Arthritic Hands need pain relief

Using Creams to Reduce Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a condition where joints in the body become painful and inflamed, due to wearing cartilage that acts like a cushion for the joints. When the protective barrier wears away, pain results upon weight bearing, such as walking or standing. Arthritis affects over 20 million people in the United States, and normally affects those over the age of 60.

Because there is no current cure for arthritis, the only way to treat it is through pain medications. The cartilage cannot be replaced, so an arthritis patient will have the disease for the rest of their life. There are many different methods for treating arthritis pain and inflammation, and they can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a physician.

Most prescription drugs and pills that help arthritis patients come with some side effects, but there are also treatments available that only treat the pain. Topical creams can be applied to joints and other inflamed areas of the body in order to provide pain relief, and they are able to do it without having any side effects whatsoever.

Topical arthritis creams are applied directly to the skin, and are able to provide immediate pain relief. There are many different brands that can be purchased at a local drug store over-the-counter, and work great for soothing minor pain associated with arthritis. Prescription drugs may be necessary for those experiencing severe pain, and a doctor will be able to determine the best option for you..

Most over-the-counter creams contain salicylate as the active ingredient, which is also found in many other popular medications. It works great to treat acne, reduce pain when used in aspirin, and can even help with digestion problems such as diarrhea or heartburn. Other types of arthritis cream use capsaicin or menthol in order to target the pain, but all three methods are able to provide instant pain and inflammation relief. Menthol also provides a cool relief, which leaves the muscles feeling relaxed so an arthritis sufferer can continue on with their daily routine.

Even though most creams are used specifically to cure the pain, there are others that can actually keep the brain from knowing pain is occurring. It reduces the levels of substance, which is a necessary chemical involved in transmitting the pain impulses to the brain.

There are many other types of topical treatments available, and they do not have to directly be for arthritis patients. Sports creams and other sore muscle treatments work just fine on arthritis patients, since they work at reducing both inflammation and pain on the joints and other areas of the body. Pain relieving patches also work great, but can restrict some movement when placed on major joints like the knee or elbow.

If topical treatments don�t work for you, you can try either over-the-counter pain medications or consult your primary care physician. Keep in mind that topical treatments are the only treatments currently available that do not come with side effects and sometimes the side effects are worse that the pain associated with your arthritis.

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