As people begin to prepare their summer bodies, NPS MedicineWise has prepared all the information needed on gel and cream pain relievers for the exercise aches and pains that are coming.
Due to the winter season ending, and the warm weather fast approaching, it is becoming more popular to increase fitness regimes. However, that also means that there is an increased risk of soft tissue injuries, aches and pains.
“Creams and gels for relief from muscle and joint pain often contain the active ingredients ibuprofen, diclofenac or piroxicam,” said general practitioner and medical adviser at NPS MedicineWise, Dr Jill Thistlewaite.
“Active ingredients are the chemicals in medicines that make them work – and you may have seen some of these same active ingredients in over-the-counter medicines you swallow for pain relief.”
Dr Thistlewaite continues to add that local pharmacists can help in regard to which brand of gels to use, and how much to apply.
However, she warns “always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using pain relief creams and gels if you have a heart or stomach condition, kidney or liver disease, if you are pregnant, or if you are also taking other pain-relieving medicines”.
