Topical Treatments for Muscle and Joint Pain

When dealing with muscle and joint pain, a lotion or ointment containing one or more of these ingredients may help to reduce pain and inflammation:

Arnica
Arnica is effective at reducing inflammation associated with bruises, aches and sprains. In animal studies, some of the constituents were found to have anti-inflammatory activity (Blumenthal, 1998). It should not be used on broken skin, and long term use may give rise to eczema.

Capsicum
Capsicum can be used topically for muscle spasms, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The active constituent, capsaicin, is FDA approved for these uses. When applied to the skin, capsaicin is known to stimulate and then block small pain fibers by depleting them of a neurotransmitter called Substance P. Substance P has been shown to activate inflammatory mediators in joint tissues in osteoartrithis and rheumatoid arthritis (Murray, 1995).

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

MSM is a naturally occurring compound, which is found in certain types of green plants and algae, fruits, vegetables, grains, bovine and human adrenal glands, milk and urine. It is used for problems including chronic pain, joint pain, arthritis, musculoskeletal pain, and muscle cramps. Preliminary research suggests that MSM may inhibit degenerative changes in arthritis. It has also been found to delay chemically induced colon cancer tumor onset in animals (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2006).

Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate can be used topically in combination with chondroitin sulfate, shark cartilage, and camphor for osteoarthritis. There has been considerable research into the uses of glucosamine. One study found that a topical cream containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and camphor was effective in relieving the pain from ostoearthritis of the knee. Improvement was evident within 4 weeks (Cohen et al. 2003).

References

• 1. Blumenthal, M., et al., editors. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston (MA): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA); 1998.
• 2. Cohen et al (2003). A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial of a topical cream containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and camphor for osteoarthritis of the knee. Journal of Rheumatology; (11): 2512.
• 3. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: Jellin JM, Gregory, Founding Editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Stockton (CA): Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2006 (online). Available from http://www.naturaldatabase.com.