Best cream for arthritis

Fredd1e
Fredd1e Member Posts: 19
edited 10. Feb 2025, 10:53 in Living with arthritis

Can anyone tell me which is the best cream to rub on for arthritis, I have been using Voltarol, but it doesn't seem to have much effect.

Comments

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 842

    Hi @Fredd1e

    Which area do you need to apply cream to?

    Trish x

  • L00pyL00
    L00pyL00 Member Posts: 2

    Hi, if anybody could suggest a cream for a hip joint I would be grateful, I don't like taking ibuprofen, it makes me fell sick.

    Thanks

  • Fredd1e
    Fredd1e Member Posts: 19

    knees, wrists, foot and neck Trish (seem to be riddled)

  • Naomi33
    Naomi33 Moderator Posts: 540

    Afternoon @Fredd1e

    I was prescribed Ibuprofen Gel which takes the edge off but not wonder cure.

    Best wishes @Naomi33

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • Fredd1e
    Fredd1e Member Posts: 19

    I have tried that as well as Voltarol, about the same.

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 842

    hi @Fredd1e

    I have used red Tiger Balm successfuly in the past - it is rather smelly but it does work. Be aware that it does stain clothes though. Probably not a good choice for feet or hands/wrists/neck.There was another cream that worked but I can't remember what it was lol It did smell like Vicks though and I think Vicks would be a good substitute.

    Having undergone a Cervical Foraminitomy on my C6/7 in 2023 I tried many things on my neck - I wouldn't recommend creams on the neck unless prescribed by your GP. My go to for my neck was a wheatbag or a heated cape thingy that I plugged in - it did work across my neck and shoulders but couldn't move around unless I unplugged myself.

    Be wary of using anti inflammatory creams such as voltoral/ibroprofen if you are on Asthma meds or have a tummy issue (I have Diverticiulitis). Most asthmatics are aware they can't take anti inflammatory creams but my wonderful Pharmacist, on asking her advice when my hip was bad, told me I shouldn't use any form of anti inflammatories, including creams, as your body absorbs the cream which is just as bad as taking the pills if you're using them long term.

    With your wrists, try wearing fingerless gloves that are long over the wrists - perfect for slipping little air activated heat pads (Hot Hands - other brands are available) which will keep your hands and wrists warm. The problem with using creams on your hands and wrists is we are constantly washing our hands and therefore your expensive cream goes down the sink. You can alternate this with cold therapy, ice packs, etc to get the blood moving.

    Thermal socks will help keep your feet warm.

    Try not to use too many splints and supports - my hand surgeon will actually remove them if he sees you using them and throws them away!

    Good Luck

    Trish x

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