Creams and Lotions

Over the Counter: Capsaicin Cream

Capsaicin cream was a surprise find. My daughter told me about it. The cream is derived from chili peppers and it provides heat to help manage middle-grade pain and improve sensory feedback. This stuff is great because it's cheap and you can have tubes scattered around — in your car, office, or wherever you need them for quick relief. I keep one in the car for "emergency" use (like when I can't feel the pedals).

Typical Cost: $3 to $6 per tube. I use 1 - 3 tubes a month.

The Heavy-Duty Stuff: Prescription Compounded Cream

A custom-ordered mix (Gabapentin, Ketamine, Lidocaine) designed for pain interruption. In my experience it works well, most times much better than the Capsaicin cream. It is great for stiff muscles too. 

Typical Cost: $60 to $120 copay per tube. Each one lasted me about 2 months. I also have a copay to see the doctor who prescribes it.