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Arthritis pain relief: Creams and gels for aching joints
Do over-the-counter topical pain medications offer arthritis pain relief?
Over-the-counter topical pain medications may offer temporary relief from arthritis pain. Limited studies using these products showed reductions in pain. But studies have been small and poorly designed, making them less reliable.
These topical preparations aren't intended to take the place of your prescription arthritis medication and there's no evidence to suggest they can be helpful when used long term. However, you might find temporary relief from arthritis pain flares by using topical pain medications. Relying on these topical preparations more often may indicate that your arthritis is worsening or that medication prescribed by your doctor isn't working. Tell your doctor if your arthritis pain isn't being controlled.
Are these products safe for people with arthritis pain?
Over-the-counter creams and gels appear to be safe, though there are no data about long-term use for arthritis pain relief. Side effects may include burning or stinging where you apply the cream or gel. Some products may have a strong medicinal odor. Products containing salicylates may not be safe if you are allergic to aspirin or are taking blood thinners, so discuss this with your doctor first.
Carefully follow the directions on the product packaging. When using topical pain medications, be careful not to rub or touch your eyes until you've washed your hands thoroughly. Don't use these pain relievers on broken or irritated skin or in combination with a heating pad or bandage.
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- Rubs and liniments. Facts & Comparisons. http://online.factsandcomparisons.com. Accessed Oct. 9, 2008.
- Capsaicin. Facts & Comparisons. http://online.factsandcomparisons.com. Accessed Oct. 9, 2008.
- Gels, creams and ointments. Facts & Comparisons. http://online.factsandcomparisons.com. Accessed Oct. 9, 2008.
- Kalunian KC. Investigational approaches to the pharmacologic therapy of osteoarthritis. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Oct. 9, 2008.
- Voltaren Gel (prescribing information). Wehr/Baden, Germany: Novartis; 2007.
- Lidoderm (prescribing information). Chadds Ford, Pa.: Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2006.
- Scanzello CR, et al. What to use now for the pharmacologic treatment of pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis. Current Rheumatology Reports. 2008;10(1):49-56.
- Flector Patch (prescribing information). Kagawa, Japan: Teikoku Seiyaku Co., Ltd.; 2007.
- Chang-Miller A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. Oct. 13, 2008.
