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How Effective is Arthritis Cream?

KD Morgan
KD Morgan

There is a wide variety of arthritis cream products on the market that range from pharmaceuticals to nutraceuticals, homeopathic, and holistic remedies. As with most medications, the success varies from person to person. Most people can find relief in some topical preparations if they look carefully and investigate the available options.

In many cases, the simplest, purest form of arthritis cream is the most effective. Arnica has been used since the 16th century as a homeopathic remedy for arthritis pain, joint and muscle pain, bruising, and breaks. People noticed that the mountain goats would eat this plant just before making their annual migratory trek over the mountains or if one of them had been injured by a fall. The results in humans were equally successful. In fact, broken bones have been misdiagnosed due to the arnica eliminating the bruising and other symptoms.

Hands affected by arthritis.
Hands affected by arthritis.

Using castor oil as an arthritis treatment has also been very successful. It is rubbed onto the painful area and then covered with wool. It is said that doing this before going to bed at night will relieve the arthritis pain in nearly all cases. Another very successful topical product is Tiger Balm®. This ancient Chinese formula was reintroduced to China in the early 1900s, and it contains camphor, cajuput oil, clove and cassia oils, menthol and mint.

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.

Devil's claw and yucca, combined with B12, may be as effective as some prescription formulas. There are several potent arthritis products containing devils claw and yucca. It is considered an excellent way to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness for both acute and chronic arthritis pain. Other plant formulas containing salicylates (from the aspirin family) include meadowsweet and white willow. In addition, boswellia, cat’s claw, curcumin, and turmeric exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and contain antioxidants that may aid in arthritis treatment.

In many cases, the simplest, purest form of arthritis cream is the most effective.
In many cases, the simplest, purest form of arthritis cream is the most effective.

Capsaicin is also found in some arthritis cream formulas. It is the active ingredient in chili peppers and, when applied topically, relieves pain by heating the area. This activates the nerve cells, which reduces the pain messengers to the brain. Whether eating chili peppers or applying them topically, the heat sends a message to the brain that the body is on fire, which in turn activates the endorphins to reduce pain. As with any product that uses heat to soothe the condition, it is important to avoid getting the cream in the mouth, eyes, and open wounds.

Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints.
Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints.

Arthritis creams containing chondroitins, glucosamine, MSM (Methylsuflonylmethane), and/or hyaluronic acid have also been very useful for some people, especially if they are combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). NSAIDS are products such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Often, topical preparations are used instead of their oral counterparts to avoid damage to the kidneys, liver, and stomach. These remedies may help protect, lubricate, and regenerate the cartilage while relieving inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Arthritis cream alone will not be enough to sooth cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis cream alone will not be enough to sooth cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

For more extreme cases of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, prescription pharmaceuticals, in conjunction with oral arthritis medication will need to be considered. Side effects can include stinging and blistering of the skin, inflammation and irritation, and skin ulcers. With the vast variety of options available, it should be easy to find a remedy that relieves an individual's symptoms and is compatible with his or her body.

Discussion Comments

anon346837

I would like to know if this product as anything in it that's aspirin related?

anon333099

What kind of hand cream used for pain and stiffness would you recommend?

anon269464

Does anyone know of any unfavorable side effects associated with Australian Dream?

anon140323

We have not had anyone else mention dizziness when using Australian Dream. To be safe, it is advisable to discontinue use. It is possible you are allergic to an ingredient in the cream.

anon140082

I get a little dizzy when using the Australian Dream cream. Could I be allergic to something in it? Has anyone experienced this when using it?

Nadin

For #4: I do a lot of knitting as well. I know supplement that could help your grandma for sure. It is for internal use but easy to swallow because it's in a gel form. It helped me just in 12 days with my metacarpophalangeal joints(no pain, no inflammation already for 4 months!)I'll be glad to share information with you.

ausdream

Australian Dream is a great cream to use. It provides arthritis pain relief without odor or skin irritation. Hope it helps your Mom!

naturesgurl3

What kind of arthritis relief cream would be good for an older lady to use on her hands? My grandma loves to knit, and her hands are starting to get all swollen and gnarled, and often hurt her too much to knit.

What would be a good topical arthritis cream for her? She doesn't want one that tingles, she's very adamant on the point. Are there any non-tingly, yet pain relieving creams for an older lady with arthritis in her hands? I'd really appreciate any information.

CopperPipe

@streamfinder -- I've always used Bengay arthritis cream, but then I was an athlete for a long time, so I was a Bengay fan long before I had arthritis. I have also heard good things about Zostrix arthritis pain cream, but I've never used it personally, so I couldn't really recommend it per se. Hope you find a good one for your mom. Best of luck.

StreamFinder

Can anybody recommend a good topical arthritis cream? My mom's arthritis is getting pretty bad, so we want to get her a good cream ass soon as we can. Is there one that's particularly better than the others, or is it like lotion, just kind of a personal preference?

How do I choose a cream for arthritis anyway? It seems like that should be easy, but at the drug store there's at least seven different brands. How do I choose?

anon42079

Histamine dihydrochloride, the active ingredient in Australian Dream® arthritis pain relief cream, works through "vasodilation." This is the process of expanding blood vessels to increase circulation, providing arthritis pain relief within the affected tissue.

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    • Hands affected by arthritis.
      By: Fenton
      Hands affected by arthritis.
    • 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.
    • In many cases, the simplest, purest form of arthritis cream is the most effective.
      By: ia_64
      In many cases, the simplest, purest form of arthritis cream is the most effective.
    • Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints.
      By: maska82
      Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints.
    • Arthritis cream alone will not be enough to sooth cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
      By: designua
      Arthritis cream alone will not be enough to sooth cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Arthritis cream alone may not be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis.
      By: joshya
      Arthritis cream alone may not be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis.
    • Overweight individuals have an increased risk of developing arthritis.
      By: Dave
      Overweight individuals have an increased risk of developing arthritis.
    • Prescription drugs may be recommended for the pain caused by osteoarthritis, which can lead to the severe degradation of cartilage on one or more joints of the body.
      By: designua
      Prescription drugs may be recommended for the pain caused by osteoarthritis, which can lead to the severe degradation of cartilage on one or more joints of the body.
    • Genetics and family history are among the risk factors for developing arthritis.
      By: bst2012
      Genetics and family history are among the risk factors for developing arthritis.