Hemp/capsicum Creams

Trish9556

Hi all

I was browsing that well-known selling site that's named after a river for an alternative for voltarol and ralgex/deep heat which I currently use on my wrists and hips. And are losing their effectiveness.

Flexi seq I know is very good but my drs won't prescribe it anymore and is expensive.

I'm nervous about capsicum cream near my hands and hips and never heard of hemp cream before.

I've seen mixed reviews on both of those but would like to know the thoughts of fellow members who have used these before I buy them.

Love n hugs

Trish xx

noddingtonpete

Hello @Trish9556 I use Capsaicin cream on my hands. You just need to make sure you do not rub your eyes or mouth afterwards as it is chili. One tip - I apply the cream and then put on compression gloves so it avoids the contact if I do rub my eyes.

It is available on prescription and does provide some relief from the pain (at least for me).

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/capsaicin/

Trish9556

Thanks @noddingtonpete

I'll have a look though the links

Love n hugs

Trish xx

jonr

Hi Trish,

It's bewildering how many cream and gels there are on the market and wow, the price!

So first things first - saving money. I buy my flexiSeq from online from iPharm. 50g is only £12.

I use Motusol instead of Votorol, Superdrug sell a 50G tube for £6.74 so a lot cheaper and it's exactly the same.

I'm using both Capsicum cream and Hemp cream and I think both are effective in different ways. Capsicum includes an ingredient which turns off a pain receptor in the brain. It's available in 2 strengths (1 for OA and a higher potency version for RA), the higher one in general needs to be prescribed but the lower strength one I use is available on eBay. Thing is it's really expensive but my GP refuses to prescribe it so I use it sparingly, usually before any gym work or a demanding walk.

The Hemp cream I use is a brand called 5KIND sold via Amazon but it's cheaper direct from the 5KIND website, there are plenty of testimonials from Arthritis sufferers who use it and as it's not too pricey, I throw that into the mix for good measure. There appears to be no side effects, no hallucinations or drowsiness and it smells nice so I think it's pretty benign.

Hope that helps!

Jon

Trish9556

Thank you Jon!

I've not heard of Motusol so that's a new one to throw into the equation - I'm not working any more so don't get into my local superdrug anymore but will see what I can do although my Voltarol doesn't seem to be working quite as well as it was - not sure if the wrist has deteriorated or if I've just got immune to it but I think it's probably time to try something else. My GP refuses to prescribe 'topical creams' anymore since they'e now run by a not very good (in my opinion) practice group.

The Hemp cream was a new one for me and if it smells nice, that's a bonus and if it works that's even better! I might see if I can find a smaller pot to test it rather than invest in a bigger jar to start with. It's always good to know that a product seems to be approved by Arthritis sufferers as well.

I certainly have something to think about now unless anybody else has another product to throw into the equation!

Love n hugs

Trish xx

jonr

Hi Trish,

I came across Motusol whilst browing on the Lloyds Pharmacy website, their version of Voltorol 12 hour gel is exactly the same product and identical strength - I ordered 10 tubes as it was on sale down to £3.99 per 50G tube which is why I think they've now sold out! An eBay shop is selling a 50G tube of the same stuff (2.32%) for £8.99 including free postage. 5KIND sell the Hemp cream in a 100G tube, that's what I started with before buying a 300G tub on sale, I like it. I occasionally use Tiger Balm but the smell's offputting, it's not unpleasant, just strong so it's reserved for outdoor jaunts. Have you tried a TENS machine at all? I plug myself in for half and hour per day, I'm also 5 treatments in with an Acupuncturist who I think has made the biggest difference in as much as I'm having less "episodes" (where a tendon or my knee caps will ping or I get a really sharp stabbing pain) and when I do get them there's less pain. It's expensive though but for me, wholly justifiable and she tells me I'll be able to go down to monthly or quarterly treatments once the longevitity has kicked in. Apart from my trusty massage gun, these are the things I've found which work for me, but some others such as Glucosamine have been disastrous.

Cheers,

jon

Trish9556

Hi Jon

Yes, I have my trusty tens machine which I put on in the morning and use as I need to. It also has massage option which helps which also goes on as needed.

I was given a course of acupuncture a few years back but itae me a nasty shade if green and best friends with my knees I the bathroom floor. Never again!

I can't take anti inflammatories due to diverticulitis either.

Whilst I love my tens machine I do need another option for in bed summer days and days when I need to dress up and not have to wear my tens machine bag. Hence the reason for looking at the creams - especially when I want to avoid tramadol on special occasions.

Love n hugs

Trish xx

jonr

Ah, that's understood Trish. If you're able to take natural anti-inflammatories then there are other options apart from Ibuprofen and Naproxen, such as Bromelain and Turmeric. I totally understand about exploring less "visible" pain relief so the gels and creams make a lot of sense and probably the best option available. Sorry to hear about the Acupuncture, it doesn't suit everyone. Please let us know how your investigations work out.

Jon

Doreen66

Hi I'm new here. I have recently been diagnosed with neck and upper spine osteoarthritis . I'm having acupuncture ,had three sessions so far. I'm trying to not take drugs to see how things are. Still very painful. I am now applying Flexique to see if this works. I like my barley bag heated in microwave, this really sooths the pain. Can't go ourt wearing it !

jonr

Hi @Doreen66 and welcome to our Community!

There's no exact science to managing one's condition and what works for one may not for another, it's a case of experimentation in many cases. I'm a big fan of Acupuncture but found in my case it took 8 weekly sessions before it really kicked in but once it did, boy, what an improvement so if you're not noticing any difference perhaps give it a few more treatments. I now go once a month. Is the gel you're applying FlexiSeq? If so, I found it to be one of the more effective gels and did exactly what the manufacturers claim it does which is to reduce crunching and grinding.

Good luck in your Arthritis journey!

Jon

Anna

Hi @Doreen66 and welcome from me too!

It’s great to hear from members what works ( and doesn’t work) for them, and as @jonr says, it is a case of trying out to see what suits you. I wouldn’t be without my heated wheat bag, especially at night. Talking to your GP about pain relief is also worthwhile though, and can work in tandem with alternative treatments.

This article on alternative treatments might be useful to you:

https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/what-are-complementary-and-alternative-treatments/

Anna ( Moderator)