My elderly mother is suffering from joint pain. What medicine should she take?
Joint pain in elderly people is commonly caused by osteoarthritis, age-related wear and tear, vitamin deficiencies, muscle weakness, or sometimes inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. The correct treatment depends on which joints are affected, how severe the pain is, and whether there is swelling, stiffness, or difficulty walking. For mild to moderate pain, paracetamol is often considered a safer first option when taken in the recommended dose. Some people may also benefit from pain relief gels or anti-inflammatory creams applied to the affected joints. Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines if needed, but these should be used carefully in older adults because they can affect the stomach, kidneys, blood pressure, or heart. Non-medical measures are also very important. Gentle exercise, physiotherapy, weight control, warm compresses, and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake may help improve joint function and reduce pain. Your mother should see a doctor if the pain is severe, associated with swelling, redness, fever, morning stiffness, or difficulty walking. The doctor may advise blood tests or X-rays to identify the exact cause and decide whether stronger medicines, supplements, or joint injections are needed.