Whether you suffer from the occasional bout of osteoarthritis or deal with a chronic case of rheumatoid arthritis, you want relief from the stiff joints and discomfort that accompanies these conditions. One way to get relief fast is through a topical solution like an arthritis relief cream. However, before you head to the pharmacy to grab the first tube you see, it is a good idea to educate yourself about the various types of arthritis relief products available. There are a number of different types of arthritis relief cream on the market today, and it may take a bit of trial and error to find the one that works best for you.

Hot or Cold?

One form of arthritis relief cream minimizes discomfort through hot or cold sensations. They use ingredients like menthol or wintergreen to produce these sensations, which can distract you from your chronic pain. They are referred to as counterirritants by physicians because they provide relief by irritating the skin. These forms of arthritis relief cream can be a good choice for quick relief that is temporary in nature.\

Aspirin for the Skin

Another popular type of arthritis relief cream contains an ingredient that is found in aspirin. Salicylate provides the pain relieving feature of these over the counter medications, only this one goes directly on your skin rather than taking it orally. These formulas provide a double benefit because they can successfully reduce inflammation around the joint at the same time they reduce pain. However, those that are sensitive to aspirin products should talk to their doctors before using these types of arthritis relief creams.

Bring on the Chili Peppers!

You may be surprised to learn that hot peppers can provide pain relief, but a substance found in chili peppers, capsaicin, does indeed bring relief from discomfort. You can also find an arthritis relief cream that contains this important ingredient. Capsaicin works by depleting a certain substance from nerve cells so that sensation and pain are reduced. These creams often require subsequent applications over a period of a week or two before the pain relief begins.

Finally, you can ask your doctor for an arthritis relief cream that contains an anti-inflammatory drug. These prescription creams can provide even more relief than over the counter formulas and work best on elbows, wrists, hands and knees. The arthritis relief cream is massaged into the affected area four times a day, or is applied in a patch form. There are some side effects to these medications, so it is important to talk to your doctors before trying one for your own arthritis condition. Arthritis relief is on the way with an arthritis relief cream that works for you.