Are you struggling with arthritis or one of its forms, and no medication seems to help? The new formulation by Tylenol (the brand name) has introduced its Tylenol Arthritis 8 HR Pain Relief Tablets that claim to provide relief from pain due to arthritis.
We’re here to uncover the truth and help you avoid side effects if you want to know if it works. This drug may not be effective in fighting arthritis pain for everyone.
The following article helps explore the different aspects of this particular formulation and how you can effectively treat arthritis pain.
What is Arthritis – How Does Tylenol help?
Tylenol is the brand name for acetaminophen, which is the sole component of this drug. Tylenol arthritis is an extended-release tablet that helps manage minor arthritis pain for up to 8 hours.
The drug contains a higher dose (650 mg) of its active ingredient in a durable coating that does not allow instant drug release. Compared to the regular strength and extra strength Tylenol, this is almost twice one-fourth of much power.
Per caplet strength for regular Tylenol is 325 mg, and extra strength is 500 mg. Nevertheless, this formulation is marketed as Tylenol arthritis and only helps relieve minor pain – so think of osteoarthritis in its initial phase.
That’s the best it can alleviate. The other conditions it helps resolve include menstrual pain, headache, common cold, and toothache.
The drug can also temporarily reduce fever.
Why Doesn’t Tylenol Arthritis Help?
Tylenol arthritis is a marketing win for the company as more and more people learn about it. This isn’t our opinion – it is a part of our findings while diving deep to know the answer.
The brand itself claims that the drug treats minor pain due to arthritis, so it is unlikely that people with major pain would find relief from it. Acetaminophen is a potent pain reliever and fever reducer. However, it does not fight the pain due to inflammation.
Inflammation is a strong reaction in the body to injury, infection, or harmful substances that the immune system recognizes. In arthritis, the immune system mistakes self-cells as harmful substances.
This leads to pain, redness, heat and swelling, and even loss of function in extreme cases. This pain may be short-term (acute) or chronic (long-lasting). This is when the use of Tylenol will not suffice.
The best treatment option for your arthritis pain would be something that takes care of the pain due to inflammation. Can you think of a name? I’ll give you a hint! We’ve recently introduced you to the drug in one of our blogs Tylenol!
Well, the drug group NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation and fever and relieve pain. This class of medications effectively reduces inflammatory pain by blocking the prostaglandin-producing enzyme cyclooxygenase.
So, you may choose Tylenol arthritis after consulting your doctor for minor arthritis pain or discomfort. However, your physician will recommend something better than this for your arthritic pain, especially if it is too severe.
Let’s have a look at the alternatives for arthritis pain.
What Can Help Instead of Tylenol Arthritis?
Looking for ways to manage moderate to severe arthritis pain after Tylenol arthritis fails? Here are a few other ways you can manage severe arthritis pain. Your doctor will assess your condition before recommending any of the following alternatives.
Check out the following:
NSAIDs or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NSAIDs are commonly used for arthritis as they reduce both pain and inflammation. A few examples of this medication include Ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib. Do not self-medicate, as proper dose and duration is a significant factor in treating such issues.
These are great for patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. However, those with gastrointestinal or kidney problems should find an alternative below.
Topical pain relievers
These topical gels and creams provide targeted relief without interfering with any internal systems. A few popular topical (superficial application on the skin) options include:
- Capsaicin creams that come from Chile peppers and help reduce pain by depleting a neurotransmitter link to paint signals
- Diclofenac gel is another NSAID that is effective for joint pain in the hands or knees.
Heat and cold therapy
Also known as warm or cold compress, both of these are effective for providing relief from such pain. Warm compression with the help of heating pads can help relax stiff muscles and improve blood flow to affected joints.
Similarly, cold therapy using ice packs helps reduce swelling and numb the area, relieving pain.
Physical therapy and exercise
Your physician can also suggest physical therapy and exercise 2 experience release from arthritis pain. A physical therapist can design a resume to strengthen the muscles around your joints and improve flexibility.
Exercise and physical therapy can help reduce stiffness and pain. A few in this category include low-impact yoga, walking, or swimming exercises.
Supplements
Supplements are one of the least preferred alternatives; however, they are quite effective in supporting joint health. Supplements such as written or glucosamine can help reduce pain and cartilage breakdown in cases of osteoarthritis.
Similarly, Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil can be effective due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric, specifically the active compound curcumin, has anti-inflammatory effects, which help alleviate arthritis pain.
Alternative therapies
Alternative therapies are somewhat like physical therapy and exercise but are non-traditional ways of treating conditions. For example, acupuncture can help alleviate arthritis pain for some people, while massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension, thereby improving blood flow around the affected joints.
Consult a doctor before trying any alternatives or even Tylenol arthritis medication. This is for your safety, as it can severely impact your overall health and wellness.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes an anti inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Wrapping It Up!
That was all about Tylenol arthritis and its composition and effectiveness for different types of arthritis. We do not claim that the company is misleading its audience as it clearly mentions the drug’s effectiveness for minor arthritis pain. This article informs the consumer of the correct approach for treating arthritis and its other forms.
It is always best to consult a physician or an expert who can assess your overall condition before suggesting a drug regimen. Be sure to follow your drug’s prescribed dose and duration to see effective results.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, and you will see a great difference!
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