Arthritis is joint inflammation with pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. It usually involves the breakdown of cartilage.

Cartilage protects the joint by absorbing the shock when pressure is placed on the joint during walking, running and other physical activities. Without cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. People use arthritis pain relief creams to treat their arthritic aches and pains. They are applied directly to the skin and come as creams, gels lotions or patches.

Chronic arthritis such as osteoarthritis occurs with age and is commonly in felt in the hips, knees or fingers. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include being overweight, previously injuring the affected joint, and using the affected joint in a repetitive action that puts stress on it.

There are 3 major types of arthritis pain relief creams:

As with any type of pain, we recommend you use Natural, herbal based pain creams instead of over the counter creams that contain harsh and unnecessary chemicals.

Our Rub on Relief product is an herbal formula of over 12 of the strongest natural pain fighting ingredients. To learn more about Rub On Relief, click here.

Creams containing methyl salicylate 鈥?related to aspirin, methyl salicylate is known as oil of wintergreen and is made naturally by many plants. It used in topical pain relief creams such as Bengay because it can dilate capillaries and increase local blood circulation. However, many of these creams also use artificial ingredients and can also leave behind a strong odor.

These creams should not be used by those who are allergic to aspirin. Excessive application and taking these products internally are also harmful to health.

Capsaicin Creams 鈥?capsaicin is the active component of chili peppers and causes a hot, burning sensation when applied to the skin. Capsaicin depletes a chemical called substance P in nerve cells that send pain signals to the brain. Capsaicin creams do not treat the cause of your muscle pain, but prevent you from feeling it 鈥?not always a good thing.

Counterirritant Creams 鈥?create local inflammation and increased blood flow to relieve inflammation in underlying or nearby muscles.

When used moderately, arthritis pain relief creams are relatively safe. Never use them on broken or irritated skin and always wash your hands thoroughly after application.

Many topical medications suppress the natural pain signals of the body. Ignoring pain can increase your risk of further joint injury.

You can also greatly improve your symptoms by making the proper lifestyle changes. Exercise helps to maintain healthy joints, relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength. Eating a fruit- and veggie-rich diet so you get plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is also a great way to counter joint inflammation.

In the long-term, the best solution may be to rest your sore joints, avoid intense exercise and if necessary, seek the proper medical treatment until the soreness subsides.

If you are looking for a safe, natural pain cream for arthritis, check out Rub on Relief.