Using a Roll-On Product

• Arthritis sufferers have the option of choosing a roll-on product designed to apply heat to the area to relax the inflamed muscles around the joint, or a roll-on that will cool the area to the point of numbness. An article written by Dr. William C. Shiel on the subject of hot and cold products says that one effective way to treat arthritis is to use heat early in the day and a cold product at night. Hot and cold products are sold over counter and typically cost about $10.
  
  A roll-on product should be applied before you put on your clothes for the day or before you put on your pajamas in the evening. You should let the liquid or gel dry thoroughly on your skin before putting on your clothes, because some brands can stain fabric. If you do need to use the product in the middle of the day, it might be best to do the application in a restroom or private area, as you will need to either remove an article of clothing or roll up your sleeve or pant leg.
  
  The appeal of roll-on arthritis products is that they are not messy. You simply take off the cap, gently push the rollerball at the top of the container against the painful joint, and then coat the entire joint using a circular motion. There is no need to rub anything in using your hands, and the rollerball limits the amount of liquid or gel being released, preventing drips and spills.
  
  After applying the product, expect to wait five minutes for it to take effect. In comparison, you will not begin to feel the benefits of an oral pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for more than 30 minutes. Also, long-term use of oral pain relievers can have negative effects on your liver, whereas external arthritis relief products do not carry those same risks.