<s>[INST] What meds typically help? [/INST] The first thing doctors often recommend for mild arthritis pain are OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which also relieve inflammation. Even though both are over the counter, they're not without side effects: Acetaminophen can cause liver damage in high doses, and NSAIDs can irritate your stomach. For more serious arthritis pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers like codeine or recommend cortisone shots to relieve pain directly in your joint. Procedures like viscosupplementation (injecting hyaluronic acid, which is similar to fluids found naturally in your knee joint) and joint replacement and other surgeries are usually considered only after meds and lifestyle changes have failed to make you feel better. Source: Prevention. Link: https://www.prevention.com/health/a20469909/answers-to-your-arthritis-questions/. Field: Rheumatology. Disease: Arthritis </s>