How Topical Lidocaine works on Arthritis:

Lidocaine is a very effective local anesthetic or numbing medication. This drug works by blocking the pain signals coming from  the nerve thus  preventing the body from feeling pain. Topical Lidocaine is  a version of Lidocaine which can be applied at the surface of the skin instead of injecting it .  The American Pain Society says that a skin patch containing Lidocaine (Lipoderm) results  in at leat 30%  improvement in knee pain  for those patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Lipoderm patch is recommended to be used once daily for at least 12 weeks.

Side Effects and Precautions of Topical Lidocaine:

Inform your doctor of any of these symptoms develop: stinging, burning, redness, tenderness, swelling, rash. Do not use this medication on areas with bacterial infection or on top of open wounds.

Forms, Dosage and Brand Names of Topical Lidocaine:

Lidoderm arthritis patch.

Adults: Topical lidocaine is formulated in patches at 5% concentration. The patch sticks to the affected area and replaced after a few hours.

Pregnant Women: Generally safe

Children: There is no available information comparing the use of topical lidocaine in children with use in other age groups.

References about Topical Lidocaine and Arthritis:

Evaluation of eutectic lidocaine/prilocaine cream (EMLA) for steroid joint injection in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. [2003.03]

Page last updated: May 02, 2009