Understanding Topical Treatments for Hand Pain

What Are Topical Treatments?

Topical treatments are medications applied directly to your skin over the painful area. Unlike pills that affect your whole body, topical treatments work mainly where you apply them, which means fewer side effects.

Topical Diclofenac (Voltaren)

Topical diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available as a gel or solution. It is one of the most studied topical treatments for hand arthritis and pain.

How well does it work?

Research shows that topical diclofenac can provide meaningful pain relief for hand osteoarthritis. Studies show that about 40-60% of people experience significant pain reduction when using it regularly. The medication works by reducing inflammation in the joints beneath your skin.

How to use it:

– Apply the gel to the affected hand joints 2-4 times daily as directed by your healthcare provider

– Wash your hands after applying (unless treating your hands), and wait at least 10 minutes before washing treated hands

– The medication may take several days to weeks to reach full effectiveness

Is it safe?

Topical diclofenac has a much better safety profile than oral pain medications. It causes far fewer stomach, kidney, and heart problems compared to oral NSAIDs or even acetaminophen. The most common side effects are mild skin reactions like dryness or rash at the application site.

Topical CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is a compound derived from the cannabis plant that does not cause a “high.” Many over-the-counter topical CBD products are marketed for pain relief, but the evidence is limited and mixed.

How well does it work?

The research on topical CBD for hand pain shows conflicting results. One small study of thumb arthritis found improvements in pain and function with topical CBD. However, a larger study using oral CBD for hand arthritis found no benefit compared to placebo. Overall, there is not enough high-quality evidence to confirm that topical CBD effectively relieves hand pain.

Important concerns about CBD products:

• Product quality varies widely. Many over-the-counter CBD products contain less CBD than advertised, or none at all. Some contain contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or unexpected amounts of THC (the compound that causes a “high”).

• CBD products are not regulated by the FDA for pain treatment, so there are no guarantees about what is actually in the product.

• These products can be expensive and are not covered by insurance.

• If you choose to try CBD, look for products with third-party testing certificates (Certificate of Analysis) that verify the contents.

Is it safe?

Topical CBD appears to have minimal side effects when applied to the skin, with the most common being mild skin irritation. However, the safety of long-term use has not been well studied, and the lack of regulation means you cannot be certain what you are actually applying

Other Topical Options

Topical ketoprofen: Another topical NSAID with similar effectiveness to diclofenac, though it may need to be obtained through a compounding pharmacy in the United States.

Capsaicin cream: Made from chili peppers, this cream can help with pain but may cause burning sensations. It is generally not recommended for hand arthritis because of the risk of accidentally getting it in your eyes when touching your face.

What About Oral Pain Medications?

While oral NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) can also help hand pain, they carry higher risks of stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and cardiovascular issues. For this reason, medical guidelines recommend trying topical treatments first before moving to oral medications.

Combining Treatments

Your healthcare provider may recommend combining topical medications with other treatments such as:

– Hand exercises

– Splints or braces for support

– Heat or cold therapy

– Weight management if appropriate

Why Choose Dr. Chambers for Hand to Elbow Care

At Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr. Stephen Chambers specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery. With years of expertise in treating hand and elbow injuries, including Hand, Wrist and Elbow Injury Treatment.Dr. Chambers provides comprehensive care—ranging from at home treatments and injections to advanced hand surgery when needed. Patients trust Dr. Chambers and his team for personalized care, effective treatment options, and excellent outcomes and describe Dr. Chambers as a caring, attentive, and skilled surgeon with excellent bedside manner. His amazing team ensures every patient feels supported and informed throughout the process.

If you are experiencing wrist pain, swelling, or difficulty with wrist movements, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Chambers today to Hand, Wrist and Elbow Injury Treatment. and get back to normal use of your hand . Experience the benefit of specialized hand care close to home at Raleigh Orthopaedics in Raleigh, Cary, Holly Springs, and Wake Forest, North Carolina.