Osteoarthritis tends to settle into specific joints — a knee, a hip, the base of a thumb. When the pain has a clear address like that, it makes sense to send the medicine straight there.
The case for going topical
Oral anti-inflammatory pills work, but they circulate through your whole body, which is why they can be tough on the stomach and aren't ideal for everyone — especially older adults or people on several other medications. A topical anti-inflammatory applied over the joint can deliver relief locally while keeping more of the drug out of your bloodstream.
Reasonable expectations
For joints close to the surface — knees and hands, for example — topical anti-inflammatories have a respectable track record for osteoarthritis. Deeper joints like hips are harder to reach through the skin. A compounded version lets your prescriber tailor the strength and combine ingredients when a single one isn't enough.
Part of a bigger plan
Topicals work best as one piece of a plan that also includes movement, strengthening, weight management where relevant, and your prescriber's guidance.
Tired of arthritis pain in one or two joints? Ask your prescriber whether a topical compound suits you, then bring it to Orleans Compounding Community Pharmacy. 613-824-3111 · https://orleansrx.ca/pages/compounding-services.
Read next: "Sensitive stomach? The appeal of topical NSAIDs."
This article is general information, not medical advice. Compounded preparations are customized prescriptions, not Health Canada–approved drug products, and the evidence behind them varies by ingredient and condition. Whether any treatment is right for you depends on your individual health — please speak with your prescriber and pharmacist. Orleans Compounding Community Pharmacy · 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orléans, ON · 613-824-3111.
