However, you might want to reconsider reaching for these meds. A new study says that OTC painkillers—including ibuprofen—may actually worsen inflammation. Read on to find out more. READ THIS NEXT: This Is What Happens When You Take Ibuprofen 30 Days in a Row, According to Doctors. When it comes to pain, most people are used to getting relief from OTC meds—and they don’t always wait until they’re actually experiencing discomfort. In a 2022 survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Chirp, a company that manufacturers devices for back pain relief, 42 percent of respondents said they use OTC meds to try to avoid pain altogether. And when they are in pain, 34 percent of respondents reach for OTC medication. Many of them reported taking OTC medications regularly, as well. Twenty percent of respondents said they take pain relievers at least once a day, and 12 percent admitted to taking them “a few times a day.” But now, new research is shining a light on how this practice could be problematic. A study presented at the 2022 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference in November found that taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen for osteoarthritis may worsen inflammation in certain cases. The study looked at 277 participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee who used NSAID treatment for at least one year, a press release explained. For these patients, researchers looked at the link between the use of NSAIDs and synovitis, which is “the inflammation of the membrane lining the joint,” Johanna Luitjens, MD, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at the University of California, San Francisco, said in a statement. But the findings weren’t exactly promising. “In this study, no structural long-term benefit of NSAID use in patients with [osteoarthritis] could be found,” the researchers concluded. “Furthermore, users showed more synovitis at baseline and change over four years, which may lead to an increase in pain and a decrease in joint function.” For more health advice delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Osteoarthritis is the “most common form of arthritis” and is sometimes referred to as “degenerative joint disease,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency estimates that this condition affects more than 32.5 million adults in the U.S. But despite being so common, there is “no cure for this disease process,” Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a medical toxicology physician and co-medical director of the National Capital Poison Center, tells Best Life. “Treatments are limited to pain control and maintenance of joint function and stability,” Johnson-Arbor explains. “NSAIDs are often used to reduce the pain and acute inflammation of arthritis.“ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb But over time, the study says these meds might have the opposite effect, says Leann Poston, MD, a licensed physician and medical expert for Invigor Medical. “This suggests that NSAIDS may not reduce the structural changes found in the knee joint due to osteoarthritis and may actually lead to more pain and a decrease in joint function,” Poston explains. This is due to the potential for increase inflammation. “Inflammation typically causes pain because the swelling and buildup of tissue starts pressing against nerve endings. This pressure sends pain signals to the brain, causing discomfort,” according to Garden State Pain and Orthopedics. Luitjens said the study was “able to show that there were no protective mechanisms from NSAIDs in reducing inflammation or slowing down progression of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.” This indicates that the use of these pain relievers for treatment in these patients “should be revisited,” the lead researcher concluded. But Poston, who was not involved in the study, cautioned against drawing any conclusions without more research. “This was a small study, and randomized controlled trials are needed to better advise patients about whether NSAIDs are a benefit or harmful in their case,” she says. Naheed Ali, PhD, a doctor of internal medicine and physician writer at Medical Copywriting Services, recommends talking with your doctor about whether or not you should take ibuprofen or other OTC NSAIDs long-term for pain. “This is because long-term use of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, may be associated with certain risks and side effects,” Ali said. “The doctor may recommend alternative treatment options or may suggest taking NSAIDs on a more short-term basis. The best NSAID treatment approach will depend on the individual’s specific needs and medical history.” Short-term use of painkillers for knee pain might be best, based on the results of study, according to Johnson-Arbor. “Long-term use of NSAID drugs can help mask the pain of osteoarthritis, temporarily allowing people with the condition to be more active. This may, in turn, cause more wear and tear on the joints, which may actually worsen the underlying condition,” the medical toxicologist explains. Best Life offers the most up-to-date information from top experts, new research, and health agencies, but our content is not meant to be a substitute for professional guidance. When it comes to the medication you’re taking or any other health questions you have, always consult your healthcare provider directly.
