pecialized Compounding Pharmacies. .....Some Peoples Drug Mart Pharmacies may have the facilities to compound these and other specialized products. The side effects and warnings for these are similar to oral NSAIDs, but they are not as big as a concern because the doses used are a lot lower.
.....The counter-irritant topical creams interfere with your body’s sensation of pain. These products generally contain menthol, eucalyptus, and other ingredients. These ingredients either cause the sensation of warmth or cooling, which dulls the body’s ability to feel pain in the area where these creams are applied. Generally, your body can only perceive the feeling of pain or temperature at one time; it has a problem feeling both at once. Which product you choose depends on which sensation you prefer. Both heating and cooling rubs can be used for the same pain situations.
.....One last type of topical product contains a plant extract called capsaicin. When applied to the skin in very small amounts, capsaicin is effective in fighting the pain associated with arthritis and the neuralgia (nerve pain) associated with shingles. When applied to the skin, capsaicin depletes the pain nerves of something called substance P. Substance P is associated with the nerves ability to transmit the sensation of pain. Several products contain capsaicin, Zostrix® being the most common one. This product can cause a |
burning sensation when applied to the skin, so be very careful where you apply it. Generally, this sensation reduces the longer you use the product. It can take up to four weeks of continual use to feel the maximal effect of capsaicin, but it works very well.
.....There are a few herbal options for arthritis pain relief. Some herbals are used topically to help treat pain: arnica, oil of rosemary and wintergreen oil. All of these products have an anti-inflammatory action.
.....Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) can also help many inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease. The omega-3 EFA are found in fish, flax and borage oils. One theory of why EFAs can help arthritis is they may act as an anti-inflammatory. Your body makes two kinds of prostaglandins, one made from omega-6 and the other from omega-3 fatty acids. The ones made from omega-6 tend to cause inflammation, while those made from omega-3 tend to be anti-inflammatory. This is why a balance is so important. If one were to eat more omega-6 EFAs, they may be prone to developing an inflammatory-like condition. The effects of taking omega-3 EFAs are not seen immediately. Studies have shown that at least 6 months are needed to see results. One study showed that people with rheumatoid arthritis, who took fish oils orally, alone or in combination with |
naproxen, seemed to have less morning stiffness.
.....Most of us know someone who has a form of arthritis. While the symptoms of this disease can be troublesome, there is help. Contact your local chapter of the Arthritis Association of Canada or visit their website www.arthritis.ca. This group sometimes offers courses in arthritis self-management, which are excellent. They may also organize exercise classes in a heated swimming pool, if available. Gentle exercise of the affected joint(s) is very helpful for arthritis. If you have any question about arthritis or osteoarthritis ask your Doctor or Peoples Pharmacist.
Written By Ian Lloyd, Pharmacist & Chartered Herbalist
Peoples Pharmacy, Victoria |
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