There are plenty of health benefits that come from consuming hot chili peppers and capsaicin.
Capsaicin is, of course, the naturally occurring compound found in hot peppers that makes them so hot. There are also some products out there that tend to help with things like joint pain, including some topical products that contain capsaicin. That’s one of the more common ingredients when it comes to battling pain relief in the form of topical lotions, creams, balms, and salves. Capsaicin is thought to help block pain receptors. Using a topical product containing things like menthol or camphor can help distract you from the pain with either a cooling or warming sensation.
Those are a few of the options, but there are some other options too when it comes to arthritis pain relief.
It's common to turn to over-the-counter drugs like Advil, Motrin, or Aleve to help deal with the pain, as well. That’s usually just a temporary fix though, and not a long-term solution to fighting the pain. Some people with pain from arthritis also turn to prescription medication, like corticosteroid injections or prescription strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Still, some find they can get at least a little relief from simply using a warm or cold compress. You could also try soaking in a warm bath, taking a swim, or taking a hot shower.
In terms of a capsaicin cream, it could take a couple of weeks to feel any relief from your arthritis pain.
You may want to talk it over with your doctor to see if it’s the best solution to your pain. If you use it, it’s probably a good idea to make sure you thoroughly wash your hands after handling any topical cream or product that contains capsaicin. You certainly don’t want to end up accidentally getting capsaicin in your eyes.
