If there are problems with the musculoskeletal system, especially when joints hurt, ointments, gels and creams are one of the effective methods of treatment. For example, small vessels are affected by injuries, tissue hypoxia occurs, and capillary permeability increases. Blood flow is disturbed, tissue nutrition is deteriorating, tissue healing (regeneration) slows down.
What can give us an ointment for joints? First of all, anesthesia and removal of inflammation. Accordingly, puffiness decreases, blood microcirculation improves, tissue regeneration during injuries is stimulated. Almost all drugs of this kind give an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. They are divided into two large groups: ointments warming and, conversely, cooling.
Warming Ointments
A warming ointment for joints locally increases blood supply to tissues, correspondingly increasing heat transfer. Hyperemic (warming) agents are used for bursitis, myositis, radiculitis, neuritis, lumbago and other diseases. They are also good for bronchitis. They are very popular among athletes experiencing increased physical activity, after which muscles can hurt. A massage with warming ointments before training is recommended. All athletes know about this.
It should be borne in mind that any warming ointment for joints and muscles can cause allergies because, as a rule, quite active substances are present in it. Therefore, before use, you need to check a new tool on the bend of the elbow or in the popliteal fossa. Another caveat. Many people prescribe for themselves this or that ointment in the hope of finding one that is ideal and helps. You should be careful not to abuse those ointments that contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Cooling ointments
Joint cooling ointment is usually used for injuries. Such ointments do not show an irritating effect, so you can apply them immediately after an injury, without having to rub the product into the damaged joint, just gently spread it on the skin surface and leave it alone, waiting until the product is absorbed.
Of course, such products do not actually cool the skin, but simply soothe the damaged area and create a feeling of coolness. They usually contain analgesics, anticoagulants, menthol, essential oils and sometimes alcohol.
Most people most often have problems in the knee joints. In chronic diseases, you can use a special warming ointment for knee joints. In such ointments, as a rule, various active substances are present.
Active components of ointments for joints
Methyl salicylate is often used, it is a derivative of the usual aspirin. This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, it anesthetizes and relieves inflammation by inhibiting the production of COX, the main enzyme involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Ketoprofen belongs to the same NSAIDs (non-steroidal drugs), and the mechanism of action is identical, as well as for ibuprofen, indomethacin, diclofenac. The latter exhibits perhaps the most powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
In addition, the following substances may be included in such ointments.
- Bee venom. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, but much less powerful than NSAIDs, dilates the capillary vessels, thereby improving the supply of oxygen to tissues and accelerating the breakdown of metabolic products, which, in fact, cause pain.
- Snake venom is similar in effect to bee.
- Pepper or mustard extract also warms the affected area of the skin, increasing blood flow.
- Menthol has a mild analgesic and antiseptic effect, irritating the nerve endings and bringing a feeling of cold.
- Camphor partly anesthetizes and acts as an antiseptic.
Recently, horse ointment for joints has become very popular . Some doctors are categorically against this, others do not see anything wrong. This ointment has the same components only in a much higher concentration, and therefore helps better, as it seems to many. But increased doses of active substances can adversely affect other organs. So, with horse ointment, you need to be careful.