From the Guidelines
Using horse liniment for osteoarthritis pain in humans is not recommended due to significant risks that outweigh potential benefits. Horse liniments typically contain ingredients like menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate which create warming or cooling sensations that may temporarily mask pain, but these products are formulated for equine skin and physiology, not human use. The risks include skin irritation, chemical burns, allergic reactions, and potentially dangerous systemic absorption of ingredients that haven't been tested for human safety 1.
Instead, consider human-approved topical options like diclofenac gel (Voltaren), capsaicin creams, or menthol-based products specifically formulated for people. These provide similar temporary pain relief with established safety profiles. For example, a systematic review by Laslett and Jones found that topical capsaicin has a moderate effect in reducing moderate knee pain associated with OA 1.
For effective osteoarthritis management, combine appropriate human topical treatments with:
- Oral medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs (under medical supervision) 1
- Physical therapy
- Weight management
- Gentle exercise
Always consult a healthcare provider before treating osteoarthritis pain to ensure proper diagnosis and a safe, effective treatment plan. The 2019 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of osteoarthritis recommends a comprehensive approach to management, including education, exercise, weight loss, and pharmacologic therapies 1.
Key considerations for osteoarthritis management include:
- Exercise and weight loss for patients with knee and/or hip OA who are overweight or obese
- Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for knee OA
- Oral NSAIDs and intraarticular glucocorticoid injections for knee OA
- Alternative therapies like tai chi, cane use, and hand orthoses for first carpometacarpal joint OA 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Risks and Benefits of Using Horse Liniment for Osteoarthritis Pain
There are no research papers to assist in answering this question as the provided studies do not mention the use of horse liniment for osteoarthritis pain.
Alternative Treatments for Osteoarthritis Pain
- Acetaminophen: shown to be effective in reducing pain in osteoarthritis patients, but may have a similar safety profile to NSAIDs 2
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): effective in reducing pain and inflammation, but associated with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal toxicity 3, 4, 5
- Topical NSAIDs: may provide effective analgesia with limited systemic exposure and fewer serious adverse events 3
- Nerve growth factor antibodies: a new class of agents under clinical investigation for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain 6
Considerations for Treatment
- The choice of treatment should be based on the individual patient's needs and medical history 4
- Patients with osteoarthritis should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option 5
- The use of NSAIDs should be carefully considered, especially in older patients or those with comorbid conditions 5