Archive for November 21st, 2010
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis on a chemical level.
Enzymes called Cox-1 and Cox-2 are a contributing factor in the creation of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for swelling and the sensation of pain. NSAID’s block Cox enzymes, so your body does not produce as many prostaglandins.
So NSAID’s reduce pain and swelling by blocking Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes, thus your body doesn’t produce as many prostaglandins, and pain and swelling is reduced.