Achy breaky muscles & joints? Don't suffer through muscle and joint pain longer than you have to Topical remedies may be all you need.(PERSONAL CARE: NATURAL BEAUTY)

It may not necessarily be a beauty topic, but let's face it, everyone experiences sore muscles and tight, achy joints at some time, either due to strain and injury or constant wear and tear. Relief--in cream or gel form--is within reach. Topical muscle and joint remedies using natural healing ingredients can significantly relieve pain and improve circulation.

Look for these ingredients on the label of muscle and joint aids:

ARNICA, one of the most popular remedies, is an anti-inflammatory and a local antibiotic. It helps prevent bruising and swelling after traumatic injuries and prevents blood platelets from gathering at the injury site.

CELADRIN, a relative newcomer to the natural pain relief category, is a patented, complex blend of eight fatty acids that decreases inflammation and improves joint health. It may also help glucosamine work faster and more efficiently in building joint cartilage and promoting joint health. Glucosamine is a natural building block of connective tissues and joint cartilage.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in the body as well as in many beverages and foods, including milk, coffee, tea, and green vegetables. While the healing power of sulfur has long been recognized through soaking in sulfur-rich, mineral hot springs, much is still unknown about precisely how it works in the body. Some of MSM's functions include maintaining the structure of proteins in the body, helping the formation of keratin, which is essential for hair and nail growth, and aiding in the production of immunoglobulin, which maintains the immune system.

HERBS--including boswellia, devil's claw, capsaicin (from cayenne pepper), and neem--can also help reduce inflammation and increase mobility. Check the ingredients on the labels for magnesium, manganese, and zinc--important minerals for healthy muscles and joints.

All of these pain relievers in cream or gel form can be applied to affected areas as needed, however applying a thin layer to the affected area three times a day is usually enough to provide ...