Anti-Inflammatory Creams for Pain Relief By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces Swelling, aches, and pain are common symptoms of inflammation and can destroy a perfect day. Sometimes, these symptoms even linger for weeks, months, or years. Dietary changes and exercise can help reduce inflammation but do not always fix the problem. So, you may need some help from medications.
Luckily, many medications that target pain and inflammation are available. They come as oral pills, oral liquids, and topical products applied to the skin. However, topical options are often a good alternative since oral medicines are not always necessary and may cause body-wide side effects. What are anti-inflammatory creams used for? Anti-inflammatory creams can be used to treat several symptoms of pain and inflammation, including:
How do anti-inflammatory creams work? It depends on the medication. But the first step for all anti-inflammatory creams is to be absorbed through the skin. Once this happens, the medication relieves pain in the nearby joints or muscles. It can occur with little to no medication distribution into the rest of the body. Common topical anti-inflammatory products Some common topical anti-inflammatory creams and gels are: Voltaren (diclofenac) gel - is a commonly used topical anti-inflammatory gel. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and it works by blocking an enzyme (protein) called cyclooxygenase (COX). COX engages in making prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation. Voltaren, 1% gel, treats arthritis pain in the hands, elbows, feet, and knees. It was initially an FDA-approved prescription medication, but it became available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product. It comes in both brand-name and generic options. Voltaren gel's big brother, the diclofenac 3% gel, is FDA-approved for actinic keratosis, a skin condition caused by sun exposure. If you prefer something other than a gel, other NSAID options are available with a prescription from your health care provider. Prescription diclofenac patches and liquid are also available to treat arthritis pain. Capsaicin creams - a product used for mild muscle or joint pain cases. They are made from an ingredient found in chili peppers. Capsaicin reduces inflammation and interferes with substance P, a chemical involved in pain sensation. Capsaicin acts as a counterirritant, meaning it activates and desensitizes pain sensors.
Menthol creams are products used for mild muscle or joint pain cases. Like capsaicin, menthol also affects inflammation and acts as a counterirritant. Many different brand-name and generic menthol creams are available. The strength of these creams commonly ranges from 1% to 12%, but they can be more robust. Menthol is also included in many combination products, teaming up with medications like camphor, methyl salicylate, or cannabidiol (CBD). Combination products include Bengay cream (camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate) and Icy Hot cream (menthol and methyl salicylate). Like capsaicin, menthol is also available as a topical patch. The menthol patch is available OTC. Homeopathic medications such as Topricin Pain Relief Cream and Arnicare Cream are also marketed for arthritis and joint pain. Homeopathy is the principle of "like cures like," an alternative medicine. That means these creams are made with diluted ingredients that can cause the same symptoms they treat. Many health experts say there is insufficient evidence to support using homeopathic medicines. But some people still say they have success with them. If you are considering a homeopathic option, it is a good idea to talk to your health care provider first. How to apply anti-inflammatory creams Anti-inflammatory creams should be applied to healthy skin on the affected area of your body. The following steps should be followed when applying these topical products:
How effective are anti-inflammatory creams? Research suggests anti-inflammatory medications applied to the skin (excluding homeopathy) can be as effective as oral ones. And you can apply the medication directly where there is pain. Compared to oral medications, this allows less medication to get to other places in your body, helping to prevent side effects. It is beneficial in older adults, people with stomach or heart problems, or if you are sensitive to medications. Are there any risks or side effects to be aware of? Depending on the anti-inflammatory cream that you are using. Common side effects for these products are redness, burning, or irritation in the application area. Ask your health care provider what side effects to expect on a product-by-product basis. Still, a general lack of side effects benefits many topical medications. For example, Voltaren gel has a lower risk of serious side effects like stomach irritation or heart issues than oral NSAIDs.
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