Topical Analgesics for Pain Relief
Over-the-counter sprays, sports creams and ointments that have analgesic properties can be useful for pain control of the Arthritic joints, without any intestinal side-effects. Menthol is the active ingredient which works to block pain receptors and help relieve pain in the soft tissue and joints. The higher the menthol percentage, the stronger the formula. Some companies use as much as 16 percent menthol, but that much is not necessary to achieve results and can cause burning side effects. Menthol can be derived naturally from peppermint or be synthetically produced. Natural menthol penetrates the skin more effectively. Other ingredients such as capsaicin, peppermint and eucalyptus can also help to block pain. Keep in mind that capsaicin or capsicum are responsible for the burning/tingling sensation that occurs in the same pepper spray that police use to stop attackers. Use of these Cayenne pepper derivatives can leave residual numbness and tingling in an area for days after each use. Some companies are also using other herbs believed to have natural healing, relaxing and mild anti-inflammatory properties such as MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and Glucosamine, but most only add trivial amounts. Glucosamine and MSM are usually taken in oral pill form. Dosages usually range between 1,000-1,500 mg a day. Glucosamine is currently undergoing many trials to determine effectiveness for helping cartilage repair. Studies have demonstrated that patients with deterioration of joint cartilage halt and even regenerate the tissue after taking Glucosamine for at least six weeks.

For a topical pain reliever to work effectively it needs to have a good transport mechanism (ability to let ingredients be able to pass through the first layer of skin down to the deeper tissues below). In theory, supplements such as Glucosamine Sulfate and MSM have small enough molecules to pass through the skin barrier and not just affect the top of the skin, but rather penetrate deeper down. Because Glucosamine and MSM absorb so well, they also make great skin conditioners. Where as taking Glucosamine and MSM will affect your whole body, placing it over an area can add 28 times more than a pill would provide over a specific area. Topical pain relievers with oils and waxy substances like glycerin, strearic acid and cetyl alcohol would make a poor transport mechanism for ingredients like Glucosamine and MSM, yet some companies continue to use this ingredient. While methyl and propyl paraben are preservatives that offer an indefinite shelf life, they also lessen the penetration of a topical pain reliever.

Therefore, the best type of topical analgesic is one that combines good powerful natural ingredients, with a good transport mechanism that has no preservatives, but also no oils to block penetration or eventually turn the formula rancid. Therapain Plus (shown below) meets the above criteria and has proven successful with the patients we surveyed.