Should I take paracetamol or ibuprofen for arthritis pain?
For arthritis pain in UK adults, NICE recommends topical NSAID gels (like ibuprofen gel) first for hand and knee OA. Oral paracetamol is a reasonable short-term option but the evidence for its benefit in OA is weaker than once thought. Oral ibuprofen works better for inflammation but carries stomach, kidney and heart risks — take it with food, at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest time, and check with your GP if you're over 65, on blood pressure medication, or have kidney or heart conditions.
Last updated 2026-07-04. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
When would you pick Paracetamol?
Occasional mild pain; can't tolerate NSAIDs; on blood thinners.
When would you pick Ibuprofen (oral NSAID)?
Inflammation-driven pain (RA, gout, PsA flares); short-term use only.
What should I be careful about?
Neither replaces exercise, weight management or DMARDs for inflammatory arthritis. Never combine oral NSAIDs with aspirin without medical advice.