Topical Treatments for Arthritis

The arthritis in my hands just jumped from mildly annoying to being incapacitating. I can no longer make a fist nor can I extend my fingers all the way out without pain. I've tried Aspercream, but t doesn't work for me. Anybody know of a good topical cream that might work? I've just upped my intake of Aleve which has been helping, but I really don't want to be taking pills and my doctor doesn't like me taking Aleve. I ran across a review of flexdermal that rated it as the top cream for arthritis, but it is so expensive. Anyway, I was hoping the good folks on DG might have some recommendations.