You’ve been standing under the sterile blue glow of the overhead lights for half an hour when and you think to yourself, “just pick one already!” As you scan the names of the arthritis products on the huge chain store’s shelf again, you begin to wonder if there is any difference at all between the different creams, rubs, soaks, salves, pills and supplements before you. When did having arthritis pain get to be so darned popular, and do you really need all these options?  

If you’ve suffered from arthritis pain for long, you know that some things just don’t seem to work as well as others, or that after using something for a length of time you stop feeling the relief you once did. Why is this? Here is the simplified version: arthritis pain varies just as much as arthritis products. No two people have exactly the same amount or type of pain, and therefore no specific arthritis product is going to work the same for everyone.

I know, that was an easy answer that doesn’t answer anything, but there are a few simple things you can do to navigate your way though the arthritis products’ counter in the store.

• Talk to your doctor if you haven’t already. You’ve already discussed your symptoms with your doctor and he may have some suggestions based on what has worked for others with similar symptoms. He may even have some samples of products for you to try before you pay a lot of money. Doctors will usually tell you what is proven effective for arthritis and which products are just snake oil.
• Ask around. Friends or family members who also have arthritis may be able to recommend what has been helpful to them. Although, as I said before, everybody reacts slightly differently. They can at least give you a place to start.
• Read the labels. Specifically read the list of ingredients. You may be able to get the exact same product in a generic package for less money. Expensive name brands are often the same product, but you pay more for the advertising. Read carefully.

There are typically three different types of arthritis products available over the counter: creams, supplements and pain relievers.

•  Creams – These are usually medicated to heat on contact when rubbed into the muscles and joints. Creams can be heavily scented, so if you are sensitive to aroma consider looking for a fragrance-free variety; but be warned: these are few and far between. The benefit to arthritis creams is that they work on contact to sooth sore joints. The combination of massage and medication can be very effective pain relief. The cons of cream are that they often smell strongly, so everyone around you will know you’re using it. Also, it’s not easy to use when you’re away from home.
• Supplements – These are taken by mouth daily, usually after a meal. They work by promoting regeneration of the joints. On the plus side, supplements are really easy to take and they work from the inside, providing long-lasting relief if taken daily. The downside to supplements is that they can be very expensive and they take a long time to work, sometimes months. This shouldn’t necessarily dissuade you from using them, but until they start working at full tilt, consider using another form of pain relief in the meantime.
• Pain Relievers – These are over -he-counter medications for pain relief. They are usually fairly inexpensive and generally safe for long-term use. Many pain relievers say they work specifically on arthritis. The con, however, is that they don’t provide lasting relief.

Alan King
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