This article compares various over-the-counter topical products used to relieve pain in the joints, tendons and muscles. I have used these products over the past year due to a leg injury and find that the German made product, Fastum Gel is effective. Fastum Gel relieves pain in the muscles and tendons and the best part is that it quickly absorbs into the skin without the smell associated with other products. Most products on the market leave a camphor type smell on your hands and the effected area. Fastum Gel is odorless.
Comparisons:
Icy Hot:
Icy Hot is sold over-the- counter in most U.S. drug stores. The product has an immediate sensation on the skin. The fragrance is light camphor. The immediate sensation subsides and there is a minor amount of relief from aches and pains of the muscles. It does seem to provide some relief, but after an hour or so, there is no effect. It is sold in tubes or in packs and widely advertised. The price is reasonable.
BIOFREEZE:
BIOFREEZE is sold in most health food stores and many chiropractors and physical therapists use the product. It is grease-less, stainless and the scent vanishes over a few minutes. The product advertises it as cryotherapy-the cold method. The active ingredient is menthol. The product does go on cold. It seems to provide some relief for a few minutes, but the product does not really provide pain relief or relieve spasms or muscle pain for any noticeable period. It sells for $8.
Wal-Mart Equate Ultra Strength Muscle Rub:
This product is sold exclusively by Wal-Mart. The price is very cheap. It does have a camphor smell. The product is white in appearance. It does provide a sensation on the skin and if used with a heating pad appears to give some form of relief from pain. The active ingredients are camphor, menthol, and Methyl salicylate. It does not have long term effects in terms of reducing inflammation which causes the pain. The pain relief is short term and possibly outweighed by the sensation of the menthol rather than providing any systemic pain relief.
Fastum Gel:
The value of Fastum Gel is that it contains ketoprofen. Ketoprofen is an anti-inflammatory non-steroidal agent that reduces inflammation. The inflammation around joints, muscles and tendons is what causes pain. For people who have difficulty with taking anti-inflammatory prescriptions as I do, Fastum Gel is an excellent method of reducing the inflammation. The product is widely used by professional sports players in Europe for pain relief associated with muscle and skeletal injuries. It should not be used by pregnant women or those with sensitives unless under the direction of a physician.
Fastum Gel is manufactured in Germany and sold by Home Apetka dot com in the United States. The product is as it is advertised a quick and effective method of relieving pain in the muscles and injured tissues. The product should be used sparingly and for a short period of time. It is recommended for a variety of injuries and areas of the body where soft tissue injuries are present. The areas of the neck, elbow, knees, lower back and shoulders are ideal spots to test out the product.
The product absorbs quickly into the skin. Besides being very effective, the best feature is the entire lack of smell or medicinal odor. The cost is very reasonable, it runs about $10 and shipping is extra. From the time I ordered the product until it arrived took only about 5 days. I am very happy with the results and find a long term effect of at least four hours. The product description says to use it only two or three times per day.
As with any product if you are in doubt of your own medical problems you should discuss the product with your doctor.
