Many arthritis patients require daily pain management, and it can be challenging to find options safe for frequent use. While various treatments exist, one natural remedy has been gaining attention for its potential to alleviate arthritis pain – capsaicin cream.
Derived from chili peppers, capsaicin is the compound responsible for their spicy kick. It can offer a unique and effective approach to managing arthritis discomfort when formulated into a cream.
While some capsaicin creams cause burning and skin irritation, Capsadyn™ is the only cream on the market that provides non-burning relief. This article explores arthritis pain, the dangers of daily medications, and how Capsadyn’s proprietary capsaicin formula offers a safe and effective solution.
Medications for long-term pain relief and their side effects
Doctors may give arthritis patients over-the-counter or prescription medications to ease daily pain. It’s important to recognize that most of these come with serious side effects with daily use.
Opioids for long-term pain
With addiction being the widely-known risk for opioid use, a study from Pain Physician Journal lists the following additional side effects:
- Constipation (most common)
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Respiratory depression
- Hyperalgesia
- Immunologic and hormonal dysfunction
- Muscle rigidity
- Myoclonus (involuntary twitching)
NSAIDs for long-term pain
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, popularly known as ibuprofen and naproxen, are usually safe to take on occasion. However, the following side effects are linked to daily use:
- Heart complications
- Liver complications
- Kidney complications
- Gastrointestinal (GI) issues
- Ulcers
- Stomach upset
- High blood pressure
Acetaminophen for long-term pain
Acetaminophen, typically called Tylenol, has lower gastrointestinal risks than NSAID. However, Mayo Clinic advises to avoid long-term use, which has been known to cause liver damage.
DMARDs for long-term pain
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis. According to Cleveland Clinic, side effects include:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Rash, allergic reaction
- Liver problems
- Increased risk of infections
- Low white cell count (leukopenia), red blood cell count (anemia) and platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
Corticosteroids for long-term pain
Corticosteroids, often referred to as steroids, are another popular option for arthritis pain management. A study from the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology shows that side effects with long-term use include:
- Osteoporosis
- Aseptic joint necrosis
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Gastrointestinal, hepatic, and ophthalmologic effects
- Hyperlipidemia
- Growth suppression
- Possible congenital malformations
How Capsadyn™ helps arthritis patients
After considering the risks associated with other medications, many turn to capsaicin creams as a safer alternative. But even in the absence of the many side-effects mentioned, capsaicin creams have undesirable consequences – some experience burning and skin irritation.
Capsadyn™ is the only capsaicin cream available with little or no risk of burning and skin irritation. Because of this, it’s available over-the-counter at the maximum concentration allowed by the FDA, which boosts its effectiveness in combatting pain.
How does capsaicin cream relieve arthritis pain?
Capsaicin works by temporarily desensitizing nerve receptors in the skin, leading to a reduction in pain signals sent to the brain. Additionally, capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to a decrease in joint inflammation associated with arthritis.
One of the key advantages of capsaicin cream is its ease of use. Available over-the-counter, this topical treatment offers a safe and convenient option for individuals seeking relief from arthritis symptoms. Applying the cream to the affected joints, following proper guidelines on frequency and quantity, allows users to target specific areas and tailor the treatment to their needs.
Numerous studies support the efficacy of capsaicin cream in managing arthritis pain. A Clinical Therapeutics clinical trial highlighted its positive impact on reducing pain intensity and improving physical function in individuals with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The cream’s ability to provide relief without the systemic side effects associated with oral medications makes it a valuable alternative for those who may be unable or unwilling to take traditional arthritis medications.
Arthritis pain and depression preventative measures
When living with arthritis, there are several lifestyle factors you can incorporate to limit pain. Mayo Clinic makes the following recommendations:
- Move your joints and perform gentle stretching to their full range of motion
- Keep your posture in good form
- Avoid overdoing it – balance your activities with rest
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking, which stresses connective tissues
In addition to pain, many arthritis patients also experience depression. Losing the ability to perform daily functions, in addition to chronic pain, takes a toll on mental health. Consider managing your mental health with cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation therapy/meditation.
Symptoms and diagnosis of arthritis
There are two types of arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis – which cause joint pain in different ways. While rheumatoid arthritis involves the body’s immune system attacking joints, osteoarthritis pain is caused by lifelong wear and tear. Damage from osteoarthritis includes cartilage deterioration at the joint. Without a cartilage buffer, bones can grind together and cause discomfort.
The primary symptoms of arthritis include pain and stiffness around the joints. You may also notice swelling and redness in these areas and a decreased range of motion. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor for a diagnosis. The CDC states:
Doctors usually diagnose arthritis using the patient’s medical history, physical examination, X-rays, and blood tests. It is possible to have more than one form of arthritis at the same time. The earlier you understand your arthritis, the earlier you can start managing your disease, reducing pain, and making healthy lifestyle changes.
Long-term arthritis pain is challenging, but manageable
Living with arthritis can be hard on physical and mental health – but there are plenty of options to help ease your pain and continue usual activities. Consider trying Capsadyn™ due to its low risk and high potential to ease your pain.
With a full understanding of arthritis conditions and pain relief options available, individuals can embark on a proactive journey, managing their condition, reducing pain, and embracing healthy lifestyle changes.
