I think when you find the nerves acting up, that tells you what kind of pain you have, when you put the patches on.

You see I use both, Salonpas and Lidoderm, depending on what kind of pain I have. I have some arthritis, so the Salonpas are much less expensive and typically work for that.

But if you put them over a nerve-- in the knee they might just tingle too much. If you have Lidoderms also, you can put one or 1/2 of one on that spot and see what happens.

Alot of patch use is hit or miss...experimentation. I even ran into a sales person from the company at a conference and asked HER some questions, and she had NO answers for me!

I've seen in the nursing homes and rehabs, doctors order them, and have no clue on how or where to apply them. And it has been years now, and still the same problem ....major DUH?

Salonpas will also take down a bruise. (found that out by accident). They are good for strains too. But I get rash from them on my back. So I can only use them a day or so, and then have to rest the skin. I don't get rashes anywhere else! ???

Lidoderms RX have been studied against Celebrex and were found to be a bit better for pain relief in the knee. I only use them on the back of the knee just above the bend. I don't put them on the front at all. Behind the knee gives me alot of knee relief when I need it. My right knee, while much better than years ago, still may give me a bad day here or there.