What is a Topical Joint Pain Product?
This is a medicinal (cream and gel) that you rub on the areas of joint pain and soreness all over your body. The active ingredients penetrate deep into your skin, treating areas of inflammation and discomfort. Topical joint creams are different than oral joint supplements, which are taken once or more in the form of a pill. In this case, the ingredients have to enter your blood stream before they can take effect. That may take time, while the active ingredients in a topical pain product begin working immediately.
Why Should You Use a Topical Joint Product?
A topical joint pain product may be for you if you suffer from painful, uncomfortable joint pain and inflammation that requires immediate relief. You may not want to wait to see if the oral supplements bring down your pain effectively. If this is the case, purchase a topical treatment and you’ll be minutes or even seconds away from relief.
What Happens When You Put on a Topical Joint Product?
When you apply or rub this treatment onto your skin, you’ll immediately feel a tingling sensation. Some of the ingredients, like eucalyptus, have this effect. This sensation isn’t unpleasant, and it means the active ingredients are taking effect. You may also notice a strong mint smell, as menthol is included in most of these products.
What Ingredients to Look for in Topical Pain Relief (Creams, Gels, and Rubs)?
Menthol
This is a counterirritant which comes from the peppermint plant. This plant has several medicinal uses, such as calming gastrointestinal discomfort. When you put menthol on the skin the skin receptors are activated, and this creates an immediate cooling feeling. This is one of the reasons that it’s an excellent arthritis remedy, and research studies have confirmed this effect.
Camphor
This is an extract from the bark and wood of the associated tree. This substance actually works for the treatment of joint pain and inflammation, in concentrations up to 11%. When rubbed on the skin it can penetrate deeply and alleviate pain. It can also eliminate redness and itchiness from the surface of the skin. Studies have shown its effectiveness as an essential oil balm.
Eucalyptus Oil
These are flowering evergreen trees and shrubs in the family Myrtaceae. The tree is native to Australia, but today it grows all over the world. The oil that’s extracted has powerful medicinal properties, due to the fact that it’s replete with healthy anti-oxidants (flavonoids) and anti-inflammatory agents. Research on knee surgery patients has indicated its great benefits in lessening the pain and inflammation of arthritis.
Capsaicin
This ingredient gives off heat and may give you a burning sensation on your skin. According to the National Library of Medicine it’s often included in topical joint creams. This is because the heat activates receptors, and temporarily turns them off. Then reduced pain and inflammation quite a bit.
If you suffer from joint pain and inflammation, you may want to try a topical joint pain product. You rub these products right into your skin, and they absorb quickly and begin healing your symptoms immediately.
