When your joints are painful or your muscles ache, topical painkillers -- those you apply to your skin -- may offer relief. You'll find many products for topical pain relief at your local drugstore. Others can be prescribed by your doctor. Show Here are some popular options and what you need to know if you'd like to give them a try. Analgesic Creams, Rubs, and SpraysTopical painkillers, or analgesics, are sprayed on, rubbed in, or applied as patches onto the skin over painful muscles or joints. Although all are designed to relieve pain, different products use different ingredients. Here are some of the most common.
Here's what you need to know to get the greatest effects and minimize the risks of these products:
Hot or cold packs -- or sometimes a combination of the two -- can provide relief for sore muscles and joints. Cold numbs sore areas. It is especially helpful for the pain and swelling of an arthritis flare or joint injury, such as a sprained ankle. Cold may reduce inflammation by constricting blood flow to the injured area. You can apply cold using a commercial cold pack or with a water bottle filled with ice and cold water. You can also use items already in your home such as:
Heat packs relax your muscles. Heat dilates blood vessels, sending more oxygen and blood to the area. Heat also decreases the sensation of pain. You can apply heat with commercial heat packs, heating pads, or hot water bottles. Other ways to use heat include:
To get the most relief from hot or cold without damaging your skin, try these tips:
SOURCES: Georgia Department of Community Health: "Arthritis pain relief: Creams and gels for aching joints." ArthritisToday.org: "Osteoarthritis and Kidney Concerns," "Osteoarthritis Treatment: What medications are used to treat osteoarthritis?" "Voltaren Gel Offers Rub-On Relief," "Take Medicines Wisely." Penn State Hershey: "Osteoarthritis." Hospital for Special Surgery: "How to Use Capsaicin (Pepper Creams) for Joint Pain." FDA: "Use Caution with Over-the-Counter Creams, Ointments." University of Missouri Health Care: "Use of Heat and Cold for Pain Relief." National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: "Handout on Health: Back Pain." Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: "Pharmacologic management of neuropathic pain: evidence-based recommendations." American Chronic Pain Association: "Frequently Asked Questions." Arthritis Foundation: "Frequently Asked Questions About Fibromyalgia," "Supplements for Your Condition," "Rub It On: Topical Analgesics." Cruccu, G. European Journal of Neurology, 2007. De Silva. Rheumatology, 2010. Dworkin, R. American Journal of Medicine, October 2009. Journal of Rheumatology, April 1992. FamilyDoctor.org web site: "Diabetic Neuropathy." Fidelix, T. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2006. Freynhagen, R. BMJ, August 2009. Gammaitoni, A. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 2004. National Pain Foundation: "Neuropathic Pain: Medications," "Neuropathic Pain: Injections," "Neuropathic Pain: Surgery," "Using Complementary Therapy." What over the counter cream is good for inflammation?Voltaren (diclofenac) gel, capsaicin cream, and menthol cream are common topical anti-inflammatory medications. When used as directed, anti-inflammatory creams can have similar benefits as their oral counterparts. They also tend to have fewer side effects.
Are topical antiTopical NSAIDs penetrate the skin and help reduce pain locally. They work best on joints that are closer to the surface, such as the hands, knees, elbows and ankles. You are older than 65.
Does Voltaren cream reduce inflammation?Voltaren contains an effective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine which is clinically proven to relieve arthritis joint pain.
What is an excellent antiNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs are medicines that are used to relieve pain, and reduce swelling (inflammation). Examples include aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib and meloxicam.
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