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arthritis pain, swelling and stiffness: essentials to find relief for your joints

with a chronic condition like arthritis, finding ways to manage pain and inflammation is critical to your quality of life.

by karen hawthorne

published jun 19, 2024

last updated jun 24, 2024

6 minute read

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6 minute read

join the conversation

topical alternatives can be used as needed when arthritis pain is acute or the ointment is applied daily. these products were once available only by prescription, but now you can get them without a prescription. getty images

reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. the stiffness and pain that can come with arthritis or repetitive strain on joints impacts how you carry out your day or getting a good sleep at night. if it’s a chronic condition like arthritis, finding ways to manage pain and inflammation is critical to your quality of life.

and you’re definitely not alone in the challenges. about six million canadians have arthritis in some form, according to arthritis society canada. that’s one in five people. nearly 60 per cent are women.

while it can affect people of all ages, the likelihood increases with age and stays for life. and three in 10 canadians (30 per cent of us) rank arthritis among the top three diseases behind workplace absences or long-term disability, an ipsos poll revealed.

learning about self-management tools for arthritis and joint pain are part of services provided by arthritis society canada, because there’s a lot you can do beyond prescription medication. there are numerous items on the market for hot and cold therapy, for example, and other drug-free strategies. regular physical exercise, reducing excess body weight and developing relaxation skills all play a significant role as well.

check out our list of products on amazon to find relief and feel more in control of your arthritis pain management.

summary

voltaren regular strength joint pain gel

medistik extra stength pain relief stick

rapid relief reusable hot & cold gel compress

brownmed – imak compression arthritis gloves

vital salveo compression recovery knee sleeve/brace

webber naturals turmeric curcumin

2-pack 32” heavy duty grabrunner reacher grabber

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voltaren regular strength joint pain gel

price: $15.98
rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (352 ratings)

there are several topical products, like voltaren, that are made with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine called diclofenac. they treat arthritis in joints that are close to the skin, like your hands and knees, the mayo clinic notes, adding that some studies have shown these gels and creams work as well as oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can cause upset stomach and heart problems. topical alternatives can be used as needed when pain is acute or when the ointment is applied daily. these products were once available only by prescription, but now you can get them without a prescription, and they are widely available. voltaren’s formulation is non-greasy and easy to apply to skin – and billed as a top brand recommended by canadian doctors and pharmacists.

medistik extra stength pain relief stick

price: $24.95
rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,473 ratings)

if you like the calming smell of mint, this is a convenient remedy to have on hand. apply it directly to your skin for targeted action. it helps with all kinds of pain relief, from arthritis, joint, muscle and back pain to headaches and improved sleep with a potent formulation of the active ingredients methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), menthol and eucalyptus oil. methyl salicylate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine that provides relief while blocking pain signals, relaxing tight muscles and enabling mobility. as one reviewer says, “i really like how this product slides on and i start to feel relief quickly.” the brand also has medistik sprays and roll-on versions, depending on your needs and preferences.

rapid relief reusable hot & cold gel compress

price: $9.79
rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,164 ratings)

heat and cold therapies can be part of your toolkit for short-term pain relief. cold therapy can help to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling if your joints are hot and swollen, arthritis society canada advises. heat therapy aids in relaxing muscles and improving circulation. use the technique several times a day for about 15 minutes. tip: protect yourself by placing a cloth or towel between the heat or cold treatment and your skin. these reusable gel compresses are great for smaller areas. they can be frozen for cold therapy and quickly microwaved for immediate heat therapy. for an injury, start with icing – don’t use heat for the first 48 hours, says johns hopkins medicine. “when an injury or inflammation, such as tendonitis or bursitis occurs, tissues are damaged. cold numbs the affected area, which can reduce pain and tenderness. cold can also reduce swelling and inflammation.”

brownmed – imak compression arthritis gloves

price: $41.99
rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (350 ratings)

compression gloves are often prescribed by occupational therapists for hand pain and stiffness from arthritis for daytime to improve function and for night to reduce pain, help with a sounder sleep and prevent morning stiffness. compression removes extracellular fluid, or swelling, so you experience less pain and stiffness. one 2022 study in rheumatology advances in practice looked at patient views and experiences with compression gloves, finding that the warmth provided by the gloves was perceived as the main benefit. the arthritis foundation, however, lists the imak gloves as a helpful option to try through its ease of use certification program that independently tests products and has them reviewed by people with arthritis. these compression gloves are made of a soft and breathable material that is comfortable to wear day and night, with open fingertips to feel, touch and grip for daily activities. the takeaway here is that every strategy doesn’t work the same way for each person, just as joint pain and arthritis is unique for every patient. get informed about the options and find what works best for you.

vital salveo compression recovery knee sleeve/brace

price: $24.99
rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (30 ratings)

if your joint pain is bad in your knees, a compression brace can help. runners, for instance, use a knee brace as a temporary addition, along with physical therapy, to correct underlying issues that have led to knee pain. basically, a brace applies pressure around different structures of your knee to help relieve pain and also provides support for stability of the knee – both important benefits when you have arthritis to help with pain and mobility. a knit sleeve, like this one from vital salveo, can be more comfortable and breathable than more elaborate braces with hinges and added bulk. talk to your healthcare provider to determine what type of brace is recommended.

webber naturals turmeric curcumin

price: $17.08 for 120 capsules
rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (4,820 ratings)

turmeric has moved to mainstream health, where you’ll find the spice in lattes and delicious hummus. its main active component is curcumin that gives turmeric its yellow colour and renown anti-inflammatory properties. as the mayo clinic points out, turmeric is now considered a potential treatment for a number of health conditions, including pain, asthma and decreased movement in people with arthritis. various studies are looking at the benefits of turmeric, including several that showed turmeric to be just as effective as ibuprofen for reducing inflammation, swelling and pain. supplements, like these from webber naturals, can be a valuable complimentary therapy for your arthritis and joint pain. again, check with your healthcare provider if you are taking any type of anticlotting medication or other prescription because supplements can interact with medication.

2-pack 32” heavy duty grabrunner reacher grabber

price: $29.99
rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars (467 ratings)

ergonomic easy to use grabber tools can be an incredible help for people with arthritis and mobility issues. this two-pack from grabrunner is foldable and lightweight with a long handle to reach books off high shelves or items in your kitchen pantry. it has a “claw grip” for a secure hold and the head can rotate 360-degrees for ease of use and tight spaces.

there are many options to help make life easier for people with arthritis, so finding what works for you takes time and testing things out for home and work. arthritis society canada offers an accommodations toolkit with suggestions to make your work more manageable, including adjustable chairs, head supports, computer input devices and ergonomic door handles and locks. the good news is the narrative around arthritis is changing to make way for more accessible, comfortable work and lifestyle products.

karen hawthorne

karen hawthorne worked for six years as a digital editor for the national post, contributing articles on health, business, culture and travel for affiliated newspapers across canada. she now writes from her home office in toronto and takes breaks to bounce with her son on the backyard trampoline and walk bingo, her bull terrier.

arthritis pain, swelling and stiffness: essentials to find relief for your joints

with a chronic condition like arthritis, finding ways to manage pain and inflammation is critical to your quality of life.

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