When it comes to arthritis pain and discomfort, many patients want relief and they want it now. Many are willing to try just about any over-the-counter product, try any natural remedy under the sun, and so forth. For many, the pain in unbearable. As previously stated, there are a number of over-the-counter products that result in pain relief, but are they your best option?

The Pros of Over-the-Counter Products

You have many options. Arthritis pain relief comes in many different formats. Most turn to pain relieving pills. These pills may include Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, Bayer, or store brands. There are also arthritis creams available for sale. These creams usually contain the active ingredient capsaicin. Finally, there are heating pads. Heat has long been known to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. For at-home care, a microwavable or electric heating pad is best. For on the go in the car, onetime use heating patches are best.

When it comes to over-the-counter arthritis relief, you have many options. You may wish to try them all. Experiment and find the best source of relief.

They are easy to buy. Over-the-counter products are those that can be bought without a prescription. Anyone can buy them and just about anywhere. Heating pads, arthritis creams, and pain pills are available for sale both online and locally. In terms of local shopping, your options include health stores, department stores, drug stores, and supermarkets.

When buying over-the-counter products, don’t change your shopping habits. There is no need to make a special trip.

Most over-the-counter products provide quick relief. With the exception of Tylenol Arthritis, which is designed to provide both fast and long-lasting pain relief, it can take up to fifteen minutes for the medicine to kick in. When in pain, this may seem like a lifetime, but it is actually very quick. For the quickest relief, opt for arthritis creams. Many report pain relief as soon as the cream touches their skin!

The Cons of Over-the-Counter Products

Their costs can add up overtime. The more you use a product, the more you need to buy. In terms of pain reliever, look for large packages, as they tend to cost less. If possible, buy in bulk. As for the heating patches and pouches, the patches are ideal for on the go travel, but do not use them at home. Instead, opt for a heating pad that you can continue to reuse. In the end, you get a better value for your money.

What is nice about prescribed medications is that insurance covers the cost. The average co-pay, which is typically around $5, is less than most over-the-counter products. You can lower the cost of over-the-counter products by shopping at discount retailers, as they are known for their everyday low prices. Coupons and sales can also lessen the costs.

Relief is short. As previously stated, many over-the-counter products provide fast acting arthritis pain relief. This is nice, but remember that relief will not be long-lived. As soon as your medication wears off or when your heating pad loses heat, your pain will start to return.

For the ultimate long-term relief of arthritis pain, swelling, and stiffness, do more than just rely on over-the-counter products. Prescribed medications, when taken overtime, as well as many natural and home remedies, provide long-lasting relief. If these prove successful for your body, you may not need over-the-counter products daily; just when pain flares up.