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Chronic pain is widespread, affecting about 50 million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [1] Chronic Pain Management. Centers for Disaster Control and Prevention. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
When it comes to an effective treatment, topical pain creams can relieve discomfort related to other types of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain or neuropathy, with fewer side effects than oral analgesics. However, due to the abundance of options, opting for the right pain cream for can be overwhelming. To simplify their search, Forbes Health’s editorial team has analyzed more than 70 products to locate the most productive options possible in the market. Read on to find the most productive option that fits your needs.
Note: Prices are at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Salonpas Lidocaine Plus pain cream contains the maximum concentration of over-the-counter (OTC) lidocaine (4%), as well as benzyl alcohol, which the company says temporarily numbs the nerves. In addition, this non-greasy formula provides immediate relief from musculoskeletal pain. and/or nerve pain.
According to the company, Topricin Fibro cream can help reduce nerve pain related to fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread pain. young people and pregnant or breastfeeding people. The product label recommends applying 3 inches of cream once in the morning, two to 4 times a day, and again before bedtime.
Blue Emu Maximum Pain Relief Cream uses emu oil as a carrier of its active ingredient, trolamine salicylate, which is derived from aspirin and provides transient pain relief. Emu oil is derived from the fats of an emu, a local flightless bird from Australia, and some studies suggest that the oil has anti-inflammatory properties, more high-quality human studies on this mechanism are needed. According to the company, using emu oil as a carrier oil results in faster absorption of the cream and immediate pain relief. The product label recommends generously applying Blue Emu cream on the affected spaces no more than 4 times a day.
Formulated with over-the-counter lidocaine at maximum potency to desensitize irritated nerves and numb minor aches and pains, this cream can help temporarily relieve pain that can interfere with your daily life, and contains aloe for an added moisturizing effect. The multitude of reviews on the company’s online page and on Amazon point to the cream’s quick relief, especially for minor muscle and joint pains. The product label recommends massaging a thin layer into the affected area until absorbed every six to eight hours, no more than 4 times a day. day. However, Aspercreme warns against large amounts of the product, as well as this cream with heat or on injured skin.
Aspercreme Lidocaine Foot Pain Cream contains over-the-counter lidocaine at maximum potency to numb mild foot pain, as well as seven other moisturizers to treat dry, cracked skin. In fact, 93% of users said their feet were noticeably less dry after the cream. Meanwhile, many positive reviews on Amazon have talked about the effective pain relief provided through the cream, adding pain caused by heel spines, sciatica and neuropathy. The recommended use is to massage a thin layer of cream into the affected area. Mastery of your foot until it is absorbed every six to eight hours.
Designed for others with diabetes, Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream for Foot Pain and Diabetic Skin is formulated to safely moisturize the feet when used as directed, as well as numb pain caused by neuropathy and other diabetes-related conditions. It contains over-the-counter maximum strength lidocaine to calm nerves and seven other moisturizers to maintain foot hydration. To use it, massage a thin layer of cream into the affected area of the foot until it is absorbed every six to eight hours. The company cautions, however, that consumers do not apply the cream to injured skin or in large quantities, important considerations for others with diabetes.
Hempvana’s lidocaine pain cream is formulated with hemp seed oil, which the company says helps moisturize and protect the skin while aiding in the absorption of the cream’s active ingredient, over-the-counter top-of-the-counter lidocaine. The cream also contains turmeric, which many studies have shown possibly has anti-inflammatory properties, more studies are needed. Like the other creams containing lidocaine on our list, this cream acts as an analgesic, numbing the painful spaces of the skin inward to relieve pain. The recommended use is to apply generously in painful spaces. Up to 4 times a day, massaging the cream into the skin until completely absorbed.
The active element in Salonpas Arthritis Pain Relief Gel is diclofenac sodium, a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been clinically shown to decrease arthritis-related joint pain and inflammation. Although this formula was originally only obtained by prescription, it is now approved through the FDA for over-the-counter use. Unlike creams that exclusively contain lidocaine as an active element, this gel containing diclofenac sodium not only relieves pain, but also reduces inflammation locally. through arthritis and not apply to other spaces of the frame or for other conditions, such as muscle tension in the back or legs. A dosing card is included in the package to make sure you apply the proper amount (measuring approximately the length of two American quarters for the upper frame joints and 4 dollar quarters for the lower frame joints). This gel can be applied up to 4 times a day for up to 21 consecutive days, but can not be used longer.
Tiger Balm has been producing herbal pain relief products for over a hundred years. Its neck and shoulder pain relief cream is made from plant-derived active ingredients, menthol and camphor, and helps relieve minor neck and shoulder pain from various causes. In company, menthol provides a feeling of freshness followed by a feeling of warmth, which can help temporarily relieve pain. Camphor is considered a counterirritant, meaning it irritates the skin where it is applied, spreading blood to the area and potentially cutting swelling and inflammation. The recommended application is to rub the cream over the affected domain 3 to 4 times a day.
With a one-to-one ratio of menthol and camphor active ingredients, this Tiger Balm Arthritis Rub targets arthritis-related pain and stiffness, the dual cooling and heating properties of menthol and camphor, according to the company. The recommended application for adults and young people of at least 12 years is to generously rub the cream on the affected area 3-4 times a day.
To the most productive pain creams, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed knowledge of more than 70 products, comparing them based on:
The products were then ranked according to those criteria, and the stars were decided only through the editorial team.
Pain creams, also called topical pain relievers, are creams that are applied to the skin over a pain domain to temporarily relieve a variety of acute and chronic pain, such as strains, sprains, arthritis, and neuropathy (pain similar to nerve disorders). . These products are considered first-line remedies of choice for non-opioid pain management and have a small to moderate effect on pain levels, according to the CDC.
If you experience acute or chronic pain, contact your healthcare provider to find out if a topical pain cream can help you and what type you should try based on your symptoms and condition.
Topical analgesics are rubbed onto the skin directly at the site of pain, as their effects are local. Depending on the type of pain to be treated, the active ingredients and relief strategies may vary.
Depending on the condition being treated, pain creams may include a number of active ingredients that aim to fight inflammation, blood flow, and relieve pain, such as topical NSAIDs, lidocaine (a local anesthetic), rubefacients (medications that cause redness and inflammation of the skin to increase blood flow, adding salicylates), capsaicin, camphor, menthol and arnica.
According to a comprehensive review of topical analgesics in the Cochrane Library, some topical medications are used for common pain:
Arnica is a plant-based substance used topically to treat muscle injuries, sprains, and bruises; More studies on these uses are needed. Capsaicin, derived from chili peppers, is a common element in pain creams and works by generating a sensation of heat. When applied to the skin, it activates nerves and reduces the chemical activity of pain messengers. However, the percentage of capsaicin in a topical pain cream varies depending on the condition being treated.
Known for the opposite effect, menthol (which comes from peppermint oil) refreshes and has been shown to be more effective than ice in relieving pain, according to an article published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.
When used as directed, pain creams can help reduce sensations of pain and inflammation similar to acute and chronic musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain, which can improve the quality of life for others with painful conditions. Some topical analgesics help reduce inflammation by using NSAIDs, while others offer an anesthetic effect by using a topical anesthetic. In general, these creams are generally easy to apply, meaning they can be used at home when directed by a healthcare provider.
Pain creams are considered and known to have very few side effects. Some oral analgesics, such as oral NSAIDs, act systemically rather than locally and can have negative side effects, such as digestive upset.
Although pain creams pose less of a threat and are considered effective, it’s worth noting some side effects and precautions.
If you use a topical pain cream and revel in the side effects or worsening of your condition, avoid and consult your health care provider.
Depending on the product, the amount of analgesic cream needed, as well as the frequency of application, vary. For example, the commands of the analgesic cream Salonpas Lidocaine Plus advise applying the topical analgesic, based on lidocaine, to numb the affected domain. , 3 to 4 times a day. In general, product commands recommend rubbing the cream on the skin of the affected area until absorbed, and possibly have a limit on the number of times a product can be used in a 24-hour period.
If you know how to use a topical cream for your express pain condition, consult your healthcare provider for more detailed instructions.
There are a few things you should do before buying a pain cream, such as if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have a history of central illness or allergic reactions to the bound elements and/or medications. You should also know the type of pain you have. Experiencing everything from an acute sprain to arthritis, as this information will determine which active element will be most effective. Also, be sure to thoroughly read all the commands that come with a pain cream to make sure you are using the product correctly and at the correct frequency.
Cost can also be a consideration, and it’s vital to find an effective medication that fits your budget, especially since most topical painkillers need to be applied several times a day. Although the duration of the remedy with a topical pain cream can vary, if you are using it for a chronic condition such as arthritis, you may want to use it for an extended period of time.
Consistency is also important: look for a cream that is gently absorbed and not greasy or sticky. Reading user reviews on Amazon and other websites can also help determine if a product really isn’t greasy.
If you are unsure, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist before purchasing a topical pain reliever to locate the right option for your condition and budget.
There are several types of topical pain creams available to treat pain. Choosing the right one for you depends on any medical situation you may have, as well as the severity and nature (acute or chronic) of the pain you are experiencing. Talk to your health care provider about which active ingredient(s) and pain cream(s) might be right for you.
It’s best to talk to your healthcare provider about which cream is right for nerve pain based on your expressed needs.
Creams containing NSAIDs or topical rubefacients have been shown to provide transient relief from inflammation related to various conditions. Talk to your healthcare provider about which type of cream is most effective for you.
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