Which medication is commonly taken for arthritis?

Naproxen is commonly used to treat arthritis because it belongs to a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications help reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness associated with arthritis. Naproxen works by inhibiting certain enzymes involved in the production of prostaglandins, which play a key role in the inflammatory response. As a result, it is effective in managing symptoms for conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The other medications listed, although they have their respective uses, do not primarily target the symptoms or underlying processes of arthritis. Propranolol is a beta-blocker used mainly for cardiovascular issues, Benadryl is an antihistamine used for allergic reactions, and Aleve is actually a brand name for naproxen. Both Aleve and naproxen effectively perform similar functions in managing arthritis pain, but Aleve is not a distinct medication separate from naproxen; it's just a marketed form of the same active ingredient.