Glucocorticoids are given to ease swelling. They should not be used when the body is fighting off an infection. They may be taken by mouth or injected. An injection lowers the risk of problems that may happen when taken by mouth.

Some problems may be:

Weight gain
Puffy face
High blood pressure
Higher risk of infection
Bruising
Osteoporosis
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Diabetes
Muscle weakness
Insomnia
Mood swings

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Common names are:

Ibuprofen
Naproxen
Celecoxib
Meloxicam
Sulindac
Diclofenac
Piroxicam
Ketoprofen
Diflunisal
Nabumetone
Etodolac
Oxaprozin
Indomethacin

The standard nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can work as well as glucocorticoids. These drugs ease swelling by other pathways than the glucocorticoid class of drugs. They are also safer to use in a person who has an infection. But they may have other harmful side effects.

Some problems are:

Stomach irritation, ulcers, and bleeding
Allergic reactions
Kidney damage
An increased risk of things like heart attacks and strokes

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Common names are:

Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Naproxen

These medicines ease swelling. There are small differences between them in things like dosing and side effects.

Some problems are:

Stomach irritation, ulcers, and bleeding
Allergic reactions
Kidney damage
An increased risk of things like heart attacks and strokes

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen can help ease mild aches and pains.

Some people may have an allergic reaction, such as:

Rash
Hives
Itching
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Problems breathing or swallowing

Liver damage can happen when taking more than advised.

References:

Acetaminophen. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/drug-monograph/acetaminophen. Accessed May 6, 2020.

Foot care 101. American Podiatric Medical Association website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed May 5, 2020.

Foot complications. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications/foot-complications. Accessed May 5, 2020.

Foot pain and problems. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/foot-pain-and-problems. Accessed May 5, 2020.

Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM
Last Updated: 3/30/2021

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