If you have recently been struggling with joint pain and have learned that you have arthritis, then it may be time to start thinking about investing in some treatments to help reduce the discomfort. And, topical agents are often effective in minimizing pain. If you have never used any of these treatments before, there are a few different options available to you. Keep reading to learn a little bit about them.
Capsaicin Cream
Some of the more popular creams are ones that contain capsaicin. Capsaicin is the chemical component in hot chili peppers that causes your mouth to feel as though it is burning. It is a chemical irritant that absorbs quickly and easily into the skin and mucous membranes. And, while capsaicin may not create a pleasant sensation, it can work well to eliminate some of your joint pain. It does this by overwhelming the nerves to the point that they stop releasing pain signals to the brain.
It can take some time for the nerves to calm down, so you want to apply your capsaicin cream every day. Multiple applications work best and you will likely experience significant pain relief after about two weeks. To use the product, wash the affected area, dry it, then apply the cream liberally to the joint.
You can purchase your cream over the counter at your local pharmacy. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe a capsaicin patch or a high potency cream for you. Both of these products can offer more substantial relief than typical consumer creams. However, you do want to be sure to wash your hands after use so you do not get any of the capsaicin in your eye.
Salicylate Cream
Salicylate is a pain reliever agent that is found in a wide variety of over the counter products, including aspirin. The compound comes from natural plant sources and is derived from salicylic acid. It is an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory agent that can be used both orally and topically to minimize pain.
Topical salicylate agents are often used to soothe aching joints and they can be applied directly to the skin like other creams. And, the cream is often odorless, unlike other kinds of arthritis products, making it undetectable to others when you use it.
Like other kinds of creams, you can start by using an over the counter product. If this does not work, then your doctor can prescribe a stronger gel or a medicated pad. The pad is extremely easy to use. Simply clean the area and gently wipe the pad over the joints to apply the medication.
For more help with joint pain, reach out to a local medical health professional.
Share10 August 2020
I am a mother of four wonderful children, and like other parents, I have been to my fair share of health care clinics. It seems like my children are always getting scrapes and coming down with colds. When I was a new parent, I never knew whether I should take my injured or ill child to the emergency room or local urgent care facility. I received some simple advice from a seasoned parent that made my decisions easier that I want to pass onto all new parents, along with other health tips I've learned. he told me that she tended to take her children to the ER when they were bleeding or had very high temperatures and took them to the local urgent care for any other problem. I have followed her advice ever since, and my children remain healthy and happy!
