Is Capsaicin an Effective Arthritis Treatment?

Medicinal capsaicin is just one of many alternative treatments for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it has been shown to alleviate the pain associated with these conditions, which affect millions of people.

With the recent recall of Vioxx, the most popular arthritis medication on the market, due to the increased risk of heart attack and stroke, more and people are turning to alternatives to treat the problem.

What is capsaicin?

It is an herbal extract of chili pepper, the dry form of which is cayenne, and it has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions.

Recent research shows that people with arthritis have elevated levels of DSP, which breaks down cartilage and increases sensation of pain.

Capsaicin can inhibit the activity of DSP, thus stopping cartilage destruction and easing pain in joints.

Thus the extract, marketed as a cream under the name Zostrix, has become a popular treatment for arthritis pain relief, and many patients have had success with it.

Is capsaicin the best option for pain?

There are many different treatments available, from prescription drugs to alternative techniques to supplements and creams.

In terms of safety, the extract has relatively few side effects. Some patients reported a burning sensation which subsided after a few weeks.

The only problem with the cream is that it must be applied four times a day for maximum effectiveness, which can become quite a hassle for people suffering from arthritis.

Some of the supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin and other natural treatments have shown promise, and offer another viable, safe alternative to prescription drugs like Vioxx and Celebrex.

If you do decide to try capsaicin cream, start with the lower strength version first, with .025% capsaicin extract, then try the stronger cream if that does not work.

Are there better treatments for arthritis?

There are many different options when it comes to treating the pain associated with arthritis.  While capsaicin cream can help, the fact that you have to apply it over and over again is a hassle for many people.

As such, a natural supplement containing powerful pain fighting herbal extracts might be a better option for you.

We have found a high quality natural health supplement that contains many of the natural arthritis remedies, including glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, manganese, turmeric and ginger extract, as well other important vitamins, minerals and nutrients for overall health and well-being.

The product is called Not Just Joints and it offers significant, long-lasting pain relief and reduces inflammation.

The appealing part is that it has all of those nutrients blended together so you don't need to be rubbing in creams all day, or decide which herb to try. For many this is an easier option.

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