Many Older Adults Use Meds to Block Arthritis Pain

"There are sizable risks associated with many of these treatment options, especially when taken long-term or in combination with other drugs," says Beth Wallace. "Yet 60% of those taking two or more substances for their joint pain said their health care provider hadn't talked with them about risks, or they couldn't recall if they had."sebra/shutterstock

Taking a pill may bring short-term relief for arthritis-related joint pain, but many older adults may not realize that what they swallow could raise their risk of other health problems, according to a new poll.

Even if they’re managing the pain on their own, people over 50 should talk to their health care providers about what they’re taking, and get advice about potential medication risks and non-medication options that could also relieve their aches and improve their movement, the poll’s authors say.