There is no single most effective medication for arthritis because treatment depends on the type of arthritis, the joints involved, symptoms, and a person’s overall health. For osteoarthritis, NSAIDs are often the most consistently supported medication option, especially topical NSAIDs for knee or hand arthritis and oral NSAIDs when they are safe to use.
For rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate is commonly considered the main first-line medication because it helps control inflammation and can slow joint damage. If methotrexate is not enough, biologic medicines or JAK inhibitors may be added or considered, depending on the person’s risks, other health conditions, and treatment response.
Other medicines, such as acetaminophen, duloxetine, steroid injections, or tramadol, may help in certain situations, but they are not usually considered the best choice for everyone. Steroid injections may provide short-term relief for some people with knee or hip osteoarthritis.
You should not start or change arthritis medication without medical guidance, since some drugs can affect the stomach, kidneys, liver, heart, or immune system. A primary care doctor, rheumatologist, or orthopedic specialist can help identify the type of arthritis and choose the safest treatment.