Q. I have taken Advil for years for inflammation or pain. I have stopped because I began to have ringing in the ears, ear pain, dizziness and loss of hearing. This all disappeared when I stopped the Advil.

I just assume that I can't take NSAIDs anymore. What do you recommend I take for problems with heel spurs, disk problems and torn cartilage in the knee? I am a registered nurse and do a lot of walking and lifting at work.

A. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) and naproxen (Aleve) or prescription drugs like Celebrex, diclofenac and meloxicam. Such medications can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and even hearing loss (Drug Safety, March 1996).

Dealing with arthritis, bone spurs and back and knee inflammation can be challenging if you can't take regular pain relievers. You may find topical NSAIDs safer, along with herbal approaches such as turmeric, boswellia, stinging nettle and ginger. We discuss these and other home remedies in our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. AA-2, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is "Favorite Home Remedies From The People's Pharmacy."