To solve this problem, compounding pharmacists can prepare NSAIDs (in particular, ketoprofen) and other medications as topical creams and gels, which have been shown to produce high levels of drug in the affected tissues beneath the site of application, where the medicine is needed to relieve pain and inflammation, yet low levels in other areas of the body, therefore decreasing the risk of drug interactions and side effects (such as gastrointestinal pain). Therefore, topical NSAIDs have a safety profile which is superior to oral NSAIDs.

Our professional compounding pharmacists can compound the strength of medication which is most appropriate for each patient into a special cream or gel that will be cosmetically appealing and facilitate the absorption of the drug through the skin into the affected muscle, tendon, or joint.

C

onditions that have responded well to topical ketoprofen therapy include:
· Joint stiffness and pain
· Achilles or patellar tendinopathy
· Ankle sprain - Grade I or II
· Sever disease (the most common cause of heel pain in pre-pubertal children)

The supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to reduce knee pain and slow progression of osteoarthritis. But, a recent large trial funded in part by the National Institutes of Health says that glucosamine plus chondroitin is not very effective for knee pain, and that it does not slow the progression of osteoarthritis. This conflicting report could have a logical explanation: the new NIH study used glucosamine hydrochloride (glucosamine HCl) instead of glucosamine sulfate (glucosamine SO4), and it is the sulfate form that has been shown to be most beneficial in previous studies. Patients who use these supplements should notice an improvement within 12 weeks, and if not, should discuss their therapy with their health care provider.

We offer private consultations in Pain Management and Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy.  Please call to schedule an appointment.