Too much physical activity may result to joint pain even after you take your usual arthritis pain reliever. You may try using over the counter pain relief rub or cream to lessen the pain instead of taking another pill.
But the question most people ask is if this over the counter cream or rub really works in relieving arthritis pain. Pain relief rub or creams are topical medications that are absorbed through the skin. The most common kind of topical medications are gel and cream which is use to rub in the skin where the affected joint is. Some comes in the form of a patch that you stick in your skin or a spray. Since the ingredients of such topical solution are absorbed in the skin readily, it is best that it is used for joints that are closest to the skin like your fingers and hands.
What are the most common ingredients that you find in these topical medications? The most common active ingredients that you find in over the counter topical medications are Capsaicin which cause a burning sensation like that of chili peppers, salicylates which contains a pain relieving substance found in Aspirin and Menthol which generates a feeling of hot or cold that may temporarily override your arthritis pain.
Opinions do differ when it comes to the effectiveness of these topical medications. Though many individuals claimed this product to be effective, scientific studies reveals only modest benefits from using such medication.
There are creams that are a mixture of few fatty acids like omega 3 which is said to lessen inflammation in the body. Celadrin is one product that is said to cushion joints and bones and lubricate cell membranes. Another topical cream made for knee pain is capsicum which is also popular as capsaicin. It is based in hot compounds which you usually find in peppers. It is said that the antioxidants it contains relieves pain and lessens inflammation.
A research study at the University of Connecticut found out that patient who took Celadrin for one month has twelve percent improvement in stair climbing ability and sixteen percent improvement in strength and balance. According to Mayo Clinic in America, Capsicum has also shown temporary relief from arthritis pain.
In conclusion, both products may help in arthritis pain and in their recent report they say capsaicin scored perfect five while celadrin score two out of five for pain relief. Capsicum cream then can be use to mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain and may be use in combination of paracetamol (Arthritis Research Campaign).