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Topical creams for arthritis

(46 Posts)
Knitter43 Tue 12-May-26 20:22:59

Do any of you use topical creams for your arthritic joints and which do you find best? I mainly use Deep Heat ( and sometimes Deep Freeze) and find both are quite good, sometimes more effective than other times. I keep reading about Capsaicin cream but I believe it is expensive and there are fake copies about. Has anyone ever tried it and where did you buy it? Have you any other suggestions? I have tried Voltoral but didn't find it that good. I know nothing will make us pain-free but any help is welcome.

MissAdventure Tue 12-May-26 20:28:30

Turmeric is supposed to have anti inflammatory properties.
Perhaps a cream of that kind might help?

BlueBelle Tue 12-May-26 20:42:20

I ve been using Turmeric massage oil and it makes no difference at all Nor do Voltetol, deep heat, ibrufen or tiger balm 🤷🏼‍♀️

MissAdventure Tue 12-May-26 20:45:32

Oh, thats a shame.
I usually look at amazon reviews of things and try to decide that way.

I won't be getting ay turmeric then. smile

Maremia Tue 12-May-26 21:56:45

I thought you were supposed to consume the turmeric?

MissAdventure Tue 12-May-26 22:00:53

Yes, you can make it into a drink, but I'm pretty sure someone has capitalised on it, and turned it into cream.

MayBee70 Tue 12-May-26 22:03:42

There are turmeric oils that you can rub on but I’d be wary of that given the way that it stains so badly. I’ve always favoured Voltarol. I do take turmeric with black pepper and coconut oil in milk but never know if it helps as I’m a bit inconsistent with it. I find exercises are the most helpful thing with my thumb joint but sometimes I can hardly move my fingers and at other times they’re ok. I do put Voltarol on them at night sometimes but have to be careful that the dog doesn’t lick them.

TillyTrotter Tue 12-May-26 22:16:02

If you want to do something physical and remain free of pain for 24 hours I recommend Nurofen or Voltarol medicated pain patches.
(I don’t like the heat ones).
Often 2 or 4 in a pack - £3 to £5 per patch - and they work.
Not for everyday use.

TillyTrotter Tue 12-May-26 22:17:42

No good for fingers unfortunately Maybee but excellent for back, shoulder or thigh pain.

Allira Tue 12-May-26 22:34:00

Thanks for the tip, TillyTrotter

I find Voltarol gel helps, better than the ibuprofen gel, but I'll bear the patches in mind.

Gwyllt Tue 12-May-26 23:08:17

Pernaton gel ( green lipped mussel )
My sister I law seared by it. My physio said it shouldn’t work however a number of her patients swear by it Helps my neck when a bit stiff but did nothing for hips when awaiting new ones. Ended up on weekly morphine patches Surprisingly I didn’t have much trouble coming of them after my second op

MayBee70 Tue 12-May-26 23:35:00

TillyTrotter

No good for fingers unfortunately Maybee but excellent for back, shoulder or thigh pain.

The arthritis is round my thumb joint and I do think that Voltarol helps. But don’t understand why the pain is sometimes so bad first no apparent reason and then I’ll go for ages with no pain at all.

Elrel Tue 12-May-26 23:44:33

Fengel helps the arthritis in my knees

HeyGirl Tue 12-May-26 23:56:15

I use a CBD balm from Amazon, by Kloris. Works for pain relief for my thumbs and ankle. I haven't tried other brands but they are available.

ferry23 Wed 13-May-26 06:56:13

HeyGirl

I use a CBD balm from Amazon, by Kloris. Works for pain relief for my thumbs and ankle. I haven't tried other brands but they are available.

CBD has contraindications with blood pressure medication and statins, both of which I take unfortunately. The topical cream less so than the ingested form but my GP advised against it. sad

Autumncolours Wed 13-May-26 08:30:58

FlexiSEQ gel from Boots has really made a difference to me. You have to wait 10 minutes after applying it for it to soak in but it has definitely made my fingers less painful and more flexible. I’ve been using it each morning and evening for 3 months. I can’t use anti-inflammatories due to high blood pressure medication and was in despair! www.boots.com/flexiseq-gel-50g-10174939?srsltid=AfmBOor-nUf_BC-bIPEEU31j5jGauILi5rBd0O7hpWNMjGIMozw0P8IW

Knitter43 Wed 13-May-26 09:38:04

Thanks for all suggestions. I shall certainly look into them. Flexiseq sounds like it could help. I have never heard of Fengel though.What kind of cream is it and where would you buy it?

keepcalmandcavachon Wed 13-May-26 09:43:25

Not found any other medication more effective than others have mentioned but, I do find my small heat pad (like a mini electric blanket) is very soothing to sore joints.

shysal Wed 13-May-26 09:45:20

I tried Flexiseq after seeing it recommended on GN but found after a while it killed the skin around my knee, and didn't help the pain.
I now use Voltarol Max when my RA flares up, which the GP offered to add to my free repeat medication. It works quite well but not always.

Sparky51 Thu 14-May-26 13:42:27

So i use Voltarol..its not cheap..but works..no cure..but helps..a lot.i have been using it for 3 weeks now..give it a go.I have a bad knee.It has made it ..to a certain degree..tolerable

maureen118 Thu 14-May-26 13:58:17

I use FLEXISEQ it was recommended by my pharmacist. I take blood thinners so couldn't use voltoral etc or take some of the herbal drugs on sale. I have used it for several years I can't guarantee wether that has helped or just a coincidence but continue to use it as a drug free alternative.

Nanny27 Thu 14-May-26 14:04:12

I've been using comfrey oil (knitbone) on my knees. It apparently takes a while to begin working but I've had lots of recommendations so am persevering.

MayBee70 Thu 14-May-26 14:07:33

There is a cheaper Boots Voltarol ( diclofenac) but it’s a lower strength. I tend to mix it with a blob of the higher strength Voltarol.

joannapiano Thu 14-May-26 14:24:36

I also use FlexiSEQ, twice a day, on my finger joints. I like a drug-free medication. Seems to be helping with pain and flexibility.

DaisyAnneReturns Thu 14-May-26 15:00:46

TillyTrotter

If you want to do something physical and remain free of pain for 24 hours I recommend Nurofen or Voltarol medicated pain patches.
(I don’t like the heat ones).
Often 2 or 4 in a pack - £3 to £5 per patch - and they work.
Not for everyday use.

Just worth double checking with your doctor if you are on blood thinners. Yo