Lidocaine Cream for Instant Pain Relief from Osteoarthritis: PART 1

Osteoarthritis or OA is a painful type of arthritis found in nearly 27 million Americans. It causes soreness and pain in joints, troubling your walking and comfort. Learn here how lidocaine cream provides instant relief from OA pain.

Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, is the most common arthritis type in the USA. It is a condition when the natural “cushion” between joints and cartilage wears away, allowing the bones under the cartilage rub together. It leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased knee mobility and even bone deterioration. OA can occur in any joint, but it commonly affects the joints like knees, hips, lower back, neck, small joints of the fingers and the bases of the big toe and the thumb.

According to CDC, 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis.

While OA is largely associated with the seniors, people in their 20s and 30s are prone to osteoarthritis due to joint injury or repetitive joint stress from overuse. More women have OA than men by the age they reach 50. Sadly, OA is a progressive disease as signs worsen over time.

Though OA is incurable, a treatment can help you manage the symptoms like pain and swelling.

What are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

The signs may vary based on the location of the joint. For example, the symptom of hip joint may be slightly different than those of knee joint. Here are some common signs of OA.

• Sore and stiff joints
• Click or cracking sound when joints bend
• Difficulty in moving
• Pain gets worse after activity or rest (toward the end of the day)
• Boney growth around the affected joints due to loss of muscle bulk
• Affected joints look larger than usual
• Joints feel warm and tender

What are the Causes of Osteoarthritis?

• Knee injury or physical strain
• Overweight which apply great weight on the knees
• Being female, as women are more prone to osteoarthritis
• Normal wear and tear on the joints caused by the age
• Genetics, as some people inherit a tendency to have osteoarthritis
• Bone deformities like malformed joints or defective cartilage

How to Manage the Pain Occurring in OA?

Pain is the trademark symptom of OA.

It is likely to worsen over the time due to the rubbing of bones against each other.

The pain is often coupled with aching joint, inflammation and soreness. Here are some common ways to deal with OA pain and discomfort:

• Over-the-counter pain-relieving medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).
• Analgesics and topical pain relieving medication like creams, rubs and sprays.
• Exercises for improving joint movement and strengthening of the muscles surrounding the joints.
• Weight control to prevent extra stress on weight bearing joints
• Hyaluronic Acid injections.
• Hot or cold compresses.
• Joint protection devices to prevent strain or stress on painful joints.
• Acupuncture therapy.
• Steroid injections.
• Surgery (as the last resort).

Why Numbing Cream is a Quick and Effective Way to Manage OA Pain?

While OTC and prescription pain tablets are effective in mitigating OA pain, there are possible side-effects if you take painkillers regularly. Then, analgesic gels take time to provide you relief. Other pain management options like surgery and shots are expensive and given at doctor’s office.

This is why many people with OA look for alternative pain relief therapies. And numbing cream is one of those effective options! It gives instant relief from all musculoskeletal pain including those caused by OA or osteoarthritis.

To learn how to use a lidocaine cream for osteoarthritis and what precautions to be kept in mind, read the second the installment of this blog.