Patients who have arthritis can actually make the treatment very complicated if they even have kidney problems. In diminished kidney function you have to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) ibuprofen advil, motrin, naproxen aleve, naprosyn. There are other medications available for people who have arthritis and kidney problems. Acetaminophen or Tylenol is an analgesic and not an NASID. Hyaluronic acid is a chemical naturally produced by the body and is present in the joint fluid, injections of this chemical supplement can give relief to the affected joints without the kidneys being harmed. Other medications hyalgan, othovisc, supartz and synvisc are also helpful and don’t harm kidneys.  There are some topical products for arthritis that affects only one or two joints a gel prescription NSAID diclofenac or voltaren gel is safe for kidneys since only a very small percent of this drug is absorbed into the blood. Topicals do not work for hip pain as the joint is too deep for the medication to penetrate. Most effective OTC is capsaicin cream arthricare, capzasin and zostrix. Capsaicin is obtained from red chilli peppers. It has been found to lessen a chemical in the body that broadcasts pain signals. Counterirritants include products like menthol absorbine jr and camphor in jointflex cream that gives a mild cooling sensation that divert the pain. Salicylates are akin to asprin and reduce pain immediately aspercreme and myoflex. Combination products can have ingredients like salicylate and menthol in mentholatum cream, bengay or capsaicin, salicylates and heet liniment. Consult your doctor for which medication is best for you. There are many treatments that do not involve drugs and are extremely safe for the kidneys, using a brace or cane, taping a joint, physical therapy, hot-cold therapy, yoga and acupuncture.