Topical Arthritis Relief

Arthritis is a very painful condition affecting the joints or muscles. Patients sometimes choose topical arthritis relief which, since it is applied to the skin rather than taken in pill form, is less likely to have side effects.

Salicylates

• Topical arthritis relievers containing salicylates work by decreasing the pain felt in nerve endings. Aspercreme and Bengay contain salicylates and are available over the counter.

Capsaicin

• Capsaicin may make chili taste hotter, but it can actually cool the pain as a topical arthritis ointment. It is available without a prescription.

Counterirritants

• Substances such as menthol, eucalyptus and camphor are counterirritants: They stimulate nerve endings to remove the brain's focus on pain. Icy Hot and Mineral Ice are two popular counterirritants for topical arthritis relief found.

NSAIDs

• Voltaren gel was the first of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to be approved by the FDA as a prescription topical treatment for arthritis.

Considerations

• Topical arthritis relief can help ease the pain without irritating the stomach or causing other problems within the body. There is an assortment of gels, creams and salves that are available without prescription