Painkiller creams and gels can relieve the suffering of osteoarthritis, but their effect only lasts about two weeks, researchers said on Friday. In an analysis of 13 trials of painkillers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), scientists at the University of Nottingham in England found that topical solutions were no better than a placebo after 14 days. Aspirin and ibuprofen are common examples of NSAIDS.
