Best Topical For Arthritis Knee Pain

What The Experts Say

First and foremost, anyone considering arthritis cream or gel should discuss using the product with their orthopaedic surgeon or primary care physician to ensure it is being used appropriately and for the correct indication. Rachel Frank, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at UCHealth and director of the Joint Preservation Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine

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. Consult your doctor.

Why Trust Verywell Health

As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews.

Additional reporting to this story by Danielle Zoellner and Elizabeth Yuko

As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.

As a seasoned health writer and editorand someone with rheumatoid arthritisElizabeth Yuko understands how much of a difference finding the right product makes for those with arthritis. Shes always on the lookout for new products, techniques, and services that can help people cope with their health challenges.

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Adding Or Removing Some Bone Around A Joint

If you have osteoarthritis in your knees but you’re not suitable for knee replacement surgery, you may be able to have an operation called an osteotomy. This involves your surgeon adding or removing a small section of bone either above or below your knee joint.

This helps realign your knee so your weight is no longer focused on the damaged part of your knee. An osteotomy can relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis, although you may still need knee replacement surgery eventually.

Supplements For Those With Mild Pain

For people with milder pain, Dr. Day suggests trying supplements, such as the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin or the spice turmeric.

The evidence for glucosamine and chondroitin is mixed, but they are safe. So it might be worth trying. However, people with a shellfish allergy may not be able to tolerate them. Any effect wont kick in right away. Dr. Day recommends trying it for six to eight weeks. If you notice improvement, great if not, then stop it, she says.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and there is some evidence for its usefulness for painful knee arthritis. You can add turmeric to your food or take it as a supplement. It can thin blood, so people who take a blood thinning medication should not use turmeric.

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How Well Do They Work

A recent scientific review by the Cochrane Collaboration, an international body of health experts, found that some prescription topical NSAIDsoffer the same pain relief as oral medications, but with fewer gastrointestinal concerns.

The Cochrane review covered 34 studies involving 7,688 adults who experienced chronic musculoskeletal pain for at least three months. They received several different kinds of topical NSAIDs for their pain. The topical NSAID diclofenac was as effective as oral NSAIDs for arthritis in the knee or hand.

Other Pain Relief Treatments

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

A TENS machine sends electrical pulses to your nerve endings through pads placed on your skin. It produces a tingling sensation and is thought to relieve pain by altering pain signals sent to the brain. The research evidence on the effectiveness of TENS is mixed, but some people do find it helpful. A physiotherapist will be able to advise on the types of TENS machine available and how to use them. Or they may be able to loan you one to try before you buy.

Hyaluronic acid injections

Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, is a lubricant and shock absorber thats found naturally in the fluid in your joints. Injections of hyaluronic acid have sometimes been used as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. The treatment isnt currently available on the NHS because research evidence on its long-term effectiveness is mixed. The treatment is, however, available privately.

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Best Topical Arthritis Treatment Options

I often hear the question, “What can I use topically to treat my joint pain?” Well, if you go to the store, you’ll see a lot of options. There’s capsaicin cream, lidocaine cream, and there’s even lidocaine patches. But the one that I would highlight is Voltaren Gel. Voltaren is a true anti-inflammatory offered in a gel form that is over-the-counter . It’s a true anti-inflammatory. You can place it on the skin several times a day, and for a lot of people, it produces great results.

Walking With An Assistive Device

Assistive devices can ease pain while walking. Medical associations recommend them for people with pain and/or stability problems.

They include canes, crutches, walkers, and similar devices.

Some people like using a cane and find relief with it. Others, prefer wearing a knee brace that keeps their knee stable. So, its often a matter of personal preference.

Whatever you choose, its essential that you feel comfortable with it.

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Best Cream: Sayman Salve Wonder Rub

Courtesy of Amazon

• Product can be sticky

• Some users report feeling nothing when using this product

Three powerful pain fighters give this creamy oil a punch. It contains max strength lidocaine alongside a botanical blend that aims to desensitize aggravated nerves. Together, they dull pain, reduce inflammation and swelling, and relieve stiff joints. Lidocaine, a numbing medication, is a common ingredient in over-the-counter topical medications and can be very helpful. It comes in multiple forms, sometimes combined with other medications, says Dr. Barsoum.

The time-tested formula has more than 150 years of history to its credit, which boasts a pleasant texture and efficient pain relief on hands, feet, and other achy areas. Arnica creates an instant cooling sensation, while hemp oil targets inflammation and cannabinoid receptors. Its clear and has almost no odor.

Price at time of publish: $40

Active Ingredients: Lidocaine, hemp oil, and arnica | Dose: A thin layer applied to affected areas every six to eight hours | Uses: Temporarily relieves minor pain

Buying Guide Of Arthritis Knee Pain Creams: Aspects To Consider

Buying a product is a big decision you should always ensure youre buying the right one. To help you out, weve put together this guide to help you find the right arthritis knee pain creams. Researching the product before buying is always a good idea. This will help you know if its worth spending your hard-earned money on or not. Check out reviews on different websites like Amazon to see what other people say about the product and if they recommend it or not.

If you are planning to buy an arthritis knee pain creams, it is important to consider these aspects.

Here are a few more aspects to consider when buying:

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Types Of Topical Knee Pain Relief Analgesics

Joints are your bodys suspension system. They let you move freely and cushion your movements. Imagine driving a car that had a horrible screech or squeal every time you drove over a bump.

Rubbing Your Knee with an Ointment Can Relieve Pain Fast

Would you continue to drive the car and ignore the loud sounds, or would you take your car to the mechanic to try and fix it? Pain in your joints is our bodys screech or squeal. It is a sign that something is not right. Pain in your joints is the warning that your suspension is breaking down.

Nearly 15 million Americans suffer from intense joint pain daily. Here, lets discuss how to handle joint pain without swallowing pills or using topical ointments, creams, sprays, and patches on the market.

From topical ointments to sprays to knee patches for the pain, theres a lot of ground to cover. Lets get started! Here are the ones you should consider:

• Natural rub ins you can make at home

Nsaids Vs Opioids: Was There A Clear Winner

A recent study compared oral NSAIDs and oral opioids for relief of osteoarthritis pain. Researchers at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Womens Hospital performed a meta-analysis . They included clinical trials in which patients with knee osteoarthritis were chosen at random to receive treatment that lasted at least 2 months.

The researchers carefully chose which studies to include, and two members of the team independently reviewed each study and extracted the data. They selected studies that used a common, well-validated, and widely-accepted measure of pain . Data from over 5,500 patients were included, and the researchers found that, on average, oral NSAID treatment reduced pain by around 18 points on the WOMAC scale. Treatment with less potent oral opioids also reduced pain by around 18 points, and potent oral opioids reduced pain by around 19 points on the WOMAC scale. Since, on average, patients started out with pain ratings of around 50-60 out of 100, each of these medications achieved around a 30% reduction in patients pain.

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How To Know If I Have An Allergic Reaction

If you have a reaction after applying CBD cream to the back of your wrist, such as redness, swelling, or itchiness, discontinue use and consult a doctor. These are signs of an allergic reaction and should not be ignored.

If you experience any sort of irritation or skin discomfort, wash the CBD cream off your skin completely and consult a doctor immediately.

In most cases, it’s recommended that you discontinue using the product if you have a negative reaction to it.

Best Balm: Dr Bronner’s Organic Magic Balm

Courtesy of Dr. Bronner

• Uses both arnica and counterirritants

• Moisturizes the skin

• Greasier feel than other options

• Tin makes for messier application

This balm is loaded with all-natural ingredients that calm inflammation and cool your skin. It boasts a blend of camphor, menthol, and peppermint oil, which work together to form a counterirritant to relieve your pain. The balm also contains arnica, which is commonly used to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.

Because it also contains moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, the balm may prove a little greasy.

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How Is Osteoarthritis Treated

Treatment for osteoarthritis includes lifestyle changes and medications.

All patients with osteoarthritis should be enrolled in an exercise program because physical activity increases blood flow, and joints and muscles are supplied with more oxygen. Swimming, Tai Chi and weight-based exercises are usually suitable for people with osteoarthritis, although a physician should be consulted before starting any exercise program.

Weight loss can lower the risk of pain in weight-bearing joints and orthotics, devices that help to align joints âorthotic shoe inserts, splints, and braces can help with movement. Heat or cold therapy can also relieve joint swelling.

Medications for osteoarthritis may include:

What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and keep it from freezing or excess heat.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

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Criteria That Helped Us Make This List

The quality of CBD creams on the market today varies greatly, so it’s important to only buy CBD cream that has been tested by a third-party lab. Some companies use potentially dangerous chemicals in their products, which is why it’s so important to get your CBD from a trusted brand.

When reviewing each product below, we looked at each one’s ingredients list and cross-checked that information with lab reports to ensure that you’re getting a safe and effective product. We also took into account the cost of each CBD cream on the market, as we know how expensive it can be to purchase CBD creams without breaking the bank.

Additionally, many of the CBD creams on the market today are sold in jars, which means you might end up wasting some of your cream if it doesn’t come packaged in a tube or pump.

Each one of the CBD creams below is packaged in a way that allows you to control your dosage easily and prevent waste.

Topical Pain Relief For Arthritis

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of topical creams, balms, gels, patches, and sprays available to treat arthritis pain. Knowing about these products active ingredients and relative effectiveness can help people select the ones best suited for them.

Many topical pain relievers are sold over-the-counter, without a prescription, while certain other topical products require a physicians prescription.

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Complementary Medicine For Osteoarthritis

Taking supplements

In many cases, theres little research evidence to show that supplements and herbal remedies can improve arthritis or its symptoms, but many people feel they do benefit from them.

Below are a few of the supplements often used by people with osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is found naturally in the body in structures such as ligaments, tendons and cartilage. Supplements are usually produced from crab, lobster or prawn shells, although shellfish-free types are available. Theres some research to suggest it may have some benefit in painful osteoarthritis, especially of the knee.

Most trials have used a dose of 500 mg three times a day, and the evidence seems to suggest glucosamine sulphate may be more effective than glucosamine hydrochloride. It doesnt help the pain straight away so youll need to take it for a couple of months. If it hasnt helped after two months, then its unlikely that it will.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin exists naturally in our bodies and its thought that it helps give cartilage elasticity. The research evidence is limited to animal studies that suggest it might help to slow the breakdown of cartilage.

Dont expect to see any improvement for at least two months. And if your cartilage is badly damaged, its unlikely that youll benefit from chondroitin.

Fish oils

Complementary treatments

There are a number of different treatments available and they can generally be used alongside prescribed or over-the-counter medicines.

What Are Cbd Creams Used For

CBD creams are generally used to treat various kinds of pain, including arthritis, inflammation, fibromyalgia, and carpal tunnel.

The CBD cream can be used to treat physical aches and discomfort on the knee area including the joints. Another popular use for CBD creams is to supplement or complement traditional forms of treatment for cancer patientssuch as chemotherapy or radiation therapyto help manage pain.

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What Is The Best Topical Cream For Arthritis

Here are some of our picks for the Best Arthritis Creams to buy in 2022

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.

Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream

The Best Topical Cream for Arthritis 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.

Voltaren:

Voltaren is an FDA-approved over-the-counter medicine. It consists of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug . 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.

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.

Sayman Salve Wonder Rub:

Capzasin-HP Arthritis Cream:

Icy Hot Vanishing Gel: