The Best Topical Remedies for Arthritis Pain

Joint pain from arthritis is a common problem for many people. If you suffer from arthritis pain and do not wish to take oral pain medications because of adverse side effects or dependency issues, the application of topical analgesics offers temporary relief of mild to moderate pain.

Types

• There are three types of topical pain relievers available: counterirritants, salicylates and capsaicin. According to the Mayo Clinic, topical analgesics come in creams, gels and patches. The creams and gels are applied by rubbing directly into the skin above the affected area. Patches are applied over the painful joint.

  Counterirritants soothe the skin with ingredients such as menthol or eucalyptus, bringing temporary relief to painful arthritic joints with sensations of hot or cold. Products containing these ingredients include Icy Hot and Flexall.

  Salicylates are absorbed into the skin and provide relief from pain and inflammation using the same ingredients found in aspirin. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, they work by blocking the release of prostaglandins, the chemical messengers that transmit the sensation of pain. Salicylates are found in over-the-counter products such as Bengay and Aspercreme. Consult your doctor before using these products if you have an aspirin allergy or take blood thinners.

  If you are experiencing arthritis joint pain in the fingers, knees or elbows, capsaicin cream may provide the relief you are seeking. Capsaicin cream causes a burning sensation because it is made from chili pepper seeds. However, it blocks pain by temporarily removing substance P, the chemical in nerve cells responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. Applications may have to be repeated for up to two weeks before the pain relief provided by this topical analgesic is evidenced. Capzasin and Zostrix are products containing capsaicin.

  Some topical analgesics are available as prescription drugs. One such product is Voltaren Gel. Voltaren contains the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac. The product is applied by massaging directly into the painful joint four times per day. The Mayo Clinic states Voltaren offers some relief for osteoarthritis pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles and knees. As with most prescription medications, side effects can occur when using Voltaren. They include rash, stomach bleeding and cardiac problems.

Effectiveness

• Topical analgesics are made to offer temporary relief of pain and can be used alone or in conjunction with your prescription pain medication. The Mayo Clinic states that the long-term effectiveness of these products has not yet been proven.

Precautions

• When using topical analgesics, avoid contact with your eyes. If your skin is broken or irritated, their use is not recommended. Side effects such as a burning sensation are generally minimal. If you find you are using topical analgesics often, alone or in combination with your prescribed pain medication, consult with your doctor to determine if the pain medication you are taking is no longer effective and needs to be changed.