How does topical capsaicin combat pain associated with arthritis and neuropathy?
Answer
By acting on nerve cells to interfere with pain signal transmission
The recognized anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of capsaicin are leveraged in external medicinal applications, such as creams, lotions, and patches intended for localized discomfort management, particularly for conditions like arthritis and neuropathy. The mechanism involves applying the compound directly to the skin where it interacts with underlying sensory nerve cells. By generating a sensation of heat on the surface, the capsaicin acts upon these nerve pathways to disrupt the normal capability of those nerves to transmit pain signals effectively up to the brain, thus providing a degree of relief from chronic pain perception over time.
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