What Is A Counter-Irritant Product (Such As Menthol Or Turpentine Oil) And How Is It Used To Treat Osteoarthritis Pain?

Dr. Stephen Paget answers the question: 'Counter-Irritants For Osteoarthritis?'

ByABC News
November 19, 2008, 2:27 PM

— -- Question: What is a counter-irritant product (such as menthol or turpentine oil) and how is it used to treat pain resulting from osteoarthritis?

Answer: There are new fatty acid topical medications for patients with osteoarthritis that can actually control some of the pain. Some people even add menthol and turpentine to that in order to get improved pain relief. It's important to appreciate that, while it does control pain, it doesn't stop the natural history of the disease itself.

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