What medication does Mayo Clinic use for arthritis? A comprehensive guide

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating arthritis, as the optimal medication depends on the specific type of arthritis and its severity. A comprehensive treatment plan may include various medications, from over-the-counter options for pain relief to powerful prescription drugs that modify the course of the disease. This guide explores the different classes of medication and other therapies used for arthritis management, based on Mayo Clinic's recommendations.

Quick Summary

The Mayo Clinic utilizes a multi-faceted approach to arthritis treatment, including anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs, pain relievers such as acetaminophen and duloxetine, and corticosteroids for temporary relief. For more aggressive forms like rheumatoid arthritis, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and targeted synthetic DMARDs are prescribed to slow disease progression. Treatment plans are tailored to the specific type of arthritis and its severity.

Key Points

Treatment is specific: The medication depends on the type of arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, psoriatic).
NSAIDs manage pain and inflammation: Over-the-counter and prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for symptom relief.
DMARDs slow disease progression: For inflammatory arthritis, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and advanced biologics are critical to preventing joint damage.
Corticosteroids offer short-term relief: Steroid injections or oral medication can provide quick relief from inflammation during flares, but are not a long-term solution.
Topical options minimize side effects: Topical NSAID gels and creams provide targeted relief with a lower risk of systemic side effects.
Complementary therapies can help: Some alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and capsaicin cream, may offer additional symptom management.

A personalized approach to arthritis treatment at Mayo Clinic

The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that the most effective medication for arthritis is determined by the specific diagnosis and an individual's unique health profile. For example, a person with osteoarthritis, which involves cartilage breakdown, will likely receive a different treatment regimen than someone with the autoimmune disorder rheumatoid arthritis. The goal is to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, slow disease progression, and preserve joint function.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are a cornerstone of arthritis treatment for both pain and inflammation. Mayo Clinic utilizes both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription-strength options.

Oral NSAIDs: Common OTC examples include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Stronger versions are available by prescription. While effective, they can have side effects such as stomach irritation, cardiovascular issues, and kidney or liver damage, especially at higher doses or with long-term use.
Topical NSAIDs: Gels and creams applied directly to the skin over the affected joint offer a targeted approach with fewer systemic side effects. The Mayo Clinic highlights diclofenac (Voltaren Arthritis Pain) as an effective topical option, available over-the-counter for joints close to the skin, like the hands and knees.

Other pain relievers

In addition to NSAIDs, other types of medication are used to manage arthritis pain, often for different purposes.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Effective for mild to moderate pain relief in osteoarthritis, it does not reduce inflammation. Higher than recommended doses can lead to liver damage.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Originally an antidepressant, this medication is approved to treat chronic pain, including that from osteoarthritis.
Tramadol (Conzip): A stronger pain reliever that can be prescribed for more severe pain.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

For inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, DMARDs are critical for slowing disease progression and preventing joint damage.

Conventional DMARDs: These include common drugs such as methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine. They work by suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation. Side effects can include liver damage and an increased risk of infection.
Biologic Agents: These newer DMARDs target specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation. Biologics include TNF inhibitors (e.g., adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab) and interleukin inhibitors (e.g., tocilizumab, abatacept). They are often used when conventional DMARDs are not effective and carry an increased risk of infection.
Targeted Synthetic DMARDs: A class of oral, small-molecule inhibitors (e.g., tofacitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib) that target specific immune pathways. They are used when conventional DMARDs and biologics do not work, and have associated risks like blood clots and heart problems.

Corticosteroids

Often used for short-term, acute relief, corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory agents that can be given orally (prednisone) or injected directly into a painful joint. Injections can relieve pain for weeks, but their use is typically limited due to the potential to weaken tendons or cartilage over time.

Complementary and alternative therapies

Mayo Clinic also recognizes the potential benefits of complementary treatments in managing arthritis symptoms.

Capsaicin Creams: Derived from chili peppers, these creams can reduce pain signals when applied topically.
Counterirritants: Creams with menthol or camphor that create a hot or cold sensation to distract from pain.
Acupuncture: Some studies suggest this therapy may relieve pain and improve function in certain cases of osteoarthritis.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Mixed study results indicate these supplements may offer some pain relief for moderate to severe osteoarthritis, though many feel the effect is no better than placebo.
Fish Oil: Supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms in some arthritis types.

Medication comparison for arthritis


Medication Type	Primary Action	Arthritis Types	Onset of Effect	Risks & Side Effects
NSAIDs (Oral)	Reduce pain and inflammation by blocking COX enzymes.	Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid, Psoriatic, Reactive.	Hours to days	Stomach irritation, cardiovascular issues, kidney damage.
NSAIDs (Topical)	Reduce localized pain and inflammation.	Osteoarthritis (superficial joints).	Days to weeks	Lower systemic risks; skin irritation at application site.
Acetaminophen	Relieves mild to moderate pain (no anti-inflammatory effect).	Osteoarthritis.	Hours	Liver damage at high doses.
Corticosteroids	Potent anti-inflammatory and pain relief.	Rheumatoid, Psoriatic, Reactive (flare-ups).	Short-term	Bone thinning, weight gain, weakened tendons (injections).
DMARDs (Conventional)	Modify the immune response to slow disease.	Rheumatoid, Psoriatic.	Weeks to months	Liver damage, infection risk, bone marrow suppression.
Biologics	Target specific inflammatory immune pathways.	Rheumatoid, Psoriatic.	Weeks to months	Increased risk of common and serious infections.
Targeted Synthetic DMARDs	Inhibit specific intracellular signaling pathways.	Rheumatoid, Psoriatic (when other DMARDs fail).	Weeks to months	Blood clots, heart issues, infection risk.

Conclusion

The Mayo Clinic's approach to arthritis medication is highly personalized and depends on the specific type and severity of the condition. For osteoarthritis, initial treatment often includes OTC pain relievers and topical NSAIDs, while inflammatory forms like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis require more aggressive, long-term strategies involving DMARDs, biologics, or targeted synthetic DMARDs. The ultimate goal is to find the right combination of therapies, which may also include lifestyle adjustments and complementary options, to effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients are encouraged to work closely with their healthcare team to find a safe and effective treatment plan. For detailed information on specific conditions, consult a trusted medical resource like the Mayo Clinic's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

For mild to moderate osteoarthritis, Mayo Clinic often recommends acetaminophen (Tylenol) and topical NSAIDs like diclofenac gel (Voltaren Arthritis Pain) as first-line treatments for pain.

Yes, for inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, Mayo Clinic uses biologic agents (biologics) and other DMARDs to slow the disease's progression.

NSAIDs primarily manage the pain and inflammation, while DMARDs are designed to modify or halt the underlying immune response that drives inflammatory arthritis, preventing further joint damage.

Mayo Clinic mentions several complementary options, including capsaicin cream for topical pain relief and supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, though their efficacy is mixed.

Long-term use of oral NSAIDs can increase the risk of side effects such as stomach upset, bleeding or ulcers, cardiovascular problems, and kidney or liver damage.

Yes, corticosteroid injections are used to provide quick, temporary relief for painful joints, though repeated use is limited to prevent joint damage.

Yes, it is common for a healthcare provider to prescribe a combination of medications, such as a conventional DMARD with a biologic, to achieve better disease control.