Time to consider topical capsaicin for acute trauma pain?

Abstract

Topical capsaicin is more effective than topical piroxicam at reducing pain in acute upper extremity injuries. PRACTICE CHANGERUse topical capsaicin gel 0.05% for pain reduction in patients with isolated blunt injuries of the upper extremity without fracture. STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATIONB: Based on a single randomized controlled trial (RCT) 1 Kocak AO, Dogruyol S, Akbas I, et al. Comparison of topical capsaicin and topical piroxicam in the treatment of acute trauma-induced pain: a randomized double-blind trial.