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How Do I Choose the Best Arthritis Cream?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

When choosing the best arthritis cream for your type of arthritis, follow the advice of your health care provider or pharmacist. Results may vary with each individual, therefore reading reviews may not help you determine which product works best. You should also decide whether you want an all-natural product, such as a cream made from plant based ingredients, or an arthritis cream with a chemical analgesic. Some arthritis creams may have a strong odor, so you might want to choose an odorless variety if this concerns you. If you have extremely sensitive skin, choose a product that is dermatologist tested, as this would be less likely to cause irritation.

Many individuals with arthritis and joint pain find relief by using an arthritis cream that contains capsaicin. You may find this ingredient eases your arthritic pain, but be aware of potential side effects. Cayenne peppers contain this ingredient and it has the same burning effect if applied topically. Although capsaicin may help relieve your joint pain by numbing nerve sensors, you must use caution not to rub your eyes if the cream is on your hand.

Different arthritis creams work best for different people.
Different arthritis creams work best for different people.

An arthritis cream that contains the ingredients methyl salicylate and menthol may help ease your pain. You should read the precautions carefully, and not use the product for longer than the recommended time. Also, if you are allergic to aspirin, you should check with your doctor before using a product containing methyl salicylate.

Arthritis creams containing cortisone might be another option for you to consider. If you are experiencing symptoms of inflammation such as pain and swelling, cortisone-based creams could help. As always, read the label carefully and if in doubt, check with your health care provider.

Creams with capsaicin, a chemical that gives red peppers their heat, can be used to relieve arthritis pain.
Creams with capsaicin, a chemical that gives red peppers their heat, can be used to relieve arthritis pain.

For a holistic type of medicinal cream or ointment, visit your local natural health supply store. Herbal-based creams generally do not have chemicals that could cause side effects. Many of these natural products are also gentle to the skin. Also, consider a cream that has the ingredient arnica. This herb has been used for a very long time to relieve the painful symptoms of arthritis.

Arthritis cream that contains cortisone might help with inflammation.
Arthritis cream that contains cortisone might help with inflammation.

If you plan on using an arthritis cream while at work, you'll probably want to choose something greaseless and non staining. A cream that contains castor oil may relieve your pain, but may be messy to use and greasy on your skin. If you use the cream only while sleeping, this might not be a factor for you.

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

@ysmina-- Arnica cream (or gel) is great for arthritis. I'm using it for my osteoarthritis. It was recommended to me by my doctor and it really does work. It's good for stiffness, pain and inflammation. I highly recommend it.

You can get it from some pharmacies and stores. If you can't find it in stores, it's available online as well. It's not very expensive either.

Another natural pain cream I've heard very good things about is emu oil cream. Emu oil apparently also has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory properties.

ysmina

Someone recommended arnica cream for my joint arthritis. Does arnica really work? Where can I get arnica cream and is it safe to use everyday?

fBoyle

I think that capsaicin creams are fantastic for arthritis. I've been using one for a few months and it relieves my arthritis pain very well. It does smell a bit strong, but I don't mind. I tried several other OTC arthritis pain creams before and capsaicin cream is definitely the most effective cream I've used.

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    • Different arthritis creams work best for different people.
      By: Tinga
      Different arthritis creams work best for different people.
    • Creams with capsaicin, a chemical that gives red peppers their heat, can be used to relieve arthritis pain.
      By: atoss
      Creams with capsaicin, a chemical that gives red peppers their heat, can be used to relieve arthritis pain.
    • Arthritis cream that contains cortisone might help with inflammation.
      By: Fenton
      Arthritis cream that contains cortisone might help with inflammation.
    • A doctor or pharmacist should be able to recommend the best arthritis cream.
      By: Monkey Business
      A doctor or pharmacist should be able to recommend the best arthritis cream.