When you’ve got sore knees or an achy back, pills aren’t the only way to ease your pain. Learn about gels, creams, sprays, and patches that can send relief right where it hurts.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
When your knees ache or your back is sore, do you reach for a bottle of pills? Instead of swallowing your pain reliever, you could put it right where you need it — on your knees, hands, or wherever else it hurts.
In some cases, topical pain relievers can be about as effective as pills. There are creams or gels that you rub into your skin, sprays that you spritz on, and patches you stick where it hurts.
Different products contain different ingredients to relieve pain. One is capsaicin, the same substance in chili peppers that makes your mouth burn. On your skin, capsaicin also creates a feeling of heat, but it’s soothing rather than burning. It interferes with the transmission of nerve signals to the brain, which in turn dulls the feeling of pain.
Other products contain substances like camphor and menthol, which make your skin feel warm or cold. this sensation temporarily takes your mind off your pain.
Topical NSAIDS have the same pain relieving ingredient found in pills like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. They work by targeting the inflammation that contributes to pain.
Topical pain relievers are less likely to cause serious side effects than pills, but they can cause mild problems like skin irritation, redness, and itching. Rarely, they can lead to burns.
If your skin gets very hot or painful after using one of these products, get medical help right away.
To reduce the risk of side effects, avoid using a rub-on NSAID when you’re already taking one by mouth. it could lead to an overdose.
Never rub a pain relieving cream or gel on an open wound, or put a heating pad or bandage on top of the medicine.
And after applying topical pain relievers, be sure to wash your hands before touching anything, especially your eyes.
As long as you follow the directions, these products may give you the relief you’re looking for and free you up to do the things you enjoy with less pain.