Medicated topical creams are designed to help EASE aches associated with everything from arthritis to overworked muscles. but Their method of pain relief depends on their active ingredients. CAPSAICIN is an ingredient you're likely to see in over-the-counter creams. This ingredient is made from seeds of CHILI peppers, which is why you'll feel a slight burning sensation when applying it to your skin. Capsaicin blocks your nerves' ability to send PAIN messages to the brain. This effect gradually fades away. MENTHOL is another common ingredient in over-the-counter creams., It creates a hot and cold sensation on the skin without actually changing your body temperature. This feeling temporarily distracts the nerves in that area from transmitting other sensations, such as pain. The third regularly used ingredient is SALICYLATE. This is the SAME pain-relief and anti-inflammatory ingredient found in aspirin. Because some of the cream is absorbed, AVOID this one if you're allergic to oral aspirin. For some people, the idea of rubbing a cream on your skin to cure pain within your muscles and joints seems TOO good to be true. Truth is, the pain relief felt from these creams can be subjective. While many find they provide temporary relief, others claim they have little or no effect on them. To increase their effectiveness, use them only for mild pain on areas close to the skin's surface-like the hands and feet. For more ways to treat your joint pain check out the rest of the videos in this series.