From the Guidelines
Arnica gel is not recommended as a first-line treatment for acute pain from non-low back, musculoskeletal injuries in adults, according to the American College of Physicians and American Academy of Family Physicians guideline 1.
Alternatives to Arnica Gel
Instead, the guideline recommends using topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with or without menthol gel as first-line therapy to reduce or relieve symptoms, including pain, and improve physical function and treatment satisfaction 1.
- Topical NSAIDs have moderate-certainty evidence supporting their use for acute pain management.
- Menthol gel can be used in combination with topical NSAIDs to enhance pain relief.
Important Considerations
When considering the use of arnica gel or other treatments, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits and harms, including adverse events and patient values and preferences 1.
- The guideline suggests against using opioids, including tramadol, for acute pain management due to the risk of prolonged opioid use and adverse events 1.
- Oral NSAIDs and acetaminophen may be considered as alternative treatments, but their use should be guided by the patient's medical history, current medications, and potential risks 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Indications for Usage: As a topical aid for the relief of bruising, injuries, muscle aches, pain relief and pre-post surgically. The indicated use of arnica gel is for the relief of:
- bruising
- injuries
- muscle aches
- pain relief
- Pre and post surgical relief 2
From the Research
Arnica Gel Overview
- Arnica gel has been traditionally used to treat various medical conditions, including inflammation and pain 3
- The gel or cream containing Arnica extract has shown promising effects for pain relief, which may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties 3
Effectiveness of Arnica Gel
- Studies have found that Arnica montana is more effective than placebo in treating post-traumatic and postoperative pain, edema, and ecchymosis 4
- However, the effectiveness of Arnica gel may vary depending on the dosage and preparation used 4
- One study found that topical Arnica cream increased leg pain 24 hours after eccentric calf exercises, rather than decreasing it 5
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Arnica montana may represent a valid alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for treating specific conditions 4
- A study on a topical methyl salicylate and menthol patch found that it provided significant relief of pain associated with mild to moderate muscle strain compared to a placebo patch 6