There are many arthritis pain relief products on the market to chose from and picking one can be confusing if you do not know the facts. Many of these products are in the form of topical, cream preparations that are applied directly to the skin.
When shopping for an arthritis pain relief cream, take careful note of the active ingredient found on the label of the product or in the ingredients section of the website if you are shopping online. The active ingredient is primarily what makes the product relieve the arthritis pain, though some of the inactive ingredients can do so as well.
Many of the creams for arthritis pain relief contain capsaicin. This is the compound found in all hot peppers and causes the burning affect. This ingredient is irritating to all mammals, including humans, and produces a burning sensation when in contact with skin. It is this burning affect that covers up the pain. The amount of burning varies from person to person. If you have sensitive skin, stay away from arthritis pain products containing capsaicin!
Methyl salicylate and trolamine salicylate are also common active ingredients of arthritis pain relief products. These salicylic acid compounds are chemically similar to the active ingredient of aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin, you need to consult a physician before using products containing salicyclic acids. Methyl salicylate is sometimes used as a mint in various chewing gums and candies, as an alternative to peppermint and spearmint oils. Creams using this ingredient will usually exhibit a minty odor.
One of the more common active ingredients in arthritis creams is menthol. Menthol is an organic compound obtained from peppermint or other mint oils and can be made synthetically. It has local anesthetic or numbing properties due to its cooling sensation when applied to the skin. Just as capsaicin, it covers up the pain. Menthol products usually exhibit a strong, mint odor.
Camphor, another frequent ingredient in arthritis pain relief products, is a waxy, white or transparent solid with a very strong, aromatic odor. Camphor is readily absorbed through the skin and produces a feeling of cooling, similar to that of menthol, and acts as slight local anesthetic.
As you have read, many of the active ingredients contained in arthritis relief creams have undesirable properties such as skin irritation and strong odors. Do not be discouraged! There are a few products available that use none of the above ingredients and provide arthritis pain relief with no odor, no burning or skin irritation, no greasy residue and no staining of the clothing.
