Pain is a warning signal from the body that something is wrong. For prolonged or particularly severe pain, you should always consult a doctor. However, mild pain in muscles and joints, such as strains or bruises, can often be treated with over-the-counter medications. Some people help with such complaints external applications, so ointments. But this could be less on the active ingredient than on the massage.
Many analgesics belong to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID, NSAID). They slow down the production of messenger substances (such as prostaglandins) responsible for pain and inflammatory reactions. In low dosage, some drugs are also available without a prescription in the pharmacy, for example, the active ingredients ibuprofen or diclofenac. Nevertheless, they should only be used at short notice and only at the indicated dose.
Typical side effects may include gastrointestinal complaints and hypersensitivity reactions. Herbal remedies (phytotherapeutics) in the form of capsules or ointments can also relieve mild joint and muscle pain and inhibit inflammation. However, some of them can cause similar side effects as chemical preparations. The following applies: Read the leaflet!
Systemic – local
In the case of painkillers taken orally (orally), the active substance is distributed throughout the body. These effects call doctors “systemic“Even in a patch application, for example, a pain patch in severe pain, has a systemic effect, because the active ingredients in the skin are absorbed into the blood and then can reach all parts of the body.Some drugs can be applied as an ointment directly to the painful area; they seem local.
| active substance | dosage forms | effect |
| Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) | Tablet, solution, ointment | Analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory; increases the fluidity of the blood |
| diclofenac | Tablet, suppositories, gel, patches, cream | Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, antipyretic |
| flufenamic | ointment | Analgesic, anti-inflammatory |
| ibuprofen | Tablet, suppository, gel, ointment | Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, decongestant |
| ketoprofen | Tablet, capsule, gel, suppositories | Analgesic, anti-inflammatory |
| naproxen | Tablets, suppositories | Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic |
| paracetamol | Tablet, solution, suppositories | Analgesic, antipyretic, weakly anti-inflammatory |
| Herbal painkillers | ||
| arnica | Ointment, gel, tincture | Analgesic, circulation-promoting, anti-inflammatory, decongestant |
| comfrey | Gel, ointment | Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, circulation-promoting, warming |
| capsaicin | Ointment, plaster | Circulating, warming |
| Fighter | ointment | Analgesic, soothing, improves blood circulation |
| butterbur | capsule | soothing |
| devil’s claw | Tablet, capsule, solution, tea | Analgesic, anti-inflammatory |
| willow bark | Tablets, solution, tea | Analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, sweat-inducing |
Technical Advisory Board: Thomas Wieser, specialist in neurology in Vienna and pain therapist