10 Treatments for Arthritis

5. Pain-Relieving Creams and Gels

Many folks prefer not to take medications orally, or they don't want to risk the side-effects that over-the-counter medications can have on the heart, stomach, liver, and kidneys. Relief can come from massaging creams and gels into the skin. These topical medications are indeed a viable option when it comes to relieving the painful symptoms of arthritis.  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also come in the form of topical solutions, and they can be applied directly to the joints that are causing the pain. However, while initially these creams were believed to be harmless in comparison to oral medications, but some have been found to be especially damaging to the liver. Talk to your physician before deciding what topical ointment to use for your discomfort.