Consumers find arthritis pain relief through over-the-counter medications that target their specific symptoms. Pain, stiffness and inflammation are among the effects of arthritis. Because there are many different types of arthritis, the ingredients in the different kinds of pain relievers treat the intensity of specific symptoms.

Pain symptoms from arthritis range from mild to severe, so the choice people make depends on their pain level. Here are five top over-the-counter arthritis pain relievers.

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1. Aspirin
This includes such products as Bayer, Bufferin, Excedrin and Anacin. Aspirin helps relieve mild pain and fever, which occurs in some types of arthritis, and is all that’s needed for some arthritis patients, according to WebMD. However, some people have allergic reactions to aspirin, especially when taken regularly for arthritis symptoms.

Taking aspirin with food or milk helps avoid side effects, which may include stomach problems, heartburn, nausea, and irritation to stomach ulcers.

2. Acetaminophen
Products such as Tylenol are promoted as aspirin-free for consumers who want to avoid the possible side effects of aspirin, WebMD said. Acetaminophen relieves pain and fever.

3. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs help ease joint pain. They include ibuprofen products, such as Advil and Motrin IB, and medications with naproxen sodium, including Aleve and Naprosyn. Many stronger NSAIDs are available through prescription. Like aspirin, NSAIDs have side effects that affect the stomach, but taking them with milk or food helps avoid these problems, WebMD said.

4. Capsaicin Creams
These include Capzasin and Zostrix. Capsaicin ingredients, which are found in chili peppers, attack nerve cells that send out pain messages, according to the Mayo Clinic. Salicylates, which have pain-relieving ingredients found in aspirin, are used in topical solutions such as Bengay and Aspercreme.

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5. Counterirritants
These help relieve pain in the muscles and joints through hot and cold packs used by many arthritis sufferers, the Mayo Clinic said. Counterirritants are found in such products as Icy Hot and Biofreeze. They relieve pain temporarily with menthol, camphor and other substances.

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