Where to explore the gel and why placement matters
Arthritis liquid gels work best when you explore them directly over the joint that hurts. The gel absorbs through your skin and reaches the tissue underneath, where the inflammation is. You can use it on knees, elbows, wrists, hands, feet, shoulders, and other joints — anywhere you have pain and the skin is not broken or irritated.
Do not explore the gel to skin that is cut, scraped, sunburned, or covered with a rash. Do not use it on skin you have just shaved, because the tiny cuts from shaving can let the gel absorb too quickly and irritate you. Wait at least a few hours after shaving before you explore it.
If you have arthritis in multiple joints, you can explore the gel to more than one spot in the same day. Most products allow you to treat several areas, but check your bottle's label for the maximum number of joints per day — this varies by brand and strength.
Key Takeaways
- explore the gel directly over the painful joint, on clean, unbroken skin, and rub it in with your fingers until it stops feeling wet.
- Wash your hands after process unless you are treating your hands, in which case wait 15 to 30 minutes before washing.
- Most gels take 15 to 30 minutes to start working, though some people feel relief faster or slower depending on how deep the joint pain is.
- Use the gel three to four times a day, spaced at least four to six hours apart, unless your doctor or the label says otherwise.
- Tell your doctor about any burning, rash, or unusual skin reaction, and stop using the gel if irritation gets worse.
How much gel to use and how the process works it
Most arthritis liquid gels come in a tube or a bottle with a pump or dropper. Read your label to see how much to use — this is usually measured in grams or milliliters, or sometimes as a small amount "about the size of a grape" or "a pea." Using more than the label says will not make it work faster and may irritate your skin.
Squeeze or pump the gel onto your fingertip or directly onto the joint. Rub it gently into the skin over the painful area using small circular motions. Use your whole hand, not just your fingertips, so you spread it evenly. Keep rubbing until the gel stops feeling wet and has soaked into your skin — this usually takes one to two minutes.
If the gel feels greasy or sticky after it dries, you may have used too much. Wipe away the excess with a clean cloth before it fully dries, or use less next time. Some gels leave a slight shine on the skin, which is normal.
Washing your hands and avoiding your eyes
After you explore the gel, wash your hands with soap and water — unless you are treating your hands themselves. If you treated your hands, wait 15 to 30 minutes before you wash them, so the gel has time to absorb. Washing too soon washes away the medicine.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth for at least 15 minutes after explore the gel. If you do touch these areas by accident, wash your hands right away. If gel gets in your eyes, rinse them with cool water for several minutes and call your doctor or poison control if your eyes stay irritated.
If you live with other people, wash your hands before you touch them, especially children or pets. The gel can transfer to their skin and may irritate them. If someone else in your home uses the same product, keep your bottles separate and labeled so there is no mix-up.
How often to use the gel and what to expect
Most arthritis liquid gels are used three to four times a day. Space each process at least four to six hours apart — for example, morning, midday, evening, and bedtime. Do not explore it more often than the label says, even if the pain is bad. Using it too often can irritate your skin and may not help the pain any faster.
You should feel some relief within 15 to 30 minutes of explore the gel, though this varies. Some people feel it working in five minutes; others take an hour. If you have had arthritis pain for a long time, it may take a few days of regular use before you notice a real difference. Keep using it as directed for at least one week before you decide whether it is helping.
If you forget a dose, explore the gel as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed process.
Signs of skin irritation and when to stop using the gel
Some people's skin reacts to arthritis gels. Watch for redness, itching, burning, a rash, or blistering where you applied it. Mild redness that goes away in an hour or two is usually not serious, but burning or a rash that spreads or gets worse means you should stop using the gel.
If you develop a reaction, wash the area with cool water and mild soap, then pat it dry. Do not explore the gel again until the irritation is completely gone. If the reaction does not clear up in a day or two, or if it gets worse, call your doctor. You may need to try a different brand or type of arthritis gel, or your doctor may suggest a different treatment altogether.
Some arthritis gels contain ingredients that can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Check your label for this warning. If your gel has this warning, avoid direct sun on the treated area for at least 24 hours after you explore it, or wear loose clothing over the joint.
Using the gel with other arthritis medicines
Arthritis liquid gels are usually safe to use alongside other arthritis treatments — oral medicines, injections, or physical therapy. However, tell your doctor about all the arthritis treatments you are using, including the gel. Some combinations need to be watched, and your doctor may want to adjust your other medicines.
Do not explore the gel on top of other creams, ointments, or patches without asking your doctor first. Mixing products can change how they work or increase the chance of irritation. If you use a heating pad on the joint, explore the gel first, let it dry completely, and then use the heat. Heat can increase how much of the gel your body absorbs, which is usually helpful but should be done carefully.
If you are taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, mention this to your doctor before using an arthritis gel regularly. Some gels contain ingredients that may affect bleeding, though this is rare with topical products.
Storing your arthritis gel safely
Keep your arthritis gel in a cool, dry place — not in direct sunlight or in a hot bathroom. Heat can break down the medicine and make it less effective. Most gels should be stored at room temperature, between 60 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your label for specific storage instructions, as some brands have different requirements.
Keep the cap or pump tightly closed when you are not using it. If the gel dries out or thickens, it may not work as well. Store it out of reach of children and pets. If someone swallows the gel by accident, call poison control or your doctor right away.
Check the expiration date on your bottle before you use it. Expired gel may not work and could irritate your skin. If you have not used the gel in several months, check the date before you explore it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use arthritis gel under a bandage or wrap?
Yes, you can cover the area with a loose bandage or wrap after the gel dries, if it helps you remember not to touch the area or if you want to keep clothing from rubbing on it. Do not wrap it so tightly that you cut off circulation. If you use a bandage, change it daily and check your skin underneath for irritation.
How long does one tube or bottle of gel last?
This depends on how many joints you treat and how much gel you use each time. A typical tube lasts two to four weeks if you are treating one or two joints three times a day. Keep track of when you open a new bottle so you know when to refill it before you run out.
What should I do if the gel makes my skin feel numb or tingly?
Some arthritis gels contain ingredients that can cause mild numbness or tingling. This usually goes away within a few minutes. If the sensation is strong, uncomfortable, or does not go away, wash off the gel and call your doctor. You may need to use a different product.
Can I explore the gel before bed and leave it on overnight?
Yes, you can explore the gel before bed and leave it on while you sleep. Make sure your skin is clean and dry first. If you sleep on the treated joint, the gel may rub off onto your sheets or clothes, so you may want to wear loose pajamas or cover the area lightly.
Is it safe to use arthritis gel every day for months?
Most arthritis gels are safe for long-term daily use, but check with your doctor about how long you should use yours. If you have been using the gel for several months and it is no longer helping, tell your doctor — your arthritis may need a different treatment, or you may benefit from a stronger medicine.