Ointments for joints – types, compositions, active substances. Which ointment for joints to choose?

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The elderly usually suffer from joint diseases, and the cause of joint problems in young people is usually overload. Check how to choose the right ointment for your joint problems.

What are joints and why do they hurt?

A joint is the part of the body where two or more bones meet to allow movement. Every bone in the body – except the hyoid bone in the throat – meets at least one other bone in the joint. The shape of the pond depends on its function.

In general, the more movement you can move across a joint, the greater the risk of injury. This is because a greater range of motion reduces the strength of the joint.

The joints are described in the way they allow movement. There are three types of joints:

1. stationary joint – two or more bones are in close contact but no movement can occur – for example, the bones of the skull. The joints of the skull are called sutures,
2. slightly movable – two or more bones are held together so tightly that only limited movement is allowed – for example, the vertebrae of the spine,
3. freely movable – most joints in the human body are of this type. Movement is the goal of the joint.

The joints are held together and supported by hard strands of connective tissue called ligaments. Smooth cartilage prevents friction as bones move against each other. In free-moving joints, the entire joint is enclosed within a membrane filled with lubricating synovial fluid, which helps to provide additional shock absorption.

Muscles are attached to the bones with thick, hard strands of connective tissue called tendons. Where the tendons lie close to the bone, there are tiny bags called bursae between the tendon and the bone to reduce friction. The bursa is filled with synovial fluid.

Also check: Achilles tendon – injuries, treatment, home remedies. Inflammation and rupture of the Achilles tendon

Joint ointments – active ingredients

Pharmacy joint ointments help to relieve joint pain when applied to the skin. They can provide short-term but effective relief. These ointments work best on joints that are close to the skin’s surface, such as those of the hands or knees.

The main pain relieving ingredients in joint ointments are:

1. salicylany,
2. anti-irritants,
3. the capsaicin.

Salicylates reduce inflammation (swelling and irritation) which helps to reduce pressure and pain in the joints.

Some brands of joint ointment also contain other ingredients, such as:

1. bulb,
2. camphor,
3. eucalyptus oil,
4. cinnamon oil.

These substances are called anti-irritants. They warm or cool the skin and distract the brain from pain.

Capsaicin is a natural, odorless element found in hot chili peppers. It reduces pain by blocking the skin’s pain receptors.

See: The first such case in the world. The 34-year-old ate a chili pepper and was hospitalized

Ointment for joints – action

Joint ointment is supposed to relieve pain. Depending on the cause of the ailments, an ointment that is cooling, warming or rebuilding the articular cartilage is selected. Athletes usually choose herbal pain ointments because their ailments are usually caused by overstrain.

Young people also suffer from joint pains due to their overstrain or overstrain. However, in some cases, it may be due to degeneration or inflammation – most often in the elderly.

The drug for joint pain can also be in the form of tablets that affect the entire body, or patches that, like ointments, are local.

If you are an active person and want to protect your joints, try a set of dietary supplements for athletes containing Flex All Complete 400g. Thanks to collagen, it moisturizes the joints, and thanks to glucosamine, it supports rheumatic and degenerative diseases.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory ointments for joints – compositions and indications

The active substance in painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the so-called NSAIDs. They are characterized by pain-relieving properties and reducing inflammation, as well as rheumatoid diseases. Medicines with such an active substance are sold without a prescription.

It is worth noting that these ointments should not be used in the third trimester of pregnancy, in children under 12 years of age, as well as on irritated skin (e.g. cut, with a rash).

Ketoprofen ointments are also available in pharmacies, but these are only sold by prescription. They too belong to the group of NSAIDs. Ketoprofen is highly effective, therefore it should not be used long-term. It is recommended for people with severe muscle pain, knee ailments and rheumatism. Pharmaceuticals containing ketoprofen are in the form of a gel.

However, ketoprofen ointment is not recommended for women in the last trimester of pregnancy and nursing mothers and children under 15 years of age.

See: Rheumatoid arthritis, or what?

Warming ointments for joints – composition

You can use warming ointments for pain in muscles or joints. The active substances in their composition are: capsaicin, menthol, camphor. The recommended dose must not be exceeded as it may irritate the skin.

Warming ointments should not be used by children under 6 years of age.

Try Devil’s Claw Root Ointment with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and warming properties.

Cooling ointments for joints – active ingredients

The active ingredient of cooling ointments is menthol. It has an anesthetic, cooling and analgesic effect. In drugs it is combined with salicylates, such collaboration cannot be used in children under 12 years of age.

Camphor ointments will also have cooling properties, provided that it is not alcohol-based. Camphor ointments are easily digestible due to the natural origin of the active substance. A set of cooling gels with camphor is offered by the Cannaderm brand. The products bring relief in muscle and joint pain as well as in spine diseases.

Find out how the stem cells will repair the joints

Collagen ointments for joints – indications

You can get collagen ointments for joints in pharmacies. They are recommended for people who have problems with articular cartilage. Due to the collagen content, they improve the condition of the cartilage, which also contains collagen. Due to the specificity of ailments and long-term cartilage regeneration, the ointment can be used for a longer period of time. It is characterized by a gentle action and no side effects.

Before you reach for the joint ointment, you can also try glucosamine capsules, which supports their functioning. It is available on Medonet Market.

Ointments for joints – precautions

Although joint ointments are usually OTC, i.e. over-the-counter products, use them according to the information on the package. Remember:

1. always follow the information on the package when applying the ointment to the joints,
2. wash your hands before and after applying the ointment to the joints. Never touch your eyes or mucous membranes while ointment for joints is on your hand,
3. limit the use of joint ointment to four times a day, unless the manufacturer suggests otherwise,
4. stop using the joint ointment if it causes any irritation or if you notice that your skin is sensitive to the product,
5. if you are sensitive or allergic to aspirin, ask your doctor if you should avoid salicylates. You may need to avoid them if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
6. To prevent side effects, use salicylate joint ointment only occasionally, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Prophylactically and therapeutically, in the case of joint problems, it is worth reaching for appropriate supplementation. We recommend, for example, Joint Complex – comprehensively for Viridian ponds, available on Medonet Market at an attractive price.