With capsules, you're making assumptions about how much survives digestion and how much crosses the intestinal barrier into circulation and the honest answer is that nobody knows for sure in humans
Patients may develop compensatory movement patterns that strain joints and soft tissues
One reason is because non-heme iron from vegetarian sources, such as legumes and leafy greens, has poor bioavailability (Aspuru 2011)
Then for the last resort, corticosteroid injections may be considered, and thats really only if visible swelling is present
PMC 4487230
These creams and ointments, available both over the counter and through prescription, often contain active ingredients such as: Vitamin C Kojic acid Glycolic acid Retinoids Azelaic acid Hydroquinone (prescription-only) Arbutin (a gentler alternative to hydroquinone) Many of these ingredients work by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, thereby slowing pigmentation and promoting a brighter complexion