arthritis pain relief cream

by Nathan Wei, MD, FACP, FACR

Nathan Wei is a nationally known board-certified rheumatologist and author of the Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit. It's available exclusively at this website... not available in stores.

Click here: Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit

Before you make a self-diagnosis or use any kind of treatment for arthritis you need to answer some questions:

• Have you had pain or stiffness in your joints three or more days a week for the past month?
• Have you had swelling in your joints three or more days a week for the past month?
• Do you have stiffness in your joints, especially after not moving for an extended period of time (such as in the morning)?
• Do you have pain or discomfort in a joint that has a history of injury?

If you do answered yes to one or more of these items then the chances are pretty good you have arthritis.

While oral medicines- either over-the-counter or prescription may help, you may want to supplement what you’re taking with a topical preparation.

Rub on arthritis pain relief creams often are useful adjuncts to other therapies.

For minor aches and pains, a capsaicin containing preparation might be all you need. Capsaicin is the active ingredient found in hot peppers. Capsaicin causes the small blood vessels in the skin to dilate (open up). When the blood vessels dilate, increased blood flow to the area causes a sensation of heat to develop. This sensation of heat is what many people find soothing.

There are a slew of topical agents on the market all making exorbitant claims. Be wary of those that contain glucosamine or crushed pearls or emu oil or other “exotic” ingredients. These preparations have not been scrutinized in clinical trials. Their benefit may be entirely placebo effect. And an expensive placebo is a waste of money.

In our clinic we use Myorx. Myorx was developed by a rheumatologist and an anesthesiologist in Seattle, Washington. It was initially used in race horses. It was then refined extensively and is now one of the more popular topical arthritis pain relief creams available.

The theory behind MyoRx is the powerful anti-inflammatory effect of Omega-3 and Omega-6. The data demonstrates these compounds have potent effects on signal transduction as well as profound effects on cytokines - especially TNF-alpha.

Because of these effects, Omega-3 and Omega-6 cause a profound "dampening down" of the entire inflammatory process - without harming normal tissue repair. Because Omega-3 and Omega-6 are lipophilic, MyoRx is absorbed through the skin rapidly.

Recent uncontrolled experiments suggest MyoRx may have a blocking effect on substance P as well. Substance P is released by nerve fibers and promotes pain. Blockade of substance P has been shown to modulate pain.

Additional antioxidant vitamins and capsaicin enhance the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. MyoRx lab has the seal of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) - a very important designation. This certification proves the reproductibility of the compound and is a critical industry standard. MyoRx also undergoes frequent and exhaustive antomicrobial testing to certify purity and to protect against contamination.

MyoRx is blended into a pleasant, easy-to-use cream that patients find very appealing. MyoRx comes in a convenient to use 2 oz jar with an easy open lid.

• Do not apply to irritated skin or open sores
• Keep your fingers away from your eyes after they’ve dipped into the cream.
• If you are sensitive to the ingredients, don’t use the cream
• Discontinue use if you develop a rash or skin irritation

Another topical agent that is available is Voltaren gel. You can get it by prescription. Ketoprofen gel can also be obtained by prescription through a compounding pharmacy.

Arthritis pain relief cream