Joint gels are topical products applied directly to the skin over painful joints, offering a localized approach to managing discomfort. Many individuals wonder about their effectiveness. Ingredients and the scientific basis for their pain-relieving claims are explored.
Common Ingredients in Joint Gels
Joint gels frequently contain various active ingredients. Counterirritants like menthol, camphor, and capsaicin create cooling, warming, or burning sensations on the skin.
Another class of ingredients is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with diclofenac being a common example. These topical formulations are similar to oral pain relievers. Some gels also incorporate salicylates, chemically similar to aspirin, providing a mild anti-inflammatory effect.
Less common ingredients include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, typically known as oral supplements. Cannabidiol (CBD) is also appearing in topical formulations, though its role and absorption for deep joint pain are still being researched. Some products combine multiple active ingredients, such as a counterirritant with an NSAID.
How Joint Gel Ingredients Are Supposed to Work
Counterirritants distract from deeper joint pain by creating a sensation. Menthol activates cold receptors for a cooling effect. Camphor interacts with sensory nerves for cooling or warming. Capsaicin desensitizes pain-sensing nerve fibers after an initial warming, potentially by depleting substance P, a chemical involved in pain transmission.
Topical NSAIDs, like diclofenac, penetrate the skin to deliver medication directly to the affected joint. Once absorbed, they reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes. These enzymes produce prostaglandins, which promote inflammation and pain. By lowering local prostaglandin levels, topical NSAIDs reduce swelling and pain without the systemic side effects of oral NSAIDs.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are theorized to support cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints. Topically, they might be absorbed to help maintain cartilage structure and reduce inflammation. CBD is believed to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain and inflammation. Topical CBD aims to calm local pain signals by engaging with receptors in the skin and surrounding tissues.
Scientific Evidence on Joint Gel Efficacy
Topical NSAIDs, particularly diclofenac, have strong evidence for treating osteoarthritis pain, especially in joints close to the skin like hands and knees. Studies show topical diclofenac provides pain relief comparable to oral NSAIDs for knee and hand osteoarthritis, often with a more favorable safety profile due to lower systemic absorption. While older studies suggested short-term efficacy, recent reviews support their effectiveness for up to 12 weeks for hand and knee osteoarthritis.
Counterirritants like menthol and camphor offer temporary pain relief by distracting from pain signals. This symptomatic effect does not address underlying inflammation. Pain relief often dissipates once the sensation wears off. Capsaicin has shown some efficacy in reducing osteoarthritis pain, with effects observed after several weeks of consistent use as it desensitizes nerve fibers.
Evidence for topical glucosamine and chondroitin is less consistent and weaker than for NSAIDs or counterirritants. While one study suggested a cream with these ingredients plus camphor might relieve knee osteoarthritis pain, their direct topical efficacy for deep joint pain is not robustly established, partly due to absorption challenges. For CBD, preliminary animal and small human studies suggest potential pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, but larger human trials are needed. Topical CBD’s effectiveness can also be difficult to isolate when combined with other pain-relieving ingredients.
Considerations for Using Joint Gels
When using joint gels, proper application is important for both effectiveness and safety. Gels should be applied to clean, dry skin directly over the painful joint, rubbing them in until absorbed. The amount applied should follow product instructions, and avoiding excessive amounts helps minimize potential side effects. Do not apply these gels to broken or irritated skin, as this could increase absorption and the risk of adverse reactions.
Potential side effects are usually localized and can include skin irritation, redness, itching, or a burning sensation at the application site. These reactions are typically mild and temporary. More severe reactions like blistering or swelling, though rare, warrant immediate discontinuation and medical consultation. Users should also avoid covering the applied area with tight bandages or using heating pads, as heat can increase absorption and the risk of side effects.
Joint gels are generally intended for temporary pain relief and are not a cure for underlying joint conditions. They can be a suitable option for localized, mild to moderate joint pain, especially for those who wish to avoid oral medications or have specific contraindications to them. If pain is severe, persistent, accompanied by significant swelling or limited mobility, or if symptoms worsen after using a joint gel, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. A doctor can determine the underlying cause of the pain and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.