Arthritis is a very common disease caused due to inflammation of joints. It is more common in adults (both males and females) but can also affect adolescents. It causes decapitating pain in joints and restricts movement. It is common practice to manage arthritic pain with physical activity and oral pain medications. However, you can also try one of the many OTC topical creams. What is the best topical cream for arthritis? Is it effective?
Find the answer here. Arthritis creams contain anti-bacterial and pain-reducing properties that relieve arthritis symptoms. There are various types of creams, gels, and patches available in the market that you can apply to the skin to relieve arthritis pain. If you suffer from arthritis, you should check out the topical cream arthritis we recommend down below.
What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis include:
- Joint pain.
- Swelling and redness of joints.
- Stiffness in joints, especially in the morning.
- Reduced mobility.
What are the Types of Arthritis -
1. Osteoarthritis:
It is the most prevalent type of arthritis. It is caused by wear and tear on the entire joint. Osteoarthritis also affects the cartilage and other connective tissues that hold the joint together. Cartilage damage can cause swelling and inflammation of the joint lining. Wear can occur over time or be accelerated by a joint injury, excess weight, or lack of exercise.
2. Autoimmune Inflammatory Arthritis:
The immune system becomes overactive in inflammatory arthritis, targeting healthy tissue such as joints in the spine, hands, and feet. Inflammation can become systemic in some patients, causing damage to the eyes, skin, heart, and other organs. The immune system loses its capacity to tell the difference between self and non-self and attacks the body.
It is supposed to defend. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most frequent kind of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. Gout, spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile arthritis are less common and are challenging to diagnose.
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What are Topical Creams?
Topical creams are absorbed through your skin. Topical creams for arthritis have pain-relieving properties. They can be applied on the skin of the affected joints like the knee, elbow, ankle, etc.
Are Arthritis Creams effective?
Undoubtedly, all topical creams for arthritis work. However, the pain-relieving action is temporary. Based on the intensity of the arthritis pain, reapplication of the cream is necessary. Capsaicin-containing creams are very effective when used in combination with painkillers.
Constituents of Topical Creams for Arthritis -
All topical creams for arthritis consist of one or more of the following substances:
- Capsaicin: Capsaicin blocks the skin's nerve endings and reduces pain. Capsaicin works best when used several times each day.
- Salicylates: Salicylates alleviate pain by reducing inflammation.
- Counterirritants: Substances like camphor, eucalyptus oil, menthol, and cinnamon oil provide a warm or cool sensation that temporarily distracts you from the pain.
- Anesthetics: They numb the affected area and produce a painless sensation. Lidocaine is the most commonly used local anesthetic.
How to Apply Topical Creams for Arthritis
You can easily find the Best Arthritis Creams in pharmacies as they are over-the-counter products. Follow these steps while using your arthritis creams:
- Always wash your hands before and after applying your cream.
- Unless your doctor specifies, limit your use to four times a day.
- Always follow the directions of use on the package of the arthritis cream.
- While applying the cream, never touch your eyes or any other sensitive body part.
- Do not apply the cream on wounds and dry skin.
- Discontinue the use of the cream if it causes irritation or allergy.
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What is the best topical cream for arthritis?
Choose anyone from this list. Here are some of our picks for the best arthritis cream for knees to buy in 2023.
1. Tiger Balm:
Tiger Balm has been used for decades for topical pain relief. It contains camphor and menthol, which produces a cooling feeling and aid in the relief of muscular and joint discomfort. Best Topical Cream for Arthritis is typically safe, with only minor adverse effects such as skin irritation and allergic responses. Tiger Balm is not suggested for pregnant or nursing women. People who are taking blood thinners should avoid this product.
2. Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream -
Best arthritis cream for knees: Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream is a pure, organic, and toxin-free product. Its gluten-free and non-GMO formula makes it less allergic. Due to the presence of cannabinoid extract, it is an excellent pain reliever for sore muscles. It is a water-based cream, which makes it simple and easy to apply and absorb.
3. Voltaren:
Voltaren is an FDA-approved over-the-counter medicine. It consists of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to relieve arthritis pain in joints. It may also benefit older persons or those with heart or kidney problems because it has fewer negative effects than other NSAID tablets.
4. Aspercreme Odor-Free Topical Analgesic Cream:
This odorless cream contains 4% lidocaine. The Best Arthritis Cream is devoid of counterirritants; it might be an excellent option if your skin is sensitive to counterirritants.
5. Sayman Salve Wonder Rub:
This thick oil consists of three potent pain relievers: lidocaine, hemp oil, and arnica. This botanical blend is designed to desensitize irritated nerves. Lidocaine helps in numbing; hemp oil targets cannabinoid receptors and arnica give an immediate cooling sensation. They work together to alleviate pain, inflammation, and edema in the hands, feet, or other body parts.
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6. Capzasin-HP Arthritis Cream:
Capsaicin is the active component in Capzasin-HP arthritis cream. Its warming sensation is much milder than that of capsicums. However, if capsaicin irritates your skin, you should discontinue this lotion.
7. Bengay Pain Relieving Cream:
This topical cream contains anti-inflammatory, cooling, and warming properties. It has salicylates, camphor, and menthol in it. The Best Topical Cream for Arthritis is also available in a vanishing-scent version for those who dislike the smell of menthol. It is used to relieve muscle pain and bone pain.
8. Naturopathica Arnica Gel:
Best arthritis pain relief cream - The main ingredient of this gel is arnica, widely known as "nature's aspirin." The best topical cream for arthritis also includes menthol for a cooling impact and a natural scent and magnesium to promote muscle function. This strong arnica-packed gel is gentle on the skin and dries with a smooth, non-greasy finish. It relieves and restores skin after exercise, injuries, arthritis discomfort, and achy muscles and joints.
9. Zostrix Maximum Strength Natural Pain Relief Cream:
Due to the presence of capsaicin, this product stings a little. Zostrix is an effective topical cream for arthritis pain. It must not be used on open wounds and dry skin.
10. Icy Hot Vanishing Gel:
Icy Hot is also available as a vanishing gel, which means the menthol aroma fades swiftly. It is available in three variants: Original, Max, and Advanced. Icy Hot Original contains 16% menthol, while 7.5% menthol is present in Icy Hot Advanced. Icy Hot Max contains 4% lidocaine and 1% menthol. These formulations produce a chilling sensation at first, followed by heat.
11. Sportscreme Deep Penetrating Pain Relieving Rub:
Salicylate is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Sportscreme. This non-greasy topical cream quickly gets absorbed into the skin. But its thick consistency takes a little longer to rub and massage into the skin. It relieves minor aches and pains temporarily.
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Conclusion -
With so many arthritis pain treatment creams on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. I hope that at the end of this article, you will better understand "What is the finest topical cream for arthritis?" Continue trying new topical creams until you find the one that suits you best. You can also consult an orthopedic doctor for the same.
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