What type of analgesics are effective in relieving skeletal pain due to conditions such as arthritis?

Non-narcotic analgesics, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are particularly effective for relieving skeletal pain associated with conditions like arthritis. These medications work by reducing inflammation, which is a significant contributor to pain in arthritic conditions. By inhibiting the enzymes responsible for the formation of inflammatory mediators, non-narcotic analgesics help manage both pain and swelling.

In the case of arthritis, the pain often arises from inflammation in the joints, and non-narcotic analgesics can target this issue effectively without the risk of dependency associated with narcotic analgesics. While narcotic analgesics may relieve severe pain, they are generally not the first line of treatment for chronic conditions like arthritis due to their potential for tolerance and addiction.

Antibiotics are designed to treat infections and would not be applicable for pain relief in arthritis. Antipyretics are primarily used to reduce fever and, while they may provide some pain relief, their primary function is not to target skeletal pain directly. Hence, non-narcotic analgesics are the most appropriate choice for managing skeletal pain related to arthritis.