Pain Relief Patches for Arthritis: Everything You Need to Know

Release time：2023-11-22    Click：148

Pain relief patches provide a convenient, non-invasive option for managing arthritis discomfort.

Arthritis is a common, chronic inflammatory condition that leads to joint pain and swelling. If you or someone you care about suffers from arthritis pain, you'll be eager to find ways to get some relief. 

What are Pain Relief Patches?

Pain relief patches are medicated, adhesive pads that are placed directly on the skin. They contain medications that are absorbed into the skin to provide targeted pain relief where you need it most. 

Unlike oral pain medications that must circulate through the entire body, the medications in pain relief patches go to work right at the source of discomfort. The ingredients penetrate deep into joints and muscles to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation.  

Popular ingredients in pain relief patches include:

- Lidocaine - A mild numbing agent

- Menthol - Provides a cooling sensation

- Capsaicin - Derived from chili peppers to interrupt pain signals

- Salicylates - Similar to aspirin to reduce inflammation

Benefits of Pain Relief Patches for Arthritis

Compared to oral pain relievers, pain relief patches have some notable advantages:

Targeted Relief

Patches deliver medications right where they're needed instead of having them circulated through the whole body. This minimizes potential side effects while maximizing relief.

Less Risk of Addiction

Topical patches avoid spikes in medication levels, reducing the risk of developing dependence which is common with oral medications like opioids.

Easy To Use

Patches are applied directly to clean skin in the area of discomfort. Simply peel off the backing, press on, and enjoy prolonged relief for up to 12 hours in some cases. No guesswork is required.

Fewer Side Effects

Medications are delivered locally through the skin and in pre-measured doses with little to no absorption into the bloodstream. This circumvents many unpleasant systemic side effects.

How to Choose the Best Pain Relief Patches

With many pain relief patches on the market, the following tips will help guide your decision:

- Check that the active ingredient targets arthritis pain specifically. Menthol and salicylates are good options. 

- Look for extended-release patches that provide relief for up to 12 hours from a single application.

- Ensure any patches do not contain common allergens if you have sensitive skin. Test first.

- Read reviews and opt for patches from reputable brands used safely by others.

- Talk with your doctor before trying any new treatments.

Consistent use of pain relief patches alongside other therapies keeps joint inflammation at bay and offers a chance to reclaim activities comfortably.