d want to get the facts so you can feel confident in making decisions about which treatments might be right for you.
“Joint pain can be very hard, whether it comes from a sports injury or something lasting longer like arthritis,” says Kieran Sheridan, a physiotherapist, founder & co-owner of GulfPhysio. “Working with people who have joint pain every day, I see many are confused about the medicines for this pain.” So to help you make informed decisions, let’s debunk 7 common myths about pain medication.
1. NSAIDs are safe to use for any length of time because you can get them without a prescription
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain, inflammation and can be used to treat fever. Some NSAIDs can be bought over the counter (like ibuprofen) while others may require a prescription. They are available in numerous forms including capsules, creams, gels and injections.
The reality: “Although these medicines help lessen pain and swelling, taking them for too long or in large amounts can lead to serious health problems. For example, stomach issues like ulcers or bleeding can occur, and these problems might also impact your kidneys or heart gradually,” says Kieran Sheridan. “It’s wiser to use them just for a short period and consult with a doctor if you need to take them for a longer time.” Always consult your doctor if you’re considering taking NSAIDs for an extended period as they are usually recommended for a maximum of 10 days when treating pain.
2. You can’t get hooked on pain meds if you’re in real pain
Some people assume that pain medications are only addictive if taken when not in pain, but that isn’t the case. The idea that “if it’s helping, it’s harmless” can create a false sense of security.
The reality: “This idea is very harmful, especially when it concerns strong painkillers like opioids (for example, codeine or tramadol),” says Kieran Sheridan. “Even if you are feeling pain, you can still get addicted to these medicines. After some time, your body can become accustomed to them, and you will need more to feel the same relief. This situation can lead to addiction. Because of this, opioids should be used only for short-term pain relief and always under a doctor’s supervision.”
3. There are no drug-free treatments for arthritis
“Many people believe that taking medicine is the only method to handle arthritis, but this isn’t correct,” says Kieran Sheridan.
The reality: There are plenty of non-pharmaceutical treatments available for managing osteoarthritis. Exercise, weight management, and physical therapy are highly recommended. Always explore these alternatives, especially if you’re looking for holistic ways to manage your condition.
“Physical exercise is one of the best methods for coping with joint pain, especially in cases like osteoarthritis,” says Kieran Sheridan. “Making muscles strong around the joint helps lower stress on it, and this can be very helpful. Some non-medicine products also exist, like FlexiSEQ. This drug-free gel can help lessen pain and stiffness without using drugs. Physiotherapy can be very important. A physio can make a special exercise plan just for you and teach you how to move in ways that keeps your joints safe. There are also products like braces or orthotics (special shoe inserts) which can help you walk better and feel less pain.”
4. All pain medications work the same for everyone
You might think that all types of pain medication work in the same way to prevent pain. And because they work the same way, wouldn’t they do the same job for everyone? In reality we are all different and pain medications can affect people in various ways.
The reality: “Not every medicine has the same effect on each person,” says Kieran Sheridan. “For instance, acetaminophen (paracetamol) could help one person with joint pain, but might not be useful for another who needs something to reduce inflammation. It is important to understand that each person’s body reacts in its own way to medications. What works best for you can depend on your age, any other health problems you have, or the kind of joint pain you are experiencing.” Different medications also target different types of pain and inflammation. NSAIDs, for example, reduce inflammation, while paracetamol works to reduce the sensation of pain without impacting inflammation. Opioids alter how your brain perceives pain. It’s important to understand the specific function of each medication and choose the one that best suits your symptoms and needs.
5. If you have joint pain, you always need medication
It’s easy to rely on painkillers when dealing with joint pain, but focusing on pain relief alone can overlook other important aspects of osteoarthritis management. Painkillers can provide temporary relief, but they don’t always address the underlying causes of joint pain.
The reality: Depending on the type and severity of your joint pain you may want to combine medication with other methods of pain management, such as exercise to strengthen the muscles, weight management and non-drug forms of therapy and relaxation. “Medicine is not always needed,” says Kieran Sheridan. “Sometimes, joint pain can be controlled with stretching, strength exercises, or therapy for the body. Changing the way one moves or adjusting activities can also reduce pressure on joints.” A holistic approach that combines medication with lifestyle changes is usually the most effective way to manage joint pain over the long term.
6. Steroid injections fix joint pain permanently
Steroid injections help reduce pain and inflammation by suppressing the immune system temporarily. They can be used in many areas of the body to relieve joint pain and swelling.
The reality: While these injections can be helpful, they should be combined with other types of pain management techniques. “Cortisone injections can help reduce swelling and pain in joints, but the comfort they give doesn’t last forever—just some weeks or months,” says Kieran Sheridan. “Also, if you use these shots too much, it might harm your tissue and make tendons weaker. For long-term relief, it is necessary to mix any medicines or injections with changes in daily habits like frequent exercise and physical therapy.”
7. There’s nothing I can do once my arthritis gets worse
Arthritis can be a really disheartening condition. As there is currently no cure it is something you have to learn to live with. As arthritis can get worse over time it can be easy to lose hope and think that there’s no going back – but there are still things you can do to reduce pain and live a better quality of life.
The Reality: Staying active, following your treatment plan, and exploring drug-free options like FlexiSEQ can significantly improve your quality of life. Combining different approaches—medications, physical therapies, and lifestyle adjustments—gives you the best chance at maintaining mobility and reducing pain.
