JOINT CREAMS

Joint creams to combat injuries and inflammations

Often, intense joint pain is not caused by wear or degeneration, but by a simple inflammatory problem that may respond to injuries caused by excessive exercise or a wrong movement. To combat this problem, there is the anti-inflammatory analgesic joint cream.

How do these ointments work?

There are several ways these creams work. Below we present the most common:

• Cold: these creams are made based on camphor, eucalyptus, or menthol. They have a dual action, as the cold they generate acts as an anesthetic by diverting the sensation of pain and transforming it into cold, a sensation that creates a kind of illusion, making the cold prevail. At the same time, they have the property of stimulating nerve endings and inhibiting the pain signal sent from the brain.
• Analgesics: another way the cream for joint and muscle pain works is through active ingredients that reduce inflammation.

To reduce the painful sensation, acetylsalicylic acid, salicylic acid, and methyl salicylate are used. When we want heat to be the agent that reduces pain, we turn to methyl salicylate. Other components include ibuprofen, paracetamol, and naproxen, among others. In cases of rheumatism or osteoarthritis, we lean towards silicon, as it is highly effective and has no side effects.

When to use a cream for muscle pain from exercise?

It is necessary to use these products when we cannot exercise because the pain we experience in the joints is so strong that it prevents us from following a routine as we used to. The first thing we should do when this happens is to see a doctor to rule out injuries and diseases that creams cannot treat, but once confirmed that it is inflammation, we can choose from the different varieties the market offers and benefit from natural ingredients such as vitamin E, squalene, and capsaicin, among many others.

We must also ensure that the pain does not become chronic, as in that case, we could be facing the possibility of permanent damage. These creams should provide temporary relief and help the inflammation gradually disappear. If this does not happen, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate treatment.