DEAR DR. GOTT:
You wrote a few weeks ago about using Castiva as medication for arthritis pain. My 94-year-old friend thinks it should be taken by mouth. Please provide an explanation for use.
She currently gets a cortisone shot in her hip as often as she is allowed to, but the pain returns before she qualifies for another shot.
What creams or ointments without side effects do you recommend that can be used topically for bursitis, arthritis and inoperable pain?
My friend lives alone, eats heartily, and is up-to date on current affairs. Thank you for your input.
DEAR READER:
To begin with, Castiva is a topical pain-relief lotion used for the pain of arthritis. It is NOT to be taken internally, rather it should be rubbed onto painful joints. The product comes in two forms, warming and cooling. The warming lotion contains capsaicin, an ingredient found in chili peppers that works by blocking pain signals from nerves, while reducing inflammation. The cooling lotion contains menthol and cools as it is applied. Both contain natural castor oil, a product that has been used for over 4,000 years because of its healing properties.
Some people find relief from pain by using purple grape juice and pectin, a substance used in preparing jams and jellies. Simply pour eight ounces of 100% juice into a glass. Add one to two tablespoons of liquid pectin and stir. Drink two to three times daily. The remedy is reported to substantially reduce the pain of arthritis.
While I’ve been told pectin is in short supply unless it is jelly making season, I learned it can be purchased in bulk from Kauffman’s, 3096 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird In Hand, PA l7505. This source was passed on to me by a reader, so I am making it available to you.
You might also have your friend visit your local pharmacy to determine what over-the-counters are available for relief of joint pain. In fact, enlist the services of the pharmacist who is a great resource. You might be glad you did.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Understanding Osteoarthritis”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott