If you have overdone it at the gym or in the garden, there are several effective plant-based topical gels that may help reduce swelling, soreness and inflammation from overexertion or minor sprains and strains. These gels can also be applied after exercise to speed healing of a strain, or for temporary relief from general muscle soreness.
Good examples that are easily available on the market include arnica gel and other homeopathic gels that are made a combination of several herbs, plants and other non-toxic substances.
These topical gels are made from plant extracts in such a way that classifies them as homeopathic. Samuel Hahnnemann (1755-1843) was a German physician who is considered to be the father of homeopathy. Typically, a very small amount of a plant extract (or a combination of several plants) in an alcohol base, was taken under the tongue to help prompt the body to heal itself. This homeopathy principle can be applied in the manufacture of topical gels and is widely practiced throughout Europe.
These gels are non-toxic and are available without a prescription, and are generally safe for anyone to use. These include arnica montana gel and two other leading gels that are made from a combination of several plant extracts. One of the formulas include capsaicin, derived from chili peppers.
For children and those sensitive to topical creams, the rule of thumb is to apply a dime-sized amount (or smaller) to the inner elbow and wait 24 hours. If you develop any redness or an obvious rash, discontinue use immediately.
What to Look for
Arnica montana is an active ingredient on its own, but is combined with other plant extracts in 2 leading topical gels that have been used by chiropractors, physical therapists, athletes and weekend warriors, and by physicians and other health professionals. Available in a non-petroleum base, arnica montana gel is for external use only.
As with any physical trauma, if the pain persists or worsens after 7 days or if there is redness, consult your physician.
Another highly effective topical gel used for muscle soreness, sprains and strains is a combination of 13 different plant extracts that can rapidly reduce swelling, pain and shorten recovery from ankle sprains or other joint pain. This very popular homeopathic gel is derived from plant extracts of arnica montana, calendula, belladonna and echinacea purpurea, among others.
The third gel is a combination of 6 plant extracts that is both heating and cooling, thanks to menthol, capsaicin and witch hazel. All of these gels are used for reducing muscle soreness, swelling, temporary pain relief and to speed healing after overexertion and minor sprains and muscle strain.
Capsaicin has been studied extensively worldwide for its application in treating pain from arthritis, back pain and nerve pain.
One study conducted at Case Western Reserve University found that in using a capsaicin creme with 70 people suffering from osteoarthritis and 31 people with rheumatoid arthritis, more people found pain relief with the capsaicin creme than they did with a placebo.
All of these gels are easily purchased in many physical therapy clinics, from chiropractors or from a simple online search.
Common Pitfalls
The most common error most people make is to ignore common sense and obvious pain from a gross physical injury such as a sprained ankle or a shoulder dislocation, and to resort to self-care when medical treatment from a physician or other medical professional is clearly more appropriate.
If you have an injury that creates pain of level 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 to 10--with 10 being the highest level of pain--seek professional care.
If you are experiencing muscle soreness from an intense session with your personal trainer, or you just tried a new advanced level yoga class, a topical gel made for strenuous exertion may help.
If you have any sharp pain, or shooting pain that travels from one area of your body to another--such as pain from the shoulder traveling down to the hand--seek medical care. Chronic dull pain may also signal microtears (in the hamstrings, for example) and require professional medical assessment.
If you simply danced the night away with friends in new shoes and have extremely swollen ankles and tender knees, elevating the feet, icing and applying a topical gel may suffice.
Remember, less is more in every case. Follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended usage. Applying the gel 5 times a day is not a good idea if the manufacturer advises an application of only twice a day.
Again, if symptoms persist or become worse after 7 days, see your physician. These topical gels are meant for minor pain and muscle soreness only.
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