Is there anything that works as well as IcyHot without the smell?

Question

I asked the pharamicist today about taking Tylenol with Naproxen and was advised againist. She suggested using the ThermaCare wrap instead. They don't have designed specifically for you ankle though so I tried using the one for your wrist/shoulder/back instead. The problem is they don't seem to work. The heat is not coming through, and I don't know if it's because of the weather (it's around 0 right now) or what. I know in the past I've used IcyHot and it worked well with easing the pain in my muscles/joints but its also very apparent when I use it because of the smell.
Does anyone know if there's anything that will penetrate the heat into the joint the way IcyHot does but doesn't smell to kingdom come?
I've tried Bengay in the past but it doesn't help. I know it probably sounds weird but the stinging sensatition associated with IcyHot really does help ease the pain I just don't want everyone at work to know that I put it on.

Answer 1

There are several creams and gels for pain relief that are now with no scent. Look for that on the label. Also, the little sticky squares that you apply right on the skin, and it's flexible so you could wrap it around the ankle, has very little scent and works well. I know. It's even better that they sell them at local dollar stores and you get twice as many as the more expensive ones for the same money. They stick really good and you peel them off when you are ready. It's kindof a numbing sensation. Try it, you'll like it!

Answer 2

The stinging sensation you feel is exactly what is responsible for your pain relief. It is known as a "counter-irritant". Basically, the sensation you feel from the Icy Hot masks the pain associated with your injury or chronic pain. Unfortunately, the most common counter irritants are menthol and methyl salicylate which have a strong wintergreen smell.

The best topical alternative is a capsaicin based cream. Capsaicin is an active component of chili peppers. In low concentrations, it works as a very effective topical analgesic without any noticeable scent.

Answer 3

Without smell, you'd still be able to taste, just not very well. You'd only get a hint at what the food is, like it's most basic taste. Many foods would wind up tasting exactly the same. I did this experiment in elementary school where we sealed our noses, shut our eyes, and did various tests. For one, we ate things with similar textures but different tastes, for example, apples and raw potatoes. They were exactly the same without smell. In another experiment, we had different liquids rubbed on our tongues (sugar water, salt water, watered down coffee...). I can't remember the outcome of this experiment as in if we could taste anything or not, but we could still tell what was what because of how our tongues reacted. Though I forget how they reacted... It's been years. But you could try this yourselves. ^^

Answer 4

I know this one cause, I've been having a siotic nerve, bothering me for about a month now.. It comes in a white tube, no smell, it's called "sports creme", and it works. I also take Excedrin Migrane, for the pain.. I take 3 in the morn., and 3 at bedtime, until I can get to a doctor.. No smell and no drowsiness, works great....

Answer 5

Try Zostix or Arthricare. They both have Capsaicin in them which is an ingredient in the hot pepper plant. Works great for pain and creates intense heat where you apply it without any smell....

Answer 6

My physical therapist recommended BioFreeze as the best. There is a menthol odor but it doesn't last.