Osteoarthritis and Kidney

Concerns
Q: My question concerns arthritis and kidney health. I have osteoarthritis (OA), but I
cannot take many medications because I have kidney problems. Is there any treatment I
could try that ould not a!!ect my kidneys"
A: For patients with arthritis, kidney problems can indeed complicate treatment plans. If you have
diminished kidney function, you may need to avoid nonsteroidal antiinflammatory dru!s
"#$AI%s&, such as ibuprofen "Advil, Motrin& or napro'en "Aleve, Naprosyn&, but there are many
other options for arthritis and kidney patients. (he first option is acetaminophen "Tylenol&, which is
an anal!esic, not an #$AI%.
In)ections of hyaluronic acid compounds, which are desi!ned to supplement a substance that !ives
)oint fluid its viscosity, for e'ample, may provide relief in affected )oints "usually knees& without
involvin! the kidneys. (hese products include Hyalgan, Orthovisc, Supartz and Synvisc.
(here are also topical products for arthritis that affects only one or two )oints. (he F%A recently
approved a !el form of the prescription #$AI% diclofenac "Voltaren Gel&. Only a very small amount
of the dru! !ets into the bloodstream, so it may be safe for your kidneys. *owever, topicals may
not work well for hip pain, because the )oint is too deep for the medication to penetrate.
(he most effective of the overthecounter products is probably capsaicin cream
"ArthriCare, Capzasin and Zostri&. %erived from red chili peppers, capsaicin has been found to
reduce a chemical in the body that transmits pain si!nals.
Other nonprescription topicals include:
+ Counterirritants, which include products such as menthol "in A!sor!ine "r#& and camphor
""oint$le cream&, and provide a mild coolin! sensation that distracts from underlyin! pain.
+ $alicylates, which are related to aspirin and relieve pain directly, include products such
as Aspercre%e and Myo&le#
+ Combination products may contain in!redients such as methyl salicylate and menthol
"mentholatum cream, 'enGay&, or capsaicin, salicylates and a counterirritant "Heet liniment&.
Ask your pharmacist for help in choosin! the ri!ht product for you.
Of course, there are several nondru! treatments, too, that would be completely safe for your
kidneys. (hese include usin! a brace or cane, tapin! a )oint, !oin! to physical therapy and tryin!
hot,cold therapy or acupuncture.