I am glad the patches are working for you well.

I really like them, and they are a local solution rather than global (taking by mouth). Sometimes there is redness of skin, from them. I've had a couple of reactions, which are puzzling. One spot on my back for example, gets all red and itchy. But I have no problems with knees, feet, hands, or even neck areas. Why that one spot ???

Use them for at least a week in a row..to see it the swelling goes down.
(it might stay down or not depending on how severe things are).

For larger joints/knees hips, spine, arthritis may need SAMe in the future.
SAMe is the best alternative solution...it actually helps rebuild lost cartilage.
But this is expensive, and lengthy. I've been doing SAMe since 1999. It is the only thing keeping me mobile, IMO.

Salonpas don't advertise on TV...that is why people don't know about them.
I think they are very helpful and versatile. And they spare you from side effects from drugs. (just make sure you read label carefully..and get the right version with the methyl salicylate. The plain menthol ones don't heal, only do minor relief that is not lasting.)

The IcyHot and BenGay ones only have menthol in them. No salicylate for healing. Also do not use patches with HEAT or heating pads.