You may wish to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the form of creams and gels that you rub into your affected joints. These are less likely to have side effects than NSAIDs taken as tablets, but you may notice only limited benefit as less of the medicine gets to the affected area. If these don't help, your doctor may prescribe NSAIDs to take as tablets to reduce the inflammation, pain and stiffness, but it's important to balance any benefits these may offer with possible negative side effects. Your doctor will only prescribe stronger painkillers if your pain is severe. She/he may also suggest steroid injections given directly into the affected area.
Attribution: BUPA