Addresses Arthritis Pain Relief with Bengay: Usage Tips and Alternative Options
Bengay Ultra Strength Non-greasy cream is a popular topical product used to temporarily relieve minor arthritis and muscle pain. The cream, available as a cream, gel, or patch, contains the active ingredient menthol, which works as a counterirritant and affects inflammation.
Menthol produces a cooling sensation on the skin that distracts from deeper joint or muscle pain, temporarily masking discomfort, and may reduce inflammation locally [1][2][3]. Bengay combines menthol with camphor and methyl salicylate, creating sensations of cooling and warming that enhance pain relief and help penetrate deeper, soothing muscle and joint aches including arthritis pain [2].
There are other topical products that may help ease arthritis pain. These include other menthol-based creams like Icy Hot and Biofreeze, capsaicin-based products, combination products with menthol and other analgesics or CBD, plant-based creams like Balmorex Pro, and homeopathic and natural remedy creams [1][3][4].
When using Bengay Ultra Strength Non-greasy cream, it's important to follow the product label's guidelines. The label suggests using it no more than four times per day and advises stopping if it causes skin irritation. It also warns against using it on wounds or broken skin, with a heating pad, or on children under 12. The label recommends washing hands before and after application, and avoiding touching eyes or mucus membranes with the product on the hands [5].
Lifestyle treatments for arthritis pain may also be beneficial. These include acupuncture, massage, tai chi, yoga, maintaining a moderate weight, physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), heat and cold therapy, and more [6].
Remember, while Bengay Ultra Strength Non-greasy cream can provide temporary relief, it's not a cure for arthritis. Other medications for arthritis pain include NSAIDs like ibuprofen, analgesics like acetaminophen, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, corticosteroids, and more [1]. If you accidentally swallow a topical analgesic, seek medical help or contact the Poison Control Center immediately [5].
In summary, Bengay Ultra Strength Non-greasy cream, with its active ingredient menthol, provides a temporary cooling and warming sensation that helps relieve arthritis pain by acting as a counterirritant and affecting inflammation. Alternative topical options range from other counterirritants and capsaicin to multi-herbal formulations and natural remedy creams. Choice depends on preference, ingredient tolerance, and desired additional benefits like skin support or natural compounds [1][3][4].
References:
[1] Arthritis Foundation. (2021). Topical Pain Relievers. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/treatments/medications/topical-pain-relievers/
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Bengay. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bengay/description/drg-20073593
[3] Healthline. (2021). Bengay: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/bengay
[4] Verywell Health. (2021). Topical Pain Relievers for Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/topical-pain-relievers-for-arthritis-4014768
[5] Drug Information Portal. (2021). Bengay. Retrieved from https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drug/bengay
[6] Arthritis Foundation. (2021). Lifestyle and Diet. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/basics/lifestyle-and-diet/
- In addition to Bengay Ultra Strength Non-greasy cream, there are other topical products available that can help manage arthritis pain, such as Icy Hot and Biofreeze, which also contain menthol.
- For those seeking natural alternatives, plant-based creams like Balmorex Pro and homeopathic and natural remedy creams may be beneficial.
- Menthol, the active ingredient in Bengay, works by producing a cooling sensation on the skin that distacts from deeper joint or muscle pain, temporarily masking discomfort and potentially reducing inflammation.
- Lifestyle treatments for arthritis pain are also important for overall health and wellness, and can include acupuncture, massage, tai chi, yoga, maintaining a moderate weight, physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), heat and cold therapy, and more.
- While Bengay Ultra Strength Non-greasy cream can provide temporary relief from arthritis pain, it's not a cure. Other medications for arthritis pain include NSAIDs like ibuprofen, analgesics like acetaminophen, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, corticosteroids, and more.
