Short Answer Yes! Topical medications are a fantastic alternative to anti-inflammatories like Aleve and ibuprofen or narcotics like Oxycontin and Percocet for foot and ankle pain. We use topicals to treat arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, tendonitis, and heel pain. A topical can be over the counter like Bio Freeze or a prescription topical with 4-5 different medications mixed into a cream.
What are the Benefits of a Topical Medication?
Safety. There is little risk of drug interaction with other medications.
Easy to apply. Simply rub on the painful area, usually 2 - 4 times per day.
Work quickly. You may see pain relief in a few minutes
Few side effects. No risk of bleeding, bruising, sleepiness, or dizziness.
The medication does not go through your entire system like oral medication but only directly to the pain site.
Drawback to Topicals
The smell. Look for medication without menthol if you are concerned about the smell.
Greasy Feeling. Some products can be oil-based and not rub in right away. Gel-based products absorb quicker.
You can get it in your eye if you forget to wash your hands. We recommend wearing gloves or washing your hands directly after applying.
Forgetting to use it? Pair it with something you do regularly, like brushing your teeth or setting a phone reminder.
What are the best topicals?
The best topicals are multimodal, meaning they have more than one ingredient to treat pain. When multiple prescriptions are mixed together it is called a compound. We like compounds with an anti-inflammatory to address swelling and inflammation, an anesthetic to provide immediate pain relief, and medication to manage nerve pain and relax the muscles. Hempnesic, for example, is a pain gel with several over-the-counter medications, arnica, camphor, menthol, hemp oil, and capsaicin. For painful diabetic neuropathy, a prescription made by a compounding pharmacy works well for burning foot pain. These medications address inflammation and nerve pain with no side effects because the medication works directly at the site.
If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, neuroma, or diabetic neuropathy, you may benefit from a topical medication for pain relief.
If you are suffering from heel pain or have questions, Dr. Michele Kurlanski is here to help. We can evaluate your feet and recommend proper foot care and what shoes to wear. Same-day appointments are now available! Call us today at (207) 774-0028 to schedule your next appointment at our location in Scarborough, Maine!
