If you suffer with arthritis, you know how difficult it can be to get past the pain and stiffness of the condition to enjoy your life. The good news is that there are plenty of options in arthritis pain relief that will get you back on the road to symptom-free days once again. Whether you choose to take an oral medication over the counter or ask your doctor about prescription options, there is a good chance that you will find an arthritis pain relief medicine that will work for you. The other good news is that to maximize the effects of your arthritis medication, you can use an arthritis pain relief cream.
Using a Topical Medication
Arthritis pain relief creams are topical treatments that are applied directly to the sore area. These remedies come in a few different types. The first will radiate heat or cold to the area, offering immediate pain relief that is similar to applying a hot or cold pack. Others use specific ingredients that may work in different ways to reduce the pain and bring immediate relief. Most of the types of arthritis pain relief cream will go to work immediately, but the results will be temporary. You will have to reapply the arthritis pain relief cream to see continued relief, but some formulas warn that too much of a good thing can also cause serious side effects. Make sure you follow dosing instructions as carefully as you would with an oral medication.
Ingredients Used
One popular form of arthritis pain relief cream contains capsaicin, an ingredient that is naturally found in hot peppers. This substance works by blocking a neurotransmitter that sends pain signals to the brain. You can find capsaicin in commercial arthritis pain relief creams like Capzasin-P and Zostrix. Another popular ingredient that is found in arthritis pain relief cream is salicylates. This substance works to reduce pain and inflammation by thwarting the activity of prostaglandins in the body and can be found in products like Aspercreme and BenGay. Counterirritants like camphor, eucalyptus and wintergreen oil can also be found in arthritis pain relief cream. These substances alleviate pain by stimulating nerve endings so the brain is distracted from the pain message. This is the substance that is found in creams like Icy Hot that make your skin feel cool or warm.
The best way to use an arthritis pain relief cream is in conjunction with an oral pain reliever. That way, you enjoy immediate relief with the cream and long term relief with the oral medication. Never apply heat to an area that has been treated with arthritis pain relief cream since serious burning of the skin can result. An arthritis pain relief cream can help to soothe and relieve arthritis pain so you can jump back into the action once again.