When it comes topical pain relief, the range of products to treat sore joints and muscles can seem overwhelming, with many types of creams, gels, rubs, and packs available³.

Here is some information on what to use when: 

Anti-inflammatory gel 

An anti-inflammatory gel can provide relief for strains and sprains as well as muscle, tendon or ligament injuries⁴.  

Norflex Gels which contain benzydamine⁴, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), work to reduce pain and inflammation in the body by reducing the production of hormone-like substances that promote the inflammatory response⁵. 

An anti-inflammatory gel can be applied directly to the skin over the painful, inflamed muscle or joint area, where it is then absorbed. This can provide pain relief for conditions such as torn ligaments or sprains; torn muscles or strains; sports injuries; inflammation of the fluid-filled sack around the joint (bursitis); inflammation of a tendon (tendonitis); muscle pain caused by an injury or infection (myalgia); bruising due to injury and even relief of joint pain and inflammation due to arthritis⁴. 

Recommended for use as a short-term treatment for the symptomatic relief of painful inflammatory conditions, topical anti-inflammatory treatments should not be used for longer than 10 days uninterrupted treatment without consulting your doctor⁴. 

Heat Rubs 

When it comes to minor pain, joint stiffness and muscle soreness, a heat rub can provide relief by warming and soothing the affected area^6,7. Often containing menthol or methyl salicylate,  they work by causing the skin to feel cool and then warm, creating a temporary distraction from the pain point⁸. When using a heat rub, apply a thin layer to the affected area, rubbing it in gently and thoroughly. Heat rubs can generally be used up to 3 to 4 times a day⁸. 

Hot or cold packs 

Hot or cold packs, or a combination of the two, can provide relief for sore muscles and joints. Cold works by numbing sore areas and heat works by relaxing your muscles and dilating your blood vessels. This sends more oxygen and blood to the area. Much like a heat rub, a heat pack can also decrease the sensation of pain³. 

In addition to these types of treatments, an non-medicinal options are often also recommended. This includes initially making use of the R.I.C.E method. This acronym stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation⁹. 

New to the shelves at leading pharmacies is Norflex® Heat Rub, a topical treatment with methyl salicylate to reduce minor pain and stiffness⁶. Other products in this range include Norflex® Gel, a  topical triple acting anti-inflammatory gel for relief of strains and sprains, available over the counter without a prescription⁴. The range also recently launched Norflex® Gel Forte containing a higher concentration of the key ingredient Benzydamine Hydrochloride to provide extra-strength targeted relief¹⁰

Speak to your pharmacist about how to relieve sore muscles and joint pain, and what the best topical treatment option might be depending on the severity of pain and discomfort. 

DISCLAIMER: This editorial has been commissioned and brought to you by iNova Pharmaceuticals. Content in this editorial is for general information only and is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. For more information on your medical condition and treatment options, speak to your healthcare professional.  

Scheduling status: S0 Proprietary name and dosage form: NORFLEX Gel. Composition: Each 100g contains: Benzydamine hydrochloride 3,0 g. Pharmacological classification: A3.1 Antirheumatics (anti-inflammatory) agents. Registration number: 32/3.1/0547. Scheduling status: S0 Proprietary name and dosage form: NORFLEX HEAT RUB (OINTMENT). Composition: Each 100 g contains: Methyl Salicylate 10 g. Pharmacological classification: A 13.6 Rubefacients. Registration number: X/13.6/108. 

Name and business address of applicant: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Limited. Co. Reg. No.1952/001640/07, 15E Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za.  

For more information on your medical condition and treatment options, speak to your healthcare professional.  Further information is available on request from iNova Pharmaceuticals. IN4335/21 

REFERENCES:  

1. OrthoInfo.  Sprains, Strains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries (2020) at https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/ (website accessed on 01 October 2021) 
2. Mercy Health. Daily Activities That Can Cause Injury Over Time (2018) at https://blog.mercy.com/daily-activities-overuse-injury/ (website accessed on 01 October 2021) 
3. Web MD. Topical Pain Relief: Creams, Gels and Rubs (2021) at https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/topical-pain-relievers (website accessed on 01 October 2021) 
4. Norflex® Gel approved package insert, September 2001 
5. Difflam Gel [cited 2017 Nov 3]; Available from URL: http://www.myvmc.comdrugsdifflam-gel/. 
6. Norflex Heat Rub (Ointment) approved package insert, April 2002. 
7. Derry S, Matthews PRL, Wiffen PJ, Moore RA. Salicylate-containing rubefacients for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 11. Art. No.: CD007403. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007403.pub3. 
8. Web MD. Muscle Rub with Menthol Cream (2021) at https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-164278/muscle-rub-with-menthol-topical/details 
9. Norflex® Gel Forte approved package insert, February 2000.