During a study on treating hand osteoarthritis, it was discovered that using an arnica ointment topically provides the exact same effects as the drug, ibuprofen. Considering the millions of Americans who use NSAIDs to get relief from inflammation and arthritis, this is valuable information as it will allow people to stop masking their pain and start caring for their inflammation, especially since NSAIDs are known to have dangerous side effects. It is also known to reduce the swelling that accompanies broken bones.