Eventually, arthritis will affect many of us. Whether it stems from an injury, from repetitive motions, or “just starts”, there’s no denying the agony that arthritis can cause with even simple movements. However, there are many ways that you can fight back against that pain, including using an arthritis cream with capsaicin. What is this type of cream, and is it a better option than oral pain relievers or other forms of arthritis treatment?
Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin
You’re familiar with capsaicin even if you don’t know it by that name. It’s the phytochemical in hot peppers that make them, well, hot. It’s found mostly in the white pith inside the pepper, but also throughout the flesh, and when it is extracted, it can be turned into a white or yellowish powder that can then be added to creams, ointments and even patches and other products.
How does something that gives peppers their spice help treat pain in human beings? It seems as though capsaicin, when applied to the skin topically, is capable of reducing what scientists call “substance P” in the body. This chemical is responsible for helping to transmit pain signals to the brain. So, when the amount in the body is reduced, the perception of pain is also reduced.
What Types of Arthritis Can Be Treated?
There are many different forms of arthritis. You’ll find that an arthritis cream with capsaicin can be used to treat most of them. This includes mild arthritis pain, as well as more serious osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In all cases, the cream is applied topically. You should apply it three to four times per day over the affected joint or joints. Never take arthritis cream orally, and do not get it in your eyes, mouth or on your genitals, as it will cause serious burning (the same sensation as if you cut a pepper, got some of the juice on your fingers, and then wiped your eyes).
Is Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin Immediately Effective?
Most patients note that pain relief from arthritis cream with capsaicin is not immediate. In fact, some report an initial increase in discomfort because of the tingling/burning sensation created. However, this faded quickly, and will further reduce as you continue to use the cream. It is important to note that capsaicin must reduce the amount of substance P in the affected area, and this can take some time – up to two weeks for maximum pain relief. So, plan on using your cream for at least a two-week period to see if it is right for you.
Better Than Oral Pain Relievers?
Is arthritis cream with capsaicin better than oral pain relievers? Medical studies have found that the amount of pain relief is about the same with both, but topical creams have far less impact on your gastrointestinal health, and fewer internal side effects.
If you’re suffering from arthritis pain, try an arthritis cream containing .075% or even .25% of capsaicin and see if your symptoms improve.
Source:-
https://www.hss.edu/conditions_capsaicin-pepper-creams-joint-pain.asp
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4181/capsaicin-topical/details
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/tc/capsaicin-topic-overview#1