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Arthritis can be at times very discomforting to deal with. Today we strive to ease that pain with our breakdown of how to prevent arthritis pain with compounding! Read below for more…
Aches and pains worsen as temperatures begin to dip. If you experience this as well, you are not alone. A lot of individuals report increased joint pain during the winter months. Experts aren’t sure why this happens. However, it is a common phenomenon. Certain researchers blame it on barometric pressure fluctuations which can cause inflammatory reactions in the joints that worsen the pain.
Another group believes that the human body works harder to conserve energy to maintain the core body temperature which leaves the limbs with reduced blood flow. Poor circulation could be one of the reasons behind joint pain.
Regardless of the cause, patients who struggle with arthritis experience a noticeable decline in their quality of life during the winter months. While arthritis can impact any joint in your body, a lot of people report discomfort in weight-bearing joints; ankles, knees, and hips.
Types of Arthritis and Pains for Patients
There are multiple types of arthritis and each one will affect your body in a different way. It is important to understand the impact of cold weather on your body and your day-to-day functioning. Let’s discuss the major types of arthritis in detail:
Osteoarthritis
This is hands down the most common type of arthritis. It essentially happens due to the breakdown of cartilage which is responsible for holding the joints together. This essentially makes it more difficult for the joints to move together leading to friction, pain, and inflammation. The severity of the condition is essentially dependent on the number of limbs involved and how much cartilage is left behind.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
When your immune system starts to attack your joints, the condition is known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Essentially, it will impact the lining of joints known as synovium. RA can lead to permanent joint damage. Any changes in pressure will trigger the inflammatory response in your joints.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis is an auto-immune disease that will impact the joints by causing cycles of inflammation. Individuals who struggle with psoriatic arthritis also struggle with bouts of psoriasis along with intense joint pain.
Topical Creams and Management of Arthritis Pain
The pain management of arthritis essentially comes down to lifestyle modifications and administration of topical creams along with systemic analgesics. The topical treatment involves applying a cream/ointment to the affected area in order to relieve symptoms associated with arthritis. The most common topical treatments include:
Lidocaine – It comes in OTC as well as prescription-strength formulations and is hands down one of the most common topical treatment options.
Menthol – It offers a cooling effect and brings instant, temporary relief to arthritis symptoms.
Capsaicin – Some patients prefer warmth to relieve their painful symptoms. This particular one is a derivative of cayenne pepper and brings great relief.
Compounding Topical Arthritis Pain Relief Medications
Sometimes conventional medicine is not enough to bring relief to the patients. While rubbing various creams and gels into the painful joints can bring great improvement in arthritis symptoms. The situation isn’t the same for everyone.
Compounding offers the benefits of multiple compounding formulations which can bring lasting and quality pain relief. A lot of the ingredients that help with arthritis pain are best absorbed through the skin. Hence, topical medications through the transdermal route offer instant pain relief as compared to other forms of medicine.
Sometimes topical meds are combined with other forms of pain relief to tackle the toughest symptoms. Not all of us can benefit from the same medication and that is where compounding steps in to help.
Benefits Of Compounding Topical Creams for Arthritis Pain Management
Compounding offers the benefits of unique dosages and custom formulations that efficiently tackle plenty of medical issues. Some of the top benefits include:
- Instant relief from symptoms of arthritis
- Targeted medication for the site of the pain
- Prescription-strength relief suited to the individual
- Non-habit forming meds
- Elimination of systemic side effects: drowsiness, upset stomach, etc.
- Elimination of odor and unpleasant smell that comes with OTC drugs
- Custom dosage and formulations
A lot of over-the-counter and prescription arthritis medications come with a single active ingredient. While it does offer relief, it doesn’t address the fact that each individual experiences the pain in a different manner. Compounded topical medications make use of multiple active ingredients that work synergistically to offer relief from pain.
Every ingredient has a different action mechanism. As a result, patients get long-lasting results that offer more effective pain relief. A lot of patients experience increased arthritis pain during the colder months. Hence, effective pain relief exists in the form of compounded meds. As a result, you get more effective, targeted relief of your arthritis pain.
Final Takeaway
Pain from arthritis is inevitable. However, your suffering doesn’t have to be. Any kind of acute pain can turn into long-term pain that impacts your day-to-day living. Oftentimes, commercially available medications aren’t enough to cure your pain. Even if they do, they come with a list of unwanted side effects such as an upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness, and more. In some patients, they can lead to skin irritation as well. A lot of patients accept these side effects but you don’t have to, especially when there is a better option aka pharmacy compounding.
Connect with Us
It is best to share your concerns with a physician. Together your physician and a compounding pharmacist will determine a perfect solution for you that fits your needs best, minus all the side effects.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any other questions, leave them down in the comments section below.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and isn’t meant to be used as a form of diagnosis and possible treatment choice. Always consult your physician prior to using any form of the drug for your pain management and any other health conditions.