Joints, osteoarthritis and arthritis
This section contains practical instructions for using Smrekovit products for joint pain and inflammation, osteoarthritis, arthritis and other long-term joint problems.
These mainly include problems with the knees, fingers, shoulders, hips and ankles, as well as Baker’s cyst, gout and other problems involving pain, swelling or reduced joint mobility.
With joint problems, it is important first to determine whether the pain really originates from the joint itself. Pain near a joint may also originate from a muscle, tendon or ligament. If the problem appeared after an injury or strain and the pain is mainly in the tissue around the joint, the instructions for overuse injuries are more appropriate.
If you know what type of joint problem you have, you can continue directly with the appropriate section below. If you are not sure, start with the general instructions for joints.
Joints, osteoarthritis and arthritis – at a glance
- First check whether the pain really originates from the joint. If the pain is mainly in a muscle, tendon or ligament around the joint, or if the problem appeared after an injury, follow the instructions for overuse injuries.
- The first choice for most joint problems is Smrekovit 365 Prima + Smrekovit dressing. Use the dressing for as long as possible, including during the day and overnight if possible.
- If you cannot use the dressing, regularly apply the product to the affected joint about three times a day.
- The first changes are often noticeable after about one week. For long-term problems, assess the condition more realistically after about two weeks of regular use.
- With osteoarthritis, the most important factor is the current condition of the joint – pain, swelling and mobility – not only the degree of wear.
- If the joint is markedly swollen, hot or very red, or if there are general signs of illness, we recommend a medical examination.
General instructions for joint problems
First check whether the pain really comes from the joint
When there is pain in the area of a joint, it is important first to determine whether the pain actually originates from the joint itself or from the tissues around it. Many people describe any pain around the knee, shoulder, ankle or another joint as “joint pain”, even though the actual source may be elsewhere.
In the knee, for example, the joint itself may be painful, but the pain may also originate from a muscle, tendon or ligament above or below the knee. The same applies to the shoulder, ankle and other joints.
If the problem appeared after an injury, awkward movement, sports activity, or greater or repeated strain and the pain is mainly in the tissue around the joint, follow the instructions for overuse injuries.
If, however, the pain is mainly in the joint itself or you have already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, arthritis or another long-term joint problem, continue with these instructions.
Osteoarthritis and joint inflammation
For practical orientation in these instructions, we distinguish between osteoarthritis, or wear of the joint, and active inflammation of the joint. Osteoarthritis primarily involves degenerative changes and wear of the joint cartilage, while arthritis means inflammation of the joint.
Based on our practical observations, a person may have a worn joint for a long time without major problems. They often start looking for help only when pain, swelling, reduced mobility or a feeling of warmth in the joint appears.
Therefore, when using Smrekovit products in practice, we do not look only at how pronounced the wear is, but primarily at the current problems and condition of the joint.
Read more about what osteoarthritis is, how to recognise it and why it can cause problems in the article Osteoarthritis: symptoms, causes and what helps.
How can you recognise that it may be osteoarthritis?
We consider osteoarthritis, or joint wear, especially in long-term problems that have developed gradually, particularly at an older age. Many users have already had joint wear confirmed by a doctor.
The possibility of osteoarthritis may also be indicated by gradual progression of the problems, older age and excess body weight. These signs alone do not constitute a diagnosis, but they can help indicate whether the problem is more likely to be a long-term joint condition than a recent injury.
Which joints most commonly cause problems?
Based on our many years of experience, users most often seek help for problems with the knees, fingers and shoulders. Problems with the hips, ankles and other smaller joints are also common.
The basic method of use is similar for different joints, but the main differences are the practicality of positioning the Smrekovit dressing and the time in which a change can be expected. The specific features of individual joints are described below.
What do we recommend for joint problems?
For most joint problems, our first choice is Smrekovit 365 Prima in combination with a Smrekovit dressing. Place the dressing directly on the affected joint and, if possible, use it for as long as possible.
First choice: Smrekovit 365 Prima + Smrekovit dressing
We recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima as the basic product for osteoarthritis, arthritis, joint inflammation and other long-term joint problems.
For joints, a Smrekovit dressing is highly recommended. Based on our practical experience, the difference between occasional application and prolonged use of the product on a dressing is often considerable.
If possible, keep the dressing in place during the day and overnight. If this is not practical, use it at least overnight and apply the product to the joint several times during the day.
If several joints are affected
If you have problems with several joints at the same time, you do not necessarily need to use several dressings. Place the dressing on the most problematic joint and apply the product to the others several times a day.
Once the condition of the first joint has improved sufficiently, you can move the dressing to the next one.
Smrekovit 365 Alter
Smrekovit 365 Alter can be used if you are allergic or sensitive to spruce resin, or as a supplement to the basic use.
It can be used on its own or on a Smrekovit dressing.
If you do not want to use the dressing or cannot use it
If you cannot use the Smrekovit dressing, the most important thing is regular repeated application. Apply the product to the affected joint approximately three times a day.
For direct application, you can use Smrekovit 365 Prima or Smrekovit 365 Ekstra. Smrekovit 365 Ekstra contains menthol and camphor and gives a cooling sensation.
Smrekovit 365 Ekstra is not intended for use under a Smrekovit dressing.
Smrekovit Klasik
Smrekovit Klasik can also be used for joint problems, either on its own or on a Smrekovit dressing.
Because it is a greasier ointment, most users find it somewhat less practical for regular use on joints than the products from the 365 line. For this reason, we generally recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima first for joint problems.
In short: unless there is a specific reason to choose otherwise, start with Smrekovit 365 Prima and a Smrekovit dressing.
How to use the Smrekovit dressing for joints?
Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima to the Smrekovit dressing and place the coated side directly on the affected joint. If possible, keep the dressing in place for as long as possible, including during the day and overnight for more pronounced problems.
How to apply the dressing?
- Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima to the Smrekovit dressing.
- Place the dressing with the coated side against the skin directly over the painful or affected joint.
- Secure it appropriately so that it remains in good contact with the skin, but do not unnecessarily compress the joint.
- Approximately twice a day, apply a small additional amount of cream to the dressing.
Instead of Smrekovit 365 Prima, you can also use Smrekovit 365 Alter or Smrekovit Klasik on the Smrekovit dressing. Due to the added menthol and camphor, Smrekovit 365 Ekstra is not intended for use under a dressing.
How long should the dressing remain in place?
If possible, we recommend using it during the day and overnight. For joint problems, prolonged contact of the product with the affected area is an important part of the method of use.
If you cannot use the dressing during the day because of work, clothing or movement, apply it at least overnight and apply the product to the affected joint several times during the day.
How do I secure the dressing on the joint?
The method of securing it depends on the joint. A very practical option is an elastic tubular bandage, which can be purchased at a pharmacy. For smaller joints, such as the elbow, a suitably cut sock can also be used as a simple solution.
For the knee, ankle and other mobile joints, the most important thing is that the dressing remains in good contact with the affected area during movement.
What if I cannot use the dressing?
The dressing is recommended, but it is not required for using Smrekovit. If you cannot apply it, regularly apply the product to the affected joint about three times a day.
If you can use it only for part of the day, a good practical solution is to use the dressing overnight and apply the product several times during the day.
What if the skin under the dressing itches or becomes sensitive?
In some users, prolonged use of the dressing may cause itching, sensitivity or skin irritation. If this is not an allergic reaction, you can use the dressing every other day or apply it only overnight.
If you suspect an allergic reaction to spruce resin, stop using the product containing spruce resin and use Smrekovit 365 Alter as an alternative.
When can you expect the first changes with joint problems?
With correct and sufficiently regular use, the first clear change should generally be noticeable within about one week. For long-term joint problems, osteoarthritis and chronic inflammation, however, it makes sense to compare the condition after about two weeks of regular use for a more realistic assessment.
How does improvement usually appear?
Based on our practical experience, users most often notice first:
- less pain,
- less swelling,
- better joint mobility.
With long-term problems, improvement is generally gradual. Therefore, do not assess the use based on a single day and do not stop after just a few days simply because the problem has not yet disappeared.
What after the first improvement?
If you notice a clear improvement after the first week, continue using the product. Based on our experience, the condition often continues to improve gradually after the initial improvement.
The final result can vary considerably and depends, among other things, on the type of joint problem, degree of wear, age and, above all, consistency of use.
What if there is no change after two weeks?
If there is no noticeable difference at all after about two weeks of correct and regular use, first check:
- whether you are using the product often enough,
- whether the Smrekovit dressing is kept in place for long enough,
- whether you are applying the product directly to the correct joint,
- whether the pain really originates from the joint and not from a muscle, tendon, ligament or another area.
Based on our practical experience, the most common reason for a poor result is insufficient or overly occasional use. If, however, you have used Smrekovit correctly and intensively enough and there is still no improvement after about two weeks, reassess the cause of the problem.
Joint swelling and Baker’s cyst
For joint swelling, we recommend the same basic method of use as for other joint problems: Smrekovit 365 Prima in combination with a Smrekovit dressing. We do not focus only on the swelling itself, but primarily on what is happening in the joint with which it is associated.
How do we view joint swelling?
Based on our practical experience, swelling itself is not necessarily a reason for concern. It often accompanies active changes or inflammation in the joint.
Therefore, we do not try to “force it away” separately. When using Smrekovit, the main goal is to improve the condition of the joint. As the condition or inflammation of the joint settles, the swelling generally decreases as well.
How to use Smrekovit for a swollen joint?
Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima to a Smrekovit dressing and place it directly on the affected joint. If possible, use it for as long as possible, or at least overnight, and apply the product to the joint several times during the day.
While using Smrekovit, we generally do not recommend regular simultaneous cooling of the joint with ice.
Baker’s cyst
Based on our practical observations, a Baker’s cyst is often associated with what is happening in the knee joint. Therefore, we do not treat it only as a local bulge, but in a similar way to swelling associated with the condition of the joint.
Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima with a dressing to the knee or the affected joint area and use it according to the same regimen as for other long-term joint problems.
What can you expect with a Baker’s cyst?
Based on our experience, as joint inflammation improves, the Baker’s cyst often becomes smaller as well. In some users, it may eventually disappear completely.
It is important to assess the result together with the condition of the entire knee: pain, swelling, mobility and the size of the cyst, rather than based on a single day of use.
When is a medical examination necessary?
If the joint is markedly swollen, hot or very red, or if there are general signs of illness, we recommend a medical examination.
Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune joint diseases
For rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune joint diseases, Smrekovit can be used as support for painful, swollen and inflamed joints. The basic method of use is the same as for other long-term joint problems: the first choice is Smrekovit 365 Prima in combination with a Smrekovit dressing.
What can you expect?
Based on our practical experience, the course of improvement can be similar to that seen with osteoarthritis, although the degree of improvement in autoimmune diseases is often smaller and varies considerably between individuals.
During use, monitor mainly pain, swelling and mobility of the affected joints. If the condition is improving, continue with regular use.
What can Smrekovit not eliminate in autoimmune disease?
Smrekovit does not affect the underlying autoimmune cause of the disease and does not prevent new flare-ups from developing. Based on our practical observations, these problems often involve a constant balance between the development of new inflammation and its settling.
Therefore, in rheumatoid arthritis we consider Smrekovit mainly as support for local joint problems, not as a substitute for treatment of the underlying disease.
How to use Smrekovit?
Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima to the Smrekovit dressing and place it on the most problematic joint. If several joints are affected, apply the product to the others several times a day, and once the first joint has improved, you can move the dressing to the next joint.
If you cannot use the dressing, regularly apply the product to the affected joints about three times a day.
When should you assess the result?
It makes sense to look for the first clear change after about one week, while with a long-term disease the condition is more realistically compared after about two weeks of regular use.
If there is no improvement despite sufficiently regular use, it does not make sense to expect that simply continuing the same use for a much longer period will produce a different result.
Gout
For gout, Smrekovit can be used on a painful and inflamed joint in a similar way to other forms of arthritis. The first choice is Smrekovit 365 Prima in combination with a Smrekovit dressing.
What can you expect?
Based on our practical observations, the response with gout is similar to that seen with other forms of joint inflammation. During use, monitor mainly pain, swelling and mobility of the affected joint.
It is important, however, to understand the limitation of this type of use: Smrekovit does not affect the underlying cause of gout and does not prevent new flare-ups of the disease. It is used mainly as support for local problems while the joint is affected.
How to use Smrekovit for gout?
Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima to a Smrekovit dressing and place it directly on the affected joint. If possible, keep the dressing in place for as long as possible, or at least overnight.
If you cannot use the dressing, regularly apply the product to the affected joint about three times a day.
Instead of Smrekovit 365 Prima, you can also use Smrekovit 365 Alter or Smrekovit Klasik on the dressing. For direct application, you can also use Smrekovit 365 Ekstra.
When should you assess the result?
Because gout involves joint inflammation, follow the same basic guideline as for other joint problems: with correct use, the first clear change should generally be noticeable within about one week.
If the condition does not improve despite correct use, or if the joint is markedly swollen, hot or very red, follow the general warnings for joint problems and seek a medical examination if necessary.
Long-term use for osteoarthritis
With long-term or age-related osteoarthritis, complete and permanent elimination of the problems is not always a realistic goal. Even if pain, swelling and joint mobility improve considerably, the problems may return over time.
What do we recommend after improvement?
Based on our practical experience, two approaches to long-term use make sense:
- routine daily use if the problems otherwise return quickly, or
- starting to use the product again at the first signs that the problems are returning.
There is no need to wait until the joint becomes markedly painful, swollen or poorly mobile again. If you already know your problem and notice the first typical signs of recurrence, we recommend that you start using Smrekovit again as soon as possible.
Why is it important to start early enough?
Based on our many years of experience, acting early is often more effective than waiting for a pronounced worsening. Once the problem has become severe again, achieving the same improvement may take more time and require more consistent use.
Do I have to use Smrekovit all the time?
Not necessarily. For some users, regular daily use is practical, while others start using Smrekovit again as soon as they notice the first signs of recurrence.
The most suitable regimen therefore depends mainly on how often your problems return and how quickly you recognise them.
Knee pain and osteoarthritis of the knee
For pain in the knee joint, osteoarthritis and other long-term knee problems, we recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima in combination with a Smrekovit dressing. Place the dressing directly on the knee and, if possible, use it for as long as possible.
First check whether the pain really comes from the knee joint
With the knee, it is particularly important to distinguish between pain in the joint itself and pain in the muscles, tendons or ligaments above or below the knee.
If the problem appeared after an injury, sudden movement or greater physical strain and the pain is mainly in the tissue around the knee, follow the instructions for overuse injuries.
If, however, the pain is mainly in the joint itself or the problem is osteoarthritis, arthritis, swelling or another long-term joint condition, follow the instructions below.
How to use Smrekovit for the knee?
Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima to the Smrekovit dressing and place it directly over the affected part of the knee.
If possible, keep the dressing in place during the day and overnight. Approximately twice a day, apply a small additional amount of the product to the dressing. If you cannot use it during the day, apply it at least overnight and apply the product to the knee several times during the day.
An elastic tubular bandage is very practical for securing the dressing, but the most important thing is that the dressing remains in good contact with the knee without unnecessarily compressing it.
What if the knee is swollen?
If swelling is present, follow the same basic method of use. Based on our practical experience, as the condition of the joint improves, the swelling and feeling of tightness in the knee often decrease as well.
If a Baker’s cyst appears behind the knee, also read the instructions for joint swelling and Baker’s cyst.
When can you expect the first changes?
Based on our many years of practical experience, the knee is one of the joints where users often notice the most pronounced response. With correct use, the first clear change should generally be noticeable within about one week.
For long-term osteoarthritis or chronic problems, assess the condition more realistically after about two weeks of regular use. Monitor mainly pain, swelling, mobility and difficulties with walking, standing up and putting weight on the knee.
If there is no improvement at all after about two weeks of correct and sufficiently intensive use, reassess primarily whether the pain really originates from the joint.
Read more about the different causes of pain, osteoarthritis, injuries and other knee problems in the article Knee pain – causes and what helps.
Osteoarthritis and pain in the fingers
For osteoarthritis and other long-term problems affecting the finger joints, we recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima in combination with a Smrekovit dressing. Because using the dressing on the fingers during the day is often impractical, a good solution is to use it mainly overnight and apply the product to the joints several times during the day.
How to use Smrekovit for osteoarthritis of the fingers?
- Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima to the Smrekovit dressing.
- Place the coated side of the dressing over the affected finger joints.
- Secure it appropriately so that it remains in good contact with the skin overnight.
- Approximately once a day, apply a small additional amount of cream to the dressing.
- During the day, apply the product to the affected fingers several times.
You can see a practical demonstration of how to position the dressing on the fingers in the video:
You can see a practical demonstration of how to position the Smrekovit dressing on the fingers in the video below.
When can you expect the first changes?
Based on our practical experience, with correct and regular use, a clear change is often noticeable within about seven days.
With osteoarthritis of the fingers, we also have practical experience showing that the pain may temporarily increase during the first few days. If this is a short-term change and the condition then begins to improve, this alone is not a reason to stop using the product.
If, however, the pain becomes markedly and persistently worse or other unusual signs appear, reassess the cause of the problem.
What if several fingers are affected?
If several joints are affected, the dressing does not need to be used on all of them at the same time. Place it mainly on the most problematic joints and apply the product regularly to the others during the day. Once the condition improves in one area, you can move the dressing elsewhere.
If you cannot use the dressing at all, apply Smrekovit 365 Prima to the affected joints several times a day. For direct application, you can also use Smrekovit 365 Ekstra; if you are allergic or sensitive to spruce resin, use Smrekovit 365 Alter.
Shoulder pain and shoulder joint problems
For pain, osteoarthritis and inflammation of the shoulder joint, we recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima, preferably in combination with a Smrekovit dressing. Based on our practical experience, the shoulder is one of the more persistent joints, so regular use and persistence are especially important.
First check where the pain originates
Not every pain in the shoulder originates from the shoulder joint itself. The pain may also come from muscles, tendons or other soft tissues around the shoulder.
If the problem appeared after an injury, sudden movement, sports activity or greater strain and the pain is mainly in the tissue around the joint, follow the instructions for overuse injuries.
With some types of shoulder pain, the source may also be elsewhere, for example in the cervical spine. Consider this especially if the pain spreads down the arm, moves from place to place, or is accompanied by tingling, numbness or an electric sensation.
How to use Smrekovit for the shoulder joint?
Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima directly to the shoulder joint area. If you can position and secure the Smrekovit dressing well enough, apply Smrekovit 365 Prima to it and place it on the most painful or affected part of the shoulder.
Because of the shape of the joint and its movement, the dressing is more difficult to secure properly on the shoulder than on the knee, fingers or ankle. If the dressing does not remain in good contact with the skin, consistent direct application is more appropriate than a poorly positioned dressing.
If you cannot use the dressing practically, apply the product to the shoulder about three times a day. For direct application, you can use Smrekovit 365 Prima or Smrekovit 365 Ekstra.
Why is the shoulder often more persistent?
Based on our many years of practical observations, the shoulder is among the most persistent joints. It is a highly mobile joint where even minor inflammation can significantly affect mobility, while its position also makes it more difficult to maintain prolonged contact of the product with a dressing.
Therefore, do not assess the result for the shoulder after only a few applications or a few days of occasional use.
When can you expect the first changes?
It makes sense to look for the first clear change after about one week of regular use, while for longer-term problems, compare the condition after about two weeks.
Monitor mainly pain and shoulder mobility: how high you can raise your arm, how you can move it behind your back, and whether everyday movements become easier.
If there is no change after about two weeks of sufficiently regular use, it is particularly important with the shoulder to reassess whether the problem really originates from the joint itself.
Hip pain and osteoarthritis of the hip
For pain, osteoarthritis and inflammation of the hip joint, we recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima, preferably in combination with a Smrekovit dressing. Apply the product directly to the affected hip area and use it regularly.
First check whether the problem really originates from the hip joint
With pain in the hip area, it is important to distinguish between pain in the joint itself and pain that may originate from muscles, tendons or other structures in the surrounding area.
If the pain appeared after an injury, sudden movement or greater physical strain and the problem is mainly in the soft tissues around the hip, follow the instructions for overuse injuries.
If, however, you have already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or another long-term joint problem, follow the method of use below.
How to use Smrekovit for the hip?
Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima to a Smrekovit dressing and place it on the affected hip area. If possible, keep the dressing in place for as long as possible, or at least overnight.
Approximately twice a day, apply a small additional amount of the product to the dressing. If you cannot use the dressing practically, apply the product regularly to the hip area about three times a day.
Instead of Smrekovit 365 Prima, you can also use Smrekovit 365 Alter or Smrekovit Klasik on the dressing. For direct application, Smrekovit 365 Ekstra can also be used.
When can you expect the first changes?
With correct and regular use, it makes sense to look for the first clear change after about one week. For long-term osteoarthritis, assess the condition more realistically after about two weeks of regular use.
Monitor mainly pain, mobility and difficulties during everyday activities. If there is no change at all after about two weeks, reassess primarily whether the pain really originates from the hip joint.
Read more about osteoarthritis, its characteristic signs and course in the article Osteoarthritis: symptoms, causes and what helps.
Ankle pain and osteoarthritis of the ankle
For osteoarthritis, inflammation and other long-term problems affecting the ankle joint, we recommend Smrekovit 365 Prima in combination with a Smrekovit dressing. Place the dressing directly on the affected joint and use it for as long as possible.
First distinguish a joint problem from a sprain
With the ankle, it is particularly important to determine whether the problem is a long-term condition of the joint itself or an injury to the ligaments and other soft tissues.
If the pain appeared after a sprain, awkward step, sports injury or another clear event, follow the instructions for ankle sprains and injuries.
If, however, you have already been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or arthritis, or have long-term pain, swelling or reduced mobility of the ankle joint itself, follow these instructions.
How to use Smrekovit for the ankle?
Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima to the Smrekovit dressing and place the coated side directly over the affected ankle joint.
Secure the dressing appropriately so that it remains in good contact with the skin while walking, but do not unnecessarily compress the ankle.
If possible, keep the dressing in place during the day and overnight, and approximately twice a day apply a small additional amount of the product to the dressing. If footwear or movement makes it impractical to use during the day, apply it at least overnight and apply the product to the ankle several times during the day.
If you cannot use the dressing at all, apply the product to the affected joint about three times a day.
When can you expect the first changes?
With correct and regular use, it makes sense to look for the first clear change after about one week. For long-term osteoarthritis or a chronic joint problem, assess the condition more realistically after about two weeks of regular use.
Monitor mainly pain, swelling, mobility and difficulties with walking or putting weight on the ankle.
If there is no change at all after about two weeks, reassess primarily whether the pain really originates from the joint itself and not from a ligament, tendon or other tissue around it.
Bursitis
For bursitis, we use the same basic approach as for other local problems in the joint area: Smrekovit 365 Prima, preferably in combination with a Smrekovit dressing. Apply the product directly to the painful or affected area.
How to use Smrekovit?
Apply Smrekovit 365 Prima to a Smrekovit dressing and place it directly on the affected area. If possible, use it for as long as possible, or at least overnight.
Approximately twice a day, apply a small additional amount of the product to the dressing. If you cannot use the dressing, apply the product to the affected area several times a day.
Instead of Smrekovit 365 Prima, you can also use Smrekovit 365 Alter or Smrekovit Klasik on the dressing. For direct application, you can also use Smrekovit 365 Ekstra.
What if the problem appeared after an injury or greater strain?
If the pain appeared after an impact, injury, sports activity or pronounced repeated strain and mainly affects the tissue around the joint, also read the instructions for overuse injuries.
When should you reassess the cause of the problem?
If the condition does not improve despite regular use, or if the area is markedly swollen, hot or very red, we recommend a medical examination.
About these instructions
These instructions are based primarily on many years of practical experience using Smrekovit products, user feedback and knowledge gained through the development and use of the products.
Where we describe specific methods of use, product selection, the expected course or other practical details, these are based primarily on our practical experience. This is not equivalent to the results of clinical research and does not guarantee that every user will respond in the same way.
Where necessary, we verify and supplement general information about individual problems using professional sources. Where these are important for understanding the content, we cite them on the page.
We regularly supplement and update the instructions based on new experience, user feedback and available professional knowledge.