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Ouch, my body hurts!
The Best Over-the-Counter Topical Pain Medications
Gels, Creams, Sprays, and Rubs. When your joints hurt or your muscles are sore, topical pain relievers — the ones you put on your skin — might provide some comfort. You can discover a variety of topical pain relief products at your nearby pharmacy. Some can also be prescribed by your physician.
Here are a few well-known choices and important information to consider if you’re thinking about trying them.
* A Disclaimer before we begin. As always, you should consult your current Doctor, Physician, or Pharmacist if you have any direct questions. The information in this article is meant to educate, not serve as a diagnosis or prescription for an individual condition.*
So let talk about the different types of ingredients found in topical pain relievers:
Counterirritants. Substances like menthol, methyl salicylate (oil of evergreen), and camphor are referred to as counterirritants since they produce a burning or cooling effect that diverts your attention from the discomfort.
Salicylates. The same components that provide aspirin with its analgesic properties are present in certain creams. When they penetrate the skin, they can alleviate pain, especially in joints that are near the surface, like the fingers, knees, and elbows.
Prescription NSAIDs. Topical formulations of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exhibit a reduced incidence of common NSAID side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort and bleeding. Avoid using them concurrently with oral NSAIDs.
Capsaicin. The primary component found in hot chili peppers, capsaicin, is recognized as one of the most potent substances for alleviating pain when applied topically. It can provide relief for joint discomfort as well as diabetic neuropathy. Initially, capsaicin creams may induce a warm tingling or burning feeling upon application. This sensation diminishes with continued use. It may take several days to a couple of weeks of consistent application before you experience a reduction in pain.
Lidocaine. This medication alleviates pain. It is available in the form of a gel or a patch that you apply to the affected area. Consult your doctor beforehand if you have liver issues or are taking medications for heart rhythm.
So which one is the best? How do I choose?
We need to identify where exactly you are hurting, and what type of pain you’re in. Let’s take a look at these identifiers:
- Joint Pain & Arthritis: Gels that contain Diclofenac, such as Voltaren, are best when used 3-4 times daily.
- Strains & Muscle Aches: Products that contain Menthol, and provide a warming / cooling sensation such as Advil Targeted Relief Cream, tend to work best overall.
- Nerve Pain (Diabetic Nerve Pain or Shingles): Lidocain patches or creams 4%-5% work exceptionally well for acute nerve pain.
- Intense Deep Tissue Pain: Capsaicin cream can work effectively, but be careful as it can cause a burning sensation initially and decreases over time.
**Disclaimer: Consult a medical provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have, taking other medications, or have underlying health conditions**
Let's "pump the breaks" and talk about some key considerations!
As with all medication, prescribed or over the counter, it’s best to know what you’re getting into and understand the risks that come with using them.
- Frequency: If you find yourself using any products for longer than a 2 week period of time, it is recommended that you talk to you physician. There may be underlying symptoms that need to be addressed in order to get you the right medication.
- Warnings: Topical products that contain NSAIDs ( such as Diclofinac) should not be used if you are already taking an NSAID orally (like Advil or Aleve) as it may cause kidney issues or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Wash Up: If using products like Diclofinac or Capsaicin, please wash your hands after application. Avoid rubbing your eyes until your hands are perfectly clean.
My Product Recommendations:
When we’re hurting, all we want is something that is going to take the pain away and make us feel better. The products listed below have proven to be reliable, with high customer satisfaction ratings. Each product has their own unique strength, please read reviews to determine which product will work best for you and your needs.
