Rub It On
Topical Analgesics

If your pain is mild, if you have only a few joints affected or if oral medications don't completely control your pain, you may find a topical analgesic useful. Available as creams, gels or salves, topical analgesics generally work due to one or more of the following ingredients.

Capsaicin - A natural ingredient found in cayenne peppers available under the brand names Zostrix, Zostrix HP, Capzasin-P and more. Capsaicin works by blocking the transmission of a pain-relaying substance, called substance P, to the brain.

Counter-irritants - Substances, such as menthol, oil of wintergreen, camphor, eucalyptus oil and turpentine oil, that fool pain by creating a feeling of cold or heat over sore muscles. Brands include ArthriCare, Eucalyptamint, Icy Hot and Therapeutic Mineral Ice. (Menthacin includes capsaicin and counter-irritants.)

Salicylates - Compounds that inhibit pain and inflammation by seeping through the skin. Available in products like Aspercreme, BenGay, Flexall, Mobisyl and Sportscreme.

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