TOP 15 warming (warming) ointments for muscles and joints

Warming ointments are used for local treatment, most often for the purpose of pain relief for various diseases of the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and other parts of the musculoskeletal system. Such drugs are good at relieving swelling during inflammation, reducing the intensity of pain, and activating blood circulation in the affected area.

They can also be used for mechanical damage, for example, bruises, but are prescribed, as a rule, when the injury is already healing. Also, some “experts” recommend using warming ointments and creams to combat cellulite and reduce fat deposits in problem areas, but such methods are not scientifically proven.

Operating principle

The components of ointments do not penetrate deeply into the skin, the active substances trigger a number of processes on its surface that help relieve swelling, inflammation, etc. Blood flows more actively to the area where the balm or cream is applied, which is why everyone feels the familiar warmth. Due to increased blood circulation, metabolic processes improve, penetration of necessary substances and oxygen into cells increases.

In addition, the active substances of warming external agents act on pain receptors, blocking the passage of a nerve impulse. With this, an analgesic effect is achieved, soft tissues relax, and discomfort goes away.

It is believed that due to increased blood circulation, these ointments are also effective in combating excess fat and the appearance of the so-called “orange peel”. However, the processes that occur during the development of cellulite affect deeper layers of tissue into which the components of ointments and creams do not penetrate. At the same time, activation of blood circulation can indeed have some effect if you combine their use with the necessary physical activity.

How to choose a massage cream

To choose the right cosmetics according to individual needs and preferences, we recommend taking into account several characteristics. This is the purpose of the product, composition, skin type, and the effect promised by the manufacturer. Let's take a closer look at each point.

Purpose

Choose which cream is suitable for massage based on the indications for use indicated on the label. Conventionally, products can be divided into several groups, depending on areas of application:

for the face - moisturizing compositions with additional caring components aimed at correcting oval shape, combating age-related changes, improving tone, increasing firmness and elasticity;
for the body - universal products that can be applied not only to the face and décolleté, but also to other areas of the body to eliminate swelling, fat deposits, increase the elasticity of the epidermis, and improve local blood flow.

What to choose from this is a purely individual question. It all depends on which problem areas you want to work on with the help of a chiropractor or cosmetologist.

Compound

Most of the products on sale are multifunctional. Accordingly, the formula includes several active ingredients. As a rule, these are warming additives that accelerate local blood flow, moisturizing and toning components, oils, antioxidants for tightening and rejuvenation.

It is important that the origin of the composition is natural, the manufacturer excludes the presence of preservatives, dyes, parabens, sulfates and other provocateurs of allergic reactions. High quality is guaranteed by hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly products.

Skin type

It is also important to choose which cream to use for massage based on the type of dermis. For high fat content, formulations with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredients are suitable. If you are prone to dryness and flaking, use softening, moisturizing formulations. Hypoallergenic cosmetics are suitable for sensitive types.

Effect

The list of promised effects is usually indicated by the developer on the label. We have presented you with various products - for weight loss, figure correction, rejuvenation, hydrobalance control, etc. We also consider preventive, care, and therapeutic products based on the principle of operation.

Types and composition

Products with a warming effect can be of synthetic or plant origin. The difference is that the former, as a rule, contain no more than two or three active components. These substances are added in fairly large concentrations and selected in such a way as to complement and enhance each other’s effects. Ointments of plant origin contain several (sometimes up to 20) components. They are present in small concentrations, and their effect is achieved through a combination of weakly expressed actions of each.

The main components of warming ointments are:

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, nimesulide);
anti-inflammatory drug place of application dimexide or dimethyl sulfoxide;
alkaloid capsaicin (found in hot peppers);
bee or snake venom;
terpenes and terpenoids (camphor, turpentine);
plant extracts.

Chondroprotectors should be included in a separate group, i.e. preparations for the treatment of joints and bones. They are:

First generation: preparations of natural origin based on animal or plant cartilage extracts.
Second generation: monopreparations that contain one of the following substances - glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate or purified hyaluronic acid.
Third generation: combined action products, for example, glucosamine with chondroitin sulfate, sometimes other components are added.

It should be noted that clinical studies of chondroprotectors have shown that they are effective in protecting cartilage, but are practically useless for restoring it.

Rating of massage creams

For comfortable, safe medical and aesthetic procedures, dermatologists, chiropractors, and massage therapists recommend cosmetics from trusted brands. Thanks to their advice, we compiled a list of criteria by which we selected the nominees:

Active formula;
Operating principle;
Purpose;
Organoleptic properties;
Duration of moisturizing effect;
Indications, contraindications;
Packaging format, price, manufacturer.

The result of a comprehensive study of the most purchased products was a top list of 12 nominees. For ease of reading, we have divided the list into 4 subsections, depending on the area of application - universal for the whole body, face, anti-cellulite, pharmaceutical preparations. Monitoring reviews identified the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Indications

Doctors prescribe warming ointments for:

joint inflammation;
arthrosis;
osteochondrosis;
lumbago;
radiculitis;
intervertebral hernias;
intercostal neuralgia;
other rheumatic diseases;
joint pain as a reaction to hypothermia.

Athletes use these ointments to prepare their muscles for intense training. Thanks to the action of the active components, muscle tissue warms up before exercise, and, as a result, is less damaged, which prevents stretching and injury. Products of this type are very helpful in relieving fatigue and tension from muscles after training.

Warming ointments are also prescribed for various mechanical damage to the musculoskeletal system (dislocations, bruises, tears and ruptures of ligaments). However, these remedies should not be used immediately after injury.

First of all, for an anesthetic effect and relief of inflammation, it is recommended to use ointments with a cooling effect, for example, with menthol. This relieves pain. In addition, you can apply a cold compress to the damaged area. Such measures reduce the area of inflammation, relieve tissue swelling, and have an analgesic effect. After a few days, the doctor will often prescribe warming ointments to further treat the injury.

Contraindications

It is not safe to use ointments with a warming effect if a person suffers from intolerance to the components of the product or allergic reactions. The active substances of these drugs have a strong effect on the skin, so they can provoke quite intense negative reactions.

It is not recommended to use warming ointments for people with thin and sensitive skin. Application may cause irritation, redness, discomfort and pain. The reaction can be very severe, even causing a burn.

These ointments cannot be used for arthritis that has an infectious etiology or occurs with the addition of an infection. With such pathologies, the local temperature rises, and the use of the drug will only intensify this reaction. At high temperatures, some infectious agents will multiply even faster, which will aggravate inflammation and can lead to the development of a purulent process.

Do not apply ointments to damaged skin if there are wounds, scratches, or other damage. In this case, the active components will provoke increased pain.

It is not recommended to use warming ointments for people suffering from skin pathologies manifested in the form of pustules or other formations and rashes on the skin.

Gel

The gel is a local remedy. It is advisable to use it for varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and retinopathy. The use of a local form is always combined with compression therapy (compression garments and bandages), as well as a systemic drug in capsules.

Patients often ask whether it is possible to apply Troxevasin for ulcers. The gel is not indicated for open ulcerative defects, as infection, local allergic reactions and inflammation are possible. For trophic ulcers, the doctor prescribes systemic antibiotic therapy, as well as a capsulated form of troxerutin.

Troxevasin gel can be used for bruises. The medication accelerates the resorption of hematomas and relieves pain.

Troxevasin gel

Possible side effects

The most common adverse reactions when using external agents are rash, redness and itching, caused by an allergy to the components of the drug. If negative skin reactions are observed after application, you should immediately rinse off the remaining product with water and then treat the skin with vegetable oil.

If the instructions for use are not followed, more pronounced side effects may occur: severe allergic reactions, dizziness, weakness.

Which massage cream is better?

After getting acquainted with the Vyborexperta.ru nominees and evaluation criteria, choosing which cream to buy in your individual case will be much easier. We do not give unambiguous recommendations, but we highlight several rating positions:

Freedom ballet massage – pain relief for stretch marks, bruises, warming effect to increase the effectiveness of manual procedures of the whole body;
Banna hot fast body firming massage cream – a universal product for rejuvenation, lifting effect, burning subcutaneous fat, moisturizing dry skin;
Floresan anti-cellulite drainage – figure corrector, burning fatty tissue through intense heating, maintaining hydrobalance;
Aravia professional modeling active cream - a product for correcting facial contours, restoring the collagen framework, comfortable texture and pleasant aroma;
Special ointment is a universal pharmaceutical drug with anti-inflammatory, antiviral properties to eliminate pain, burning, and itching.

A competent choice of cosmetics increases the effectiveness of home or salon procedures. Before starting use, you should make sure that you are not allergic to multi-component formulas. Good results are guaranteed by the course approach.

The best products with a warming effect

In the ranking of warming ointments used by athletes, the first positions are occupied by the following drugs:

Nicoflex

A combined product with a local irritant and analgesic effect, contains capsaicin, as well as compounds that reduce inflammation and swelling of tissues, does not burn, does not cause discomfort.

Capsicam

Contains dimethyl sulfoxide, camphor and gum turpentine, has an anesthetic, vasodilating, irritating effect.

Finalgon

It contains two active substances: nonivamide (an analogue of capsaicin, obtained artificially) and nicoboxil (enhances the effect of nonivamide), the product has a vasodilating effect, stimulates skin receptors, thereby maintaining a long-lasting feeling of warmth.

Ben gay

Anti-inflammatory gel, contains methyl salicylate and menthol, relieves muscle pain well, helps overcome fatigue after intense training.

Apizartron

A medicinal ointment based on bee venom also contains methyl salicylate, relieves inflammation, reduces the intensity of pain, but has a sharp, memorable and rather unpleasant odor.

Viprosal

The product contains several active components at once (viper venom, camphor, turpentine, salicylic acid), has a local irritating effect, provides good pain relief, dilates blood vessels, which improves nutrition of the affected tissues.

Other means

Also considered good warming ointments are:

Bystrumgel, Fastum gel, Valusal, Ketonal, Ketoprofen Vramed - all drugs contain ketoprofen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Prescribed for joint and back pain, inflammation and swelling of soft tissues.
Voltaren Emulgel, Diclovit, Diclofenac - all products contain the main active ingredient diclofenac. It also belongs to the class of NSAIDs and has pronounced analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects.
Menovazin - belongs to the group of local anesthetics in combinations. There are three main active ingredients: benzocaine, procaine racementol.
Troxevasin, Troxerutin Vramed - the main substance of these ointments is troxerutin. Belongs to the pharmacological group of angioprotectors and microcirculation correctors (i.e., drugs that increase blood flow in small vessels and capillaries, reduce their fragility and fragility, improve blood fluidity).;
Espol – contains extract of capsicum fruits. Belongs to the group of locally irritating agents of plant origin.
Efkamon balm with a warming effect - contains many components, including menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate, eucalyptus, mustard and clove oils, tincture of capsicum, synthetic thymol, hydrochloride, etc. It has a local irritating effect.
Sophia cream – contains bee venom.
Venoruton-gel is an angioprotective agent that contains rutoside.
Dolobene, Traumeel S - contains three main components: sodium heparin, dexpanthenol and dimethyl sulfoxide. They have anti-inflammatory, decongestant and local analgesic effects.

The most effective homeopathic remedies:

cream balm Zhivokost;
Traumeel S;
Zeel T (Target T);
Sabelnik balm;
gel-balm Comfrey.

Use of warming ointments

Warming ointments must be used with caution, taking into account the possible consequences. If we are talking about the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system or injuries, then the prescription of all medications, including those for external use, is carried out by a doctor after examination and examination. Independent and uncontrolled use can lead to aggravation of the pathological process.

For treatment, ointments are used in courses, the duration of which is also determined by the doctor. As a rule, the remedy is prescribed for 1-2 weeks, until symptoms completely disappear and cure. It is applied to the affected area 2-3 times a day. You can do a light sports massage to enhance the effect.

Warming creams should not be applied under tight, compressive bandages, since prolonged exposure to the skin without access to air will cause a chemical burn. For better heating, it is permissible to briefly cover the treated areas of the skin with a fabric that allows air to pass through well.

Ointments with a warming effect can be applied exclusively to the skin, and there should be no damage to it. Contact with mucous membranes is very painful and can adversely affect their condition. If this happens by accident, you should immediately rinse off the product with water.

All external ointments have a symptomatic effect: relieve pain, reduce the external manifestations of inflammation. However, they do not in any way affect the course of the pathological process and do not eliminate the causes of the disease.