No, Vicks Vaporub cannot cure arthritis. It may help to relieve symptoms, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment.
Relieve sore muscles and arthritis: Rub some Vicks into it! Vicks has some anti-inflammatory properties that are great for achy muscles and arthritic joints. Just rub it in like you would body lotion into the affected spot and let it soak in.
Menthol is apt to work best for arthritis when used to target joints like those in your hands and knees that are close to your skin's surface. The catch is that menthol's benefits tend to be short-term. “It doesn't provide long-lasting relief, but it may be beneficial to use right before painful activities,” says Dr.
Menthol and camphor are also used in over-the-counter anti-itch lotions. Patients reporting itch near their HS spots may benefit from the additional anti-itch action from these ingredients. The nutmeg oil present in Vicks is reported to reduce swelling and inflammation when applied topically.
VapoRub for Pain
The menthol and camphor in VapoRub work as topical analgesics, which means they can relieve minor aches and pains of the musculoskeletal system through the skin. They've been used that way for hundreds of years, and the benefits are backed by some medical research.
The modulation of cytokines production by menthol denotes an anti-inflammatory activity, which is confirmed in the literature using different animal models [48,49]. Epithelialization has a key role in wound healing, especially at the proliferative phase, and is used as an index of its success [50].
Chili pepper lotion
Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, isn't just good for spicing up food, it can also help soothe arthritis symptoms, Dr. Martin says. “You can rub a capsaicin lotion or gel over symptomatic joints to help ease the pain and reduce swelling,” he explains.
These drugs reduce pain and swelling in affected joints. Examples include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, celecoxib. Topical NSAIDs are the first topical treatment of choice for osteoarthritis.
Tiger Balm is often used to relieve back pain, joint pain, stiffness, sprains, and arthritis pain. You apply it to the area that is in pain, and it's absorbed through your skin.
Bi-Qi is the most commonly used effective TCM formula to treat RA with the least adverse effects.
Physical activity is a simple and effective, drug-free way to relieve arthritis pain. Being physically active can reduce pain, improve function, mood, and quality of life for adults with arthritis. Regular physical activity can contribute to improved sleep and support bone health, brain health, and weight control.
An alternative to pills, Voltaren gel is a topical analgesic that targets pain directly at the source to deliver nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine for powerful arthritis pain relief. Voltaren is clinically proven to relieve joint pain, reduce stiffness, and improve mobility.
For muscle/joint minor aches and pains, Vicks VapoRub may be applied to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily.
Topical camphor absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin also can be toxic. That's why you should never put VapoRub in or around the nostrils — especially a small child's nostrils. And if VapoRub gets in your eye, it can injure your cornea.
There's no evidence that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet will relieve a cold, congestion, or cough. But it might help moisturize your heels and relieve toenail fungus.
Vitamins D and K are both important for bone strength, and vitamin K is involved in cartilage structure. Supplementing these two nutrients may be helpful if you're deficient in them. When you take supplements as directed and under your doctor's supervision, they're generally safe.
Gently exercising your fingers and thumbs with a hand workout can improve their range of motion and decrease arthritis symptoms. It's one of the best ways to maintain function and independence.
Hot and cold compresses can help ease the pain of an arthritis flare. Heat soothes joint pain by increasing blood flow to the painful area and relaxing the muscles. Cold eases inflammation by constricting the blood vessels.
Hydration is vital for flushing toxins out of your body, which can help fight inflammation. Adequate water intake can help keep your joints well lubricated and prevent gout attacks. Drinking water before a meal can also help you eat less, promoting weight loss.
Willow bark and ginger are two teas used for arthritis because of their anti-inflammatory properties. To get the dose right using loose herbs, you can consult with an herbalist or a traditional Chinese medicine physician.
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin and joints.
Menthol works by causing the skin to feel cool and then warm. These feelings on the skin distract you from feeling the aches/pains deeper in your muscles and joints.
Redness, warmth, stinging, or burning on the application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
An excessive amount of menthol is also reported to have caused agitation, dizziness, ataxia, hallucination, convulsion, and coma.