Topical Pain Relief: Creams, Gels, and Rubs

When your joints are painful or your muscles ache, topical pain killers -- those you apply to your skin -- may offer relief. You'll find many products for topical pain relief at your local drugstore.
Here are some popular options and what you need to know if you'd like to give them a try.

Analgesic Creams, Rubs, and Sprays

Topical pain killers, or analgesics, are sprayed on or rubbed into the skin over painful muscles or joints. Although are all designed to relieve pain, different products use different ingredients. Here are the most common ingredients found in products available without a prescription.

• Counterirritants. Ingredients such as menthol, methylsalicylate, and camphor are called counterirritants because they create a burning or cooling sensation that distracts your mind from the pain.
• Salicylates. These same ingredients that give aspirin its pain-relieving quality are found in some creams. When absorbed into the skin, they may help with pain, particularly in joints close to the skin, such as the fingers, knees, and elbows.
• Capsaicin. The main ingredient of hot chili peppers, capsaicin is also one of the most effective ingredients for topical pain relief. When first applied, capsaicin creams cause a warm tingling or burning sensation. This gets better over time. You may need to apply these creams for a few days up to a couple of weeks before you notice relief from pain.

Not everyone will have good pain relief from these preparations, and capsaicin in particular may not help with osteoarthritis pain.
Here's what you need to know to get the greatest effects and minimize the risks of these products:

• Read the package insert and follow directions carefully. If there is an insert, save it to refer to later.
• Never apply them to wounds or damaged skin.
• Do not use them along with a heating pad, because it could cause burns.
• Do not use under a tight bandage.
• Wash your hands well after using them. Avoid touching your eyes with the product on your hands.
• If you are allergic to aspirin or are taking blood thinners, check with your doctor before using topical medications that contain salicylates