It helps temporarily relieve minor pains, including those caused by arthritis, backaches, bruising, cramps, muscle strains or sprains, and tendonitis.
Topical arthritis creams or sports creams can offer temporary relief for a few hours for minor arthritis and muscle pain. These products usually contain 1 or more active ingredients such as cajuput oil, camphor, capsaicin, clove oil, menthol, methylsalicylate, or trolamine salicylate.
Heat may be more helpful for chronic tendon pain, often called tendinopathy or tendinosis. Heat can increase blood flow, which may help promote healing of the tendon. Heat also relaxes muscles, which can relieve pain.
Ibuprofen gel is good to alleviate pain and reduce any inflammation (a secret remedy I use is tiger balm; it's like a really strong deep heat). You can also self-massage the area while applying the gel which will further reduce any swelling that may have occurred.
Pain relief – over-the-counter oral medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) or topical medications like diclofenac (Voltaren) cream can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with Achilles tendonitis.
A pharmacist may help with tendonitis
Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help to ease pain. They may also recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) cream or gel you rub on your skin.
Avoid doing things that increase the pain or swelling. Don't try to work or play through the pain. Healing requires rest, but not complete bed rest. You can do other activities and exercises that don't stress the injured tendon.
Massage therapy has been proven to be a great alternative to traditional pain management. For people suffering from tendonitis, it can help with pain relief and speed up the recovery process.
Treating tendonitis
Apply ice packs. Compress the area with an elastic bandage to ease soreness and inflammation. Keep the joint elevated. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin (in adults), naproxen, or ibuprofen.
Apply a Tiger Balm Active Muscle Rub skin patch to clean, dry skin. Press the patch firmly into place and wear it for up to 8 hours. Do not cover treated skin with a tight bandage or heating pad.
Red Tiger Balm and White Tiger Balm are traditional Chinese remedies used to relieve muscle and joint pain. Although they have similar compositions, the red tiger balm is stronger and is recommended for more intense pain, while the white tiger balm is milder and better suited for sensitive skin.
It's critical to only use Tiger Balm topically and as directed. Overuse or ingestion can be toxic if your body absorbs too much camphor or methyl salicylate. Camphor toxicity can cause: Seizures.
Doctors may recommend over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce inflammation in the bursa and tendon and relieve pain. These medications are typically recommended for a few weeks while the body heals.
Voltaren Emulgel can be used for the relief of body pain, inflammation and swelling in: Soft-tissue injuries: trauma of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints, due to sprains, strains, bruises and backache (e.g. in sports injuries); Localised forms of soft tissue rheumatism including tendonitis and bursitis.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of tendinitis. Medications that may increase risk include: Antibiotics known as fluoroquinolines. Corticosteroids such as cortisone.
If you experience a sudden injury to a tendon, ice can reduce pain and swelling. Ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes every 4 to 6 hours — and put a towel or cloth between the ice pack and your skin. Heat may be more helpful for chronic tendon pain, often called tendinopathy or tendinosis.
Just rub gently back and forth over the inflamed tendon at the point of greatest tenderness. Your strokes should be perpendicular to the fibres of the tendon — like strumming a guitar string. Use gentle to moderate pressure with the pads of your fingers or a thumb.
Most cases of tendinopathy recover completely without the need for any medical input. However, uncommonly, severe untreated tendinopathy can lead to rupture of the tendon.
A mild case of tendonitis takes about 2-3 weeks to heal on average while chronic tendonitis takes about 6 weeks to heal completely.
This study proved that Aloe vera gel has ability to accelerated tendon healing through prevent wound infection and protect the tissues from contamination.
Moist heat or heat pads work best when used for 15 minutes on at a time and at least 30 minutes off.