Drugs that relieve pain are often used in the treatment of arthritis. Although they may provide some temporary relief, they do not actually help in arthritis. Instead they cover it up, which can be dangerous because it often means that more effective treatment is postponed.

Painkillers such as acetaminophen, propoxyphene, oxycodone, demerol and codeine are used in short-term treatment of arthritis pain. However, because arthritis is a common disease, most physicians advise that any drug on which the patient may become overly dependant should be avoided.