Pennsaid is a topical NSAID solution that received FDA approval on November 5, 2009, to treat pain and symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis. More specifically, Pennsaid (developed by Nuvo Research Inc.) is a diclofenac sodium topical solution. Another formulation, Pennsaid Plus Gel, is still under development.

Wondering how it works? Pennsaid combines a transdermal carrier, containing DMSO, with diclofenac sodium in order to deliver the drug through the skin directly to where the pain is located. Learn more in Pennsaid Topical Solution - What You Need to Know.

Related Resources:

• Voltaren Gel - What You Need to Know
• Topical or Oral NSAIDs - Which Is Preferred?
• Diclofenac Patch Relieves Pain
• NSAIDs - 10 Things You Should Know

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It is estimated that one in 5 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee may also have neuropathic pain. According to a report in the October 2009 issue of Rheumatology News, while neuropathic pain is generally not associated with osteoarthritis in the clinical setting -- there is increasingly more evidence that suggests treatment failure in osteoarthritis might be "a mismatch" between current osteoarthritis medications and underlying mechanisms of pain.

The diagnosis of neuropathic pain includes burning pain, numbness, tingling, and sensitivity to light touch. To date, there is little data on symptoms of neuropathic pain in osteoarthritis. More research is needed. It may turn out that drugs like Neurontin (gabapentin) and Lyrica (pregabalin) have an impact on osteoarthritis pain.

Related Resources:

• More About Nerve Pain
• Guide to Peripheral Neuropathy
• More About Neurontin / Gabapentin
• Lyrica - 10 Things You Should Know
• Cymbalta Reduces Knee Osteoarthritis Pain

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Half the fun of Christmas gifts comes from giving. But it's nice to receive Christmas gifts too -- especially if the gift is something you have been wanting. Christmas gifts can be fun, somewhat practical, or just exactly what you needed.

Would you rather receive a puppy to fill your house with love, or a Roomba to clean floors better than you could ever do yourself? What Christmas gift would be a fun distraction from your usual chronic pain -- and what gift would be most helpful and useful -- for example, an assistive device? Share your wish list.

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This likely falls under the "may help, probably won't hurt" category. Niacin (vitamin B3) may be helpful in treating or preventing osteoarthritis. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, the well-known doctor and advocate for integrative medicine, niacin is important in many bodily functions. Not only might it help with osteoarthritis, niacin may play a significant role related to cholesterol, asthma-induced wheezing, atherosclerosis, second heart attacks, and Alzheimer's disease.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a preliminary study suggested that niacinamide (one of three forms of niacin) may improve arthritis symptoms, including joint mobility, and may reduce the amount of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) needed.

Niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency is rare. In most cases, enough is attained through diet. High doses are available by prescription but you should never take more than the Recommended Daily Allowance unless supervised by a doctor. High doses of niacin (vitamin B3) can be toxic.

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• Vitamin C and Arthritis
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• Osteoarthritis Supplements - Know Your Options
• Is a Daily Multivitamin Important for Arthritis Patients?

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Your spine hurts, and it's happening more often. It's getting harder for you to bend, reach, walk, or just plain be comfortable! Could it be spine osteoarthritis?

Early treatment of spine osteoarthritis is important to prevent irreversible damage and progression of the disease. It's important that you not ignore early symptoms so that treatment can help relieve pain and improve function. Do you know the basic facts about spine osteoarthritis? Take our 12-question quiz: Spine Osteoarthritis - Test Your Knowledge.

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• Fast Facts About Facet Arthropathy
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Certainly not all -- but many osteoarthritis patients receive Medicare benefits. A federal report has revealed that Medicare paid more than $47 billion for questionable or fraudulent Medicare claims. Numerous fraudulent claims surfaced over the past few years -- for example, Medicare prescriptions from dead doctors to an array of requests for inappropriate payments. Shocked? You shouldn't be. Government auditors pointed out that Medicare was susceptible to high risk and fraud about 20 years ago.

The Obama administration has new initiatives planned that will help crack down on Medicare fraud. The Medicare system needs some critical care itself. It's our hope that new initiatives will make a difference. Share your comments -- have you witnessed Medicare fraud? Don't forget that even you can help stop Medicare fraud.

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• All About Medicare
• Medicare Doughnut Hole - What Is It?
• Medicare.gov - The Official Site
• Drug Cost Causing Patients to Change Habits or Not Comply
• Osteoarthritis Is Among Top 10 Most Expensive Medical Conditions

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Does your doctor intimidate you? Does your doctor encourage you to ask questions or does he shut you down? Communication is important -- but never more important than between a doctor and patient. So think about the question for a moment before answering.

If you do feel your doctor tries to intimidate you, how do you react? Do you become quiet and shy? Tongue-tied? Or, are you able to rise above it and get all of your concerns addressed? Should you stick with a doctor who tries to intimidate you?

Perhaps it's not intentional intimidation -- or perhaps you haven't even realized you are intimidated. Share your experiences and offer your best advice in Does Your Doctor Intimidate You?

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• Talk to Your Doctor!
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• Help Your Doctor Help You - Don't Delay Treatment
• Multidisciplinary Team Is Best for Treating Osteoarthritis
• 12 Tips for Improving Communication With Your Doctor

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You may be one of the osteoarthritis patients who looks for non-drug treatment options to help manage your osteoarthritis. Diet and exercise are at the forefront of ways to help control osteoarthritis symptoms. While neither diet nor exercise have been offered up as a cure, an appropriate regimen involving the two can be beneficial.

Educating yourself about the role of diet and exercise and a consultation with your doctor is a positive approach. A nutritionist, personal trainer, or physical therapist can also help craft an individualized program that would maximize your benefit. Learn more in Diet and Exercise Benefit Osteoarthritis Patients.

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• Arthritis and Exercise Quiz
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• Diet and Arthritis - The Link Is Complex
• 16 Non-drug Treatments for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis
• 6 Reasons Arthritis Patients Should Exercise

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One of the primary symptoms of osteoarthritis is pain that worsens during activity and improves with rest. We hear a lot about the importance of exercise and physical activity to build strength, endurance, and improve range of motion. But what about rest? When should you rest? How long should you rest? Is it ever a bad thing to rest when you have osteoarthritis?

Rest is a simple, non-drug remedy for osteoarthritis pain. Sometimes we overlook a treatment option for osteoarthritis that isn't complicated or expensive because we assume it won't work. Get advice from your doctor about resting and then work it into your routine. Learn more about the benefits of resting in Will Rest Ease Osteoarthritis Pain?

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• Exercise for Osteoarthritis
• 10 Ways to Fight Fatigue
• 10 Ways to Manage Osteoarthritis Pain
• Joint Protection Advice for People With Arthritis
• Does Fatigue Impact Lives of Osteoarthritis Patients?

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A cervical pillow can improve the alignment of your neck and spine, helping to relieve neck pain associated with arthritis. Choose a cervical pillow that suits you. There are several features to consider when looking for a cervical pillow, including size, shape, and material.

Some are made with memory foam, buckwheat hull, water, or air (comes with its own pump). It's hard to decide -- without trying each cervical pillow out yourself. Take a look at these cervical pillows -- hopefully it will encourage you to learn about your options.

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• Moist / Dry Heating Pads
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• The Facts of Pain Medications
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• Spine Osteoarthritis - What You Need to Know

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