Tag: Cayenne Pepper

Over-the-Counter Products for Arthritis Relief

If you suffer from arthritis, your physician has likely already suggested over-the-counter products to relieve the pain, stiffness, and swelling. You should heed his or her advice. However, if you are looking to switch brands, examine other products, or lower the cost, it is important to know what your options are. In terms of over-the-counter arthritis relief, you have many options. What are they?

Pain relievers. Good old pain reliever can reduce or temporarily eliminate the joint pain that comes will all types of arthritis. Well-known brands include Tylenol, Bayer, Advil, and Aleve. In addition to standard pain relievers, many well-known brands have developed formulas just for arthritis. For example, Tylenol Arthritis capsules have two pain fighting layers. The first dissolves quickly for immediate relief and the second dissolves slower, resulting in long lasting relief.

Over-the-counter pain pills all accomplish the same goal, but that goal is reached different ways and with different formulas. For that reason, never assume you need to take a pill every 4 to 6 hours. Read the directions and follow them.

Topical pain relief cream. Topical pain relief cream comes in a small tube. You rub the cream onto your body once or twice a day. Pain relief is felt almost immediately and it will last for hours. Most creams are deep penetrating and odor free. You can seek relief without smelling like a walking medicine cabinet.

As with over-the-counter pain medications, it is important to read and follow all directions. Most recommend applying no more than two times a day, but all topical creams are different. Although not ingested, it is still medicine and caution is advised.

When looking closely at the ingredients for these topical creams, you will find that most have capsaicin as their active ingredient. This is also found in red cayenne pepper. For maximum relief, incorporate the spice into your meals.

Heat patches. It has long been said that warmth lessens the severity of arthritis pain. It also relieves stiffness and swelling. If these are symptoms of yours, heated patches can provide you with relief. These patches are similar to heating pads, but they are ideal for when you are on the go. They automatically warm with skin contact.

ThermaCare is a well-known brand for heating patches. Their patches provide relief for all types of aches and pains, including menstrual cramping. They dedicated a special line of pads for arthritis. The heat is long lasting, for around 12 hours or more. Patches are available for the wrist, elbow, knee, neck, and shoulder.

As with a heating pad you warm in the microwave, there are risks associated with these on the go heated patches. The most common is burning. As we age, it is easier for the skin to burn. Those 55 should proceed with caution. Test the patch during the day before sleeping with it on.

Heating pads. The above mentioned heating patches do provide warm relief from arthritis pain and joint stiffness, but they are one-time use. Their costs can easily add up. Use these patches for when you need to move. If you have the ability to relax at home, a heating pad is best.

Heating pads come in a number of different formats and sizes. There are those you warm in the microwave and those you plug in. For nighttime, use the microwaveable pouches. They cool overtime, so there is less risk of burns when you are fast asleep.

As you can see, a number of over-the-counter products can allow you to seek relief from the joint pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with arthritis. These products are available for sale in most retail stores, including drug, grocery, health, and department stores. Before opting for pain relieving pills or arthritis cream, speak to a medical professional. Make sure they do not interact with the medications you are already taking. As for heating patches and pads, they are safe to use, as long as used as directed.

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Osteoarthritis in the Knees: 10 Pain Relief Options

Do you suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees? If so, you know pain and you know it well. Luckily, your suffering does not have to be constant or last for long. There are many ways to seek relief. In fact, just ten of your options are outlined below. These particular options were selected due to ease and practicality; just about anyone can seek relief with these methods.

1 Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

For osteoarthritis, most professionals recommend Tylenol or acetaminophen. With that said, there are many over-the-counter pain relievers available. Choose a brand that you can afford and one that provides you with relief. For example, if Aleve has worked to stop headache pain, try it for arthritis relief. You already know the formula works.

2 Topical Arthritis Creams

For instant arthritis pain relief, it is best to go directly to the source. Topical arthritis creams enable you to do so. You apply the cream directly to the hurtful joints. At first, you may notice a slight tingle or sting, but then comes the relief. This relief usually lasts as long as over-the-counter pain relief pills.

When examining the active ingredients in over-the-counter arthritis creams, you are likely to find capsaicin. This ingredient is also found in cayenne pepper. Many not only recommend a capsaicin cream, but adding the pepper spice to foods for flavor and the health benefits.

3 – Prescribed Medication

Many times, physicians only write prescriptions for severe pain. This is pain that cannot be treated with over-the-counter products. Opioids are prescription pain relievers, but there is a risk of addiction or problems from improper use. If your doctor deems you a responsible and low-risk taker, codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone may be prescribed.

4 Heat

For most, heat provides pain relief. So, give it a try. Draw a warm bath, use a warm washcloth, or purchase a heating pad. As always, caution is advised to prevent burns. Although most individuals benefit from heat, some do better with cold. Some medical professionals, according to Arthritis Today, recommended alternating between the two.

5 Exercise

To reduce joint pain, strong muscle strength is needed. With strong muscles, you are able to rely on them and use them more. This puts less pressure on achy knees. In fact, strong muscles give the joints extra protection and cushion. Therefore, exercise is advised. If it is painful to exercise, start out slow with low-impact exercises. For some, stretching and light walking is enough. If still too painful, consider low-impact water exercises.

6 Physical Therapy

As previously stated, some osteoarthritis patients may find it too painful to exercise. Your goal is to avoid and prevent pain, so why do something that causes it? Exercise has long-term health benefits. Not only does it promote an overall healthy body, but it does provide the joints protection through increased muscle strength. You can exercise at home, but physical therapy is good. In some cases, this gives you easy access to water exercises. You can also learn safe low-impact exercises to do at home.

7 Weight Loss

Not all patients suffering from osteoarthritis are overweight, but those who are increase the risk of pain. The more weight one carries around, the more pressure there is applied to the knees. If you can lose weight without compromising your health, do so. The best way to lose weight is to combine exercise with healthy eating.

8 Knee Braces

Those who suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees are more likely to experience walking troubles. It can be painful to walk from one room to another, let alone leave the house. A knee brace can provide support and stability. A proper fitting knee brace not only makes it easier to walk, but less painful too! Knee braces are available for sale at most health and drugstores, but talk to your physician first.

9 Walking Aids

Those with mild osteoarthritis in the knees can benefit from a cane. Those with severe osteoarthritis in the knees may need crutches. As previously stated, walking is difficult with arthritis in the knees. It is painful and there is an increased risk of falls, due to instability. Cane or crutches can provide support.

10 A Strong Support System

Many arthritis patients believe they reach the point of no return. This is when the pain is so unbearable it seem as if nothing will work. Those individuals are more likely to suffer in silence than seek treatment. If you are one of those individuals or if you just need a push to lose weight or exercise, a strong support system is vital. For many, talking about their pain helps to ease it. Ensure you have someone at home to discuss your arthritis with or find local support groups.

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