Every person has encountered joint pain that occurred as a result of a certain disease of the musculoskeletal system and after an injury associated with active stress on the body. In modern medicine, there are a number of effective methods for treating such ailments using various creams. We present you a list of the best ointments for joint pain.
In places from 11 to 13 we put creams that are not as popular as the others. But at the same time, they are effective. Here we include Arthropant, Artidex and Arthrodex ointments.
Viprosal
The cream contains natural snake venom, specifically viper venom. This cream contains gum turpentine, camphor, and salicylic acid. Together, these ingredients have an excellent antiseptic effect. When applying the cream, the painful sensations disappear instantly. It is widely used for bruises, injuries, neuralgia, ischemia, and arthritis. Relief occurs due to the irritating effect and improved blood circulation in the damaged area.
pros
The cream contains only natural ingredients, the pain goes away quickly. Enhances tissue nutrition and treats inflammation. A small amount of ointment is enough to apply to the affected area. There are practically no side symptoms. Budget cost is about 200 rubles.
Minuses
Minor allergic reactions in the form of rash and redness with individual intolerance. Severe diseases of internal organs. Cannot be used by pregnant women and children.
Capsicam
The base of the cream is hot pepper extract. The composition also includes turpentine, dimethyl sulfoxide, nonivamide, benzyl nicotinate. Often used as a warm-up to improve blood circulation. Has an excellent effect on joint pain. When applied, there is an effective heat effect that improves the functioning of muscles and joints.
pros
The exclusively natural ingredients that make up the cream make it environmentally friendly. The cream has a rapid action of therapeutic components after application. The lasting effect of pain relief lasts up to 6 hours after applying the cream. The optimal price is up to 300 rubles.
Minuses
People with sensitive skin should not use the product as it may cause severe burning on the body. Its use is also prohibited during pregnancy and under 14 years of age.
Why do my joints hurt?
There are many reasons for joint pain. Let's look at the main ones.
- Intoxication of the body due to certain diseases.
Diseases such as influenza, ARVI, chickenpox, cholecystitis, tonsillitis, oncology, etc. can cause pain in the joints. Toxins are formed in the body that negatively affect the joints. To eliminate joint pain, you need to cure the underlying disease. - Rheumatoid arthritis.
With arthritis, the joint becomes inflamed. It usually starts with the small joints of the feet and hands, and later the disease affects the ankle, knee, hip, wrist and elbow joints. Severe joint pain appears suddenly and becomes more severe over several days. Painful joints swell, the skin takes on a reddish tint. Rheumatoid arthritis can be suspected by morning stiffness in the joints. Sometimes there is a rash and fever. In advanced cases, the affected joints ache constantly, and the stiffness of movement does not go away. - Rheumatic polyarthritis.
Usually diagnosed a few weeks after the flu or sore throat, but may not be associated with them. The onset of the disease is acute, with high fever. Large joints begin to ache and swell, and symmetrically. Against the background of joint problems, the heart muscle can become inflamed (and this is much more dangerous than arthritis). - Gout.
With this disease, small crystals of uric acid fall into the joint cavity. Most often, the joint of the big toe (which is further from the nail) begins to hurt first. Later, other joints may become inflamed. The attack usually begins abruptly, often at night or in the morning. The pain can be very intense, and the exacerbation can last from several days to several weeks. Attacks of gout recur periodically, and near the joints you can feel tophi - nodes. Gout destroys articular cartilage and ligaments, and over time the joints become deformed. - Reactive arthritis.
The joint becomes inflamed some time after suffering from infectious diseases (chlamydia, pseudotuberculosis, etc.).
The small joints of the extremities are primarily affected; sometimes arthritis affects the large joints. Arthritis has symptoms similar to gout. Sometimes one disease can be distinguished from another only by a blood test: gout - high levels of uric acid in the blood, arthritis - C-reactive protein. The attacks are followed by remissions, and during this time no symptoms of arthritis may be observed. Sometimes arthritis can cause problems with the heart, kidneys and other organs. Read also How to treat varicose veins: top 9 best ointments Varicose veins are easier to treat at the initial stage, so control the development of this disease. To treat varicose veins, there are effective ointments and gels that strengthen capillaries, relieve pain, swelling and inflammation. - Psoriatic arthritis.
This disease may sometimes not be accompanied by skin manifestations of psoriasis, which makes diagnosis difficult. Psoriatic arthritis can be symmetrical or asymmetrical; the pathological process involves small joints of the extremities (closer to the nail), as well as large joints. Intervertebral joints may also be affected. Psoriatic arthritis has symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis, or another disease. - Arthrosis.
This disease is characterized by premature wear (degradation) of the cartilage in the joint. Arthrosis is also called osteoarthritis, osteoarthrosis, deforming arthrosis. Arthrosis usually develops in older people with obesity, more often in women. The nutrition of articular cartilage deteriorates due to poor metabolism or injury. Cartilage is destroyed, and the surrounding joint tissues also suffer. Osteoarthritis affects the small joints of the fingers, ankles, knees and hips. Joint pain increases with exercise and decreases with rest. Swelling and crunching appear. In its advanced state, arthrosis causes gait disturbance and even immobility. - Radiculitis.
This disease develops against the background of spinal osteochondrosis, when the distance between the vertebrae decreases and the spinal cord root is compressed. Depending on which part of the spine the pathology develops, pain occurs in the back, chest or neck. With radiculitis, the pain can be very severe and radiate to the arm or leg. - Inflammation of periarticular tissues.
The joint capsule, ligaments or tendons become inflamed, but the joint tissue is not affected. This happens with periarthritis, bursitis, tendinitis. - Injury.
After an injury, the ligamentous apparatus and articular cartilage take a long time to heal, so pain in the joint can be painful for a long time. By the way, arthrosis can develop against the background of injury to the joint and periarticular tissues.
Other causes of joint pain. In addition to the above reasons, there is also functional pain in the joints, when, against the background of disruption of the autonomic system, a spasm of the vessels that feed the joint occurs. Joints can also hurt with systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, ankylosing spondylitis, hallux valgus, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, etc.
Ketoprofen
The basis of the cream is the medicine ketoprofen. It has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, the composition includes ethanol, trolamine, carbomer and lavender oil. The cream quickly relieves not only pain, but also swelling. Widely used for gout, lumbago, bursitis and other inflammations.
pros
Relieves pain well. Wide range of applications for various diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Has no allergic reactions. Inexpensive - up to 200 rubles. Can be used during pregnancy and for children over 6 years of age. Combines with other treatment methods.
Minuses
Do not use for more than 2 weeks in a row. Long treatment period. It is undesirable to use if there is damage to the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, or heart diseases. Use with caution in elderly patients.
Application of Apizartron ointment
In addition to the Vaseline base and anti-inflammatory component, this ointment contains 3 mg of natural bee venom. As a result, the product has an irritating, analgesic effect, dilates the vessels of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The medication is indicated for a wide variety of joint diseases, including arthrosis, tendon and ligament ruptures.
The ointment can be used in patients over 12 years of age. For treatment, squeeze out a strip of ointment no more than 3 cm long from the tube, then spread it over the painful area and leave for a couple of minutes until the heat appears. Afterwards, you need to rub the product into the skin with pressure, and then, for greater effect, keep this area warm.
The frequency of application of the ointment is no more than three times a day. The duration of therapy is determined depending on the severity of symptoms, the severity of the disease, and the individual characteristics of the body. Also, the ointment has restrictions on application, which include pregnancy and breastfeeding, acute arthritis, severe liver and kidney diseases.
Ortofen
The basis of the cream is diclofenac sodium. It has a good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. When applied, the cream helps reduce joint pain at rest and during movement. Relieves morning joint stiffness. It fights well against osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and back pain. Useful for heavy physical activity.
pros
Quickly relieves pain and swelling. Fights swelling. Low cost. Available in tubes of various sizes at prices ranging from 40 to 100 rubles.
Minuses
Do not use during pregnancy or children under 12 years of age. A large number of contraindications for people with hypersensitivity to the elements specified in the instructions. Increased blood pressure, allergies, dizziness, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
Methindol
The cream contains the non-hormonal drug indomethacin, which relieves pain, fever and inflammation in the body. Thanks to the cream, patients' joint stiffness is significantly reduced and their range of motion increases. The cream is effective especially for arthritis, rheumatism of various origins, myalgia, bursitis, and injuries.
pros
The cream has a fairly strong analgesic effect. It relieves pain in the spine well. After 2-3 days of use, the treatment has a positive effect. Affordable price - up to 100 rubles.
Minuses
The identified deficiencies relate mainly to intolerance to indomethacin. Do not apply to damaged areas of skin. Contraindicated during pregnancy, children under 6 years of age, blood diseases and gastrointestinal ulcers.
Dolgit
The main medicine of the cream is ibuprofen. Additional ingredients - glycerol, propylene glycol, sodium methyl, neroli, lavender oils. It has an excellent anti-inflammatory effect and reduces swelling. The cream resolves hematomas. Used for osteochondrosis, rheumatism, gout, radiculitis.
pros
The cream can be used as a warming agent before physical activity. Relieves heat, inflammation and soft tissues. The pain syndrome, in the presence of the warming effect of the cream, disappears within 15 minutes and lasts up to 6 hours. The cost is optimal - 150 rubles.
Minuses
Allergic reactions to ibuprofen and aspirin in the form of rash, fever, swelling. Headache and sleep disturbance may also occur. Use with caution during pregnancy, during exacerbations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Nimesulide
Nimesulide ointment contains anti-inflammatory sulfonamides. The cream contains alcohol and thimerosal. Indications for use: radiculitis, lumbago, osteochondrosis.
pros
Reasonable price - around 200 rubles. Eliminates pain from myositis, osteochondrosis, bruises.
Minuses
Effective for mild pain, practically does not reduce swelling. May cause itching even after short periods of use. The cream has a very large number of contraindications, especially for persons sensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances.
Overdose
It is almost impossible to exceed the permissible daily dose of the drug when using the ointment locally. Only oral use of the drug can provoke the appearance of signs of overdose. In this case, the following occurs:
- disturbance of consciousness;
- vomiting and nausea;
- dizziness;
- muscle weakness;
- arterial hypotension;
- heartburn;
- bradycardia;
- miosis;
- disorientation;
- convulsive attacks.
Amelotex
Amelotex ointment is based on the drug meloxicam, which effectively affects inflammatory processes in the joints. The ointment relieves pain well, and its effect is immediate, almost after rubbing. Fights symptoms such as osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis, arthritis.
pros
The ointment penetrates well into the tissues, reducing pain and increasing joint mobility. It works quickly. Does not have a negative effect on the cartilaginous area, as well as on the nervous system. There is no addiction to the drug. Excellent for relieving night pain. Price about 250 rub.
Minuses
Contraindications in the form of allergies - itching, irritation. It is not recommended for pregnant women and children under 18 years of age.
Natural chondroprotectors in food
The human need for effective chondroprotectors is partially satisfied by food. To do this, the diet must include tendons, cartilage (joints, ears, etc.), bones, bone marrow, skin of animals and fish, rich bone broths - the best chondroprotectors among food products. It is believed that “marine” collagen has the greatest digestibility and benefits for cartilage tissue, so mollusks and crustaceans, anchovies and other small sea fish should be included in the diet in boiled form. An additional source of collagen can be dishes with the addition of edible gelatin - jelly, jellied meat, aspic. It is advisable to eat eggs (soft-boiled, not overcooked) every day, and eat beef, red fish, and cheese more often.
People with sore joints also benefit from plant collagen-like compounds, which are found in wheat sprouts, mushrooms, nuts, broccoli, and seaweed. It is worth increasing the content of citrus fruits and leafy greens in the diet.
Even daily consumption of chondroprotective products does not guarantee cartilage health if:
- metabolic disorders;
- high professional or domestic loads on the joint;
- age-related changes, when cartilage cells stop actively growing and multiplying.
In these cases, the menu should include medications - chondroprotectors with glucosamine and chondroitin. They can be taken even by patients who cannot consume fatty broths and jellied meats for health reasons.
Aertal
A cream for joints based on the drug aceclofenac, relieves pain, inflammation, and swelling well. When the cream is applied to the appropriate places, it treats torticollis, lubago, myositis, tendinitis, and arthritis.
pros
There are no effective analogues of such a cream, which, coupled with its effectiveness, makes it unique. Economical spending, average price up to 350 rubles. Acts locally on the site of the disease. Restores joint tissue.
Minuses
Practically not, unless you are allergic to aceclofenac. However, it is not used in pediatrics. The texture of the cream is greasy, not everyone likes it and is poorly absorbed.
Chondroxide
The ointment is made from the drug chondroitin sulfate. Works great for pain in the arms, back, knees. Regenerates cartilage tissue and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Not only treats, but also prevents osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis.
pros
No side effects. Contraindications are minimal. Does an excellent job of reducing pain and stiffness when moving. Heals joints by increasing mobility.
Minuses
Average cost - up to 400 rubles. The ointment is quite greasy, which can cause some discomfort. Treats only mild to moderate pain. Allergies may develop.
For what diseases are chondroprotectors used?
Glucosamine and chondroitin preparations help protect joints from “starvation” and chemically aggressive substances that accumulate in them as a result of inflammation. For this reason, they are recommended for adjuvant therapy of osteochondropathy - diseases that cause necrosis of spongy bone tissue (bone heads). Chondroprotective drugs are used for the treatment and prevention of:
- osteochondrosis;
- osteoarthritis (including rheumatoid and gouty arthritis);
- spondylosis (spondyloarthrosis);
- osteoporosis;
- tendonitis (dystrophic disease of the tendons);
- bursitis (inflammation of the joint capsule)
Chondroprotectors will become indispensable assistants in the fight against joint diseases
Drugs in this group are recommended for congenital and acquired pathologies of bone tissue (for example, bone deformation), hernias and protrusions. Chondroitin sulfate has proven itself as an auxiliary substance in the treatment of keratitis (inflammation of the eye cornea). Chondroprotectors for arthrosis are prescribed at stages 1-2 of the disease.
