will find that each brand works a little bit differently.
❚ Counterirritants temporarily distract you from the pain by causing your skin to feel hot or cold. They contain ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus oil or oil of wintergreen.
❚ Aspirin rubs contain salicylates, the same ingredient in aspirin. These help with the pain and swelling, but if you take blood thinners, aspirin rubs aren’t safe for you.
❚ Try hot pepper cream. Don’t worry, I’m not advocating a swig of Tabasco, but the ingredient that puts the “hot” in hot pepper sauce does, in fact, relieve joint pain. Products that contain capsaicin (pronounced cap-SAY-sin) work by numbing your nerve endings so you don’t feel the pain. This works great for arthritis in your fingers, elbows or knees. Repeated applications give you even more relief as long as you massage the cream into your joints very well. If you are applying it to your hands, leave it on for 30 minutes (wear gloves), and be careful not to touch your eyes. Then wash with soap and water at least twice to remove all residues. Normal sensations include burning or stinging, but it goes away with continued use.
Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug. One of the most popular meds today is Celebrex, which reduces inflammatory chemicals that cause pain. Celebrex is very popular, but its infamous sister drug Vioxx was recalled in 2004. The FDA insists that Celebrex should remain on the market. It is widely prescribed and works within several days. Cousins of Celebrex include a different class of medications called the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Bromelain is a powerful
enzyme in pineapple that
reduces inflammation in
your body without any
side effects. Eating just
a cup of fresh pineapple
quells production of
inflammation-causing
Some popular NSAIDs include Voltaren, Mobic, Motrin and Naprosyn; these pose less risk to the heart, but more GI upset. Your doctor can figure out which is best for you.
If you have moderate pain, your doctor may prescribe a painkiller like Ultram (tramadol). This drug relieves pain and improves mood by increasing a happy brain chemical called serotonin. Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, stomach upset and possible addiction. Using this medication while taking antidepressants
chemicals, or you can
buy it as a supplement.
If you do, take 500 to
750 mg three times a day
on an empty stomach.
PHOTOS: ISTOCKPHOTO
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designed to protect
first place. If you sign every time you refill
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a little waiver at your your prescription.
References:
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