These are the 2024 best pain ointments for osteoarthritis

 

Experts Reveal the Top 11 Pain Relief Creams & Balms for Muscle Aches and Joint Pain

If you've ever had a physical discomfort or pain, whether it was caused by an accident, an arthritic flare, stress/tension, or something else completely, you understand the desire for it to go gone as soon as possible. And when that agony strikes, it's reasonable to assume that you're not in the finest frame of mind to be debating which product to use. That is where this list comes in.

We've done the homework for you, along with a dermatologist and an emergency care specialist, to pick up the best pain relief creams so that the next time you have an ache, you may receive the sweet relief you need right away. As with anything else, not all pain relief creams are made equal. Some rely on warmth, while others use cooling to relieve discomfort. Scent and texture are also important considerations. There's everything from gels to heavy creams, some with minty odors and some with little to no fragrance. Whatever your preference, there's bound to be a solution (or salve) for you here. 

Best Overall

• Icy Hot Pro Cream

As a beauty editor, my skin's health is always a key priority. However, when you need a topical pain relief solution to work quickly, it's easy to lose track of what you're putting on your skin. Enter Icy Hot Pro Cream with Microspheres. It uses 11% camphor and 16% menthol to relieve pain. This cream's high concentration of active components makes it fast-acting and suitable for muscular aches and joint problems, as well as sprains, bruising, and arthritis.  

Best Pain Relief Cream for Joint Pain

• Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel

Owais Durrani, DO, an emergency care physician in Houston, Texas, suggests diclofenac gel (Voltaren) for patients who have a flare-up of arthritic pain in their joints. "It is a topical NSAID with fewer systemic side effects compared to oral formulations," he said. The term NSAID refers to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, which are well recognized for their ability to reduce inflammation, fever, and discomfort. Ibuprofen is a well-known NSAID, however in this formulation, it works topically rather than internally.

Best Under $10

• Aspercreme Pain Relieving Creme With Lidocaine

"I enjoy recommending lidocaine-based products for strains and sprains in flat areas like the lower back," adds Dr. Durrani. "They are a great option for someone that's still had to go out [or to] work and a great part of a multimodal pain control strategy." Because this lidocaine mixture is supplied as a roll-on, it provides a convenient and mess-free administration, and rolling it into the afflicted region functions almost like a massage as an additional form of therapy. In terms of effectiveness, Rebecca Marcus, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MaeiMD, states that "Lidocaine or another numbing agent would likely provide the most effective localized pain relief."

Best for Pain Relief Cream for Muscle Pain

• Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Ointment

Tiger Balm is well-known for its cooling qualities due to its menthol concentration. Dr. Durrani notes that it belongs to a class of products known as counterirritants, which also includes menthol and camphor-containing products. "These products induce a hot or cold sensation on the skin, temporarily diverting attention from pain by creating a less intense discomfort to counteract the more severe pain." Tiger Balm has an equal amount of menthol and camphor, which is said to increase circulation, expedite healing, and reduce inflammation.

Best Warming

• Sombra Warm Pain Relief Gel 8-Ounce

The Sombra Warm Pain Relief Gel, like Tiger Balm, has camphor and menthol to chill you down and take your focus away from the pain, but it also contains capsaicin, a chili pepper extract, for a warming sensation. Dr. Durrani explained that it will warm your skin and occasionally cause a burning sensation, which will relieve your discomfort. If you dislike strong minty aromas, this may be a better option for you because it has an orange aroma instead. 

Best Cooling

• Biofreeze Menthol Spray

This recipe is menthol-based, giving you that ice fresh sensation, but because it comes in an aerosol spray, you'll feel even chillier as the cold mist touches your skin. We enjoy that it comes in a spray style since it makes it easier to reach hard-to-reach places like your shoulders and back. Simply spray, allow it dry, and feel your discomfort go away. 

Best Rich Cream

• Penetrex Therapy Cream

If you prefer a thick consistency over a light gel, this is the cream for you. Another distinguishing feature of this cream is its ingredient label, which differs from those seen in the majority of the items listed. It contains a natural triad of anti-inflammatory arnica, vitamin B6, and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) for deep penetration and pain relief in the joints and muscles. We were persuaded by the hundreds of great testimonials from customers (even nurses!) who had been through everything from surgeries to chronic diseases and couldn't recommend this cream enough.

Best Pain Patch

• J.R. Watkins Extra Strength Cooling Pain Relief Patches

For those of us who can't take slathering on lotions, balms, and creams, there is also a pain treatment alternative available. Personally, I like the notion of applying a patch just where I need it and continuing about my day without worrying about a.) ruining my clothing or b.) wiping away the cream that I so urgently need to work. I've worn these patches on my knees, back, and neck, and I absolutely forget I'm wearing them except for the fact that my pain is relieved. The main drawback is that we have problems locating them in stock – Walmart appears to be the most consistent choice online.  

Best Splurge

• Indie Lee I-Recover Mind Body Gel

It's clearly more expensive than the others, but it seems like a wonderful self-care treat rather than an over-the-counter medication. Indie Lee, a clean skincare brand, created this pain-relieving gel to treat muscular pains; I've found it most useful on areas of stress like my neck and shoulders. It has a hot and cold impact caused by black pepper, menthol oils, and eucalyptus, but it also contains arnica, lavender, and patchouli essential oils for a more spa-like feel and increased relaxation.

Best Balm

• Dr. Bronner's Arnica Menthol Balm

The Dr. Bronner's Organic Magic Balm is ideal for those who value texture and prefer a balm consistency over a cream. The natural recipe contains cooling menthol and peppermint oils, as well as anti-inflammatory arnica and camphor. The balm's consistency is derived from organic beeswax, and it also contains jojoba, avocado, and hemp oils, which hydrate the skin. It can be used to treat joint and muscular problems, but we've also seen it work on eczema and insect bites. 

Best for Athletes

• Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream

This pain treatment lotion is appropriate for athletes who have muscular pains that are more than just post-Peloton discomfort. Dr. Durrani describes it as a salicylate cream since it contains methyl salicylate, which is comparable to the active substance in aspirin. "It functions similarly to oral aspirin products, offering pain relief." As for how it works, he claims that they are absorbed immediately via the skin, "potentially providing faster relief due to this direct delivery." It also contains camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate for a three-pronged pain relief strategy. 

Types of Pain Relief

Pain treatment creams utilize various substances to target pain and alleviate symptoms; here are the many forms of topical pain relief and how they work. 

• Local Anesthetics: Lidocaine is an example of a local anesthetic that prevents pain signals from reaching the brain by blocking the nerves where the product is applied. Our top pick: Aspercreme with 4% Lidocaine
• Counterirritants: This category relies on “counter pain,” like warming or cooling, to distract you from the muscle aches or pains. Menthol is a common counterirritant. Our top pick: Icy Hot Pro Cream with Micro Spheres
• NSAIDS: These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs taken to relieve pain, often in the form of pills like Aspirin or Ibuprofen. Our top pick:
• Capsaicin: This is a natural pain reliever derived from chili peppers that delivers a warming sensation on contact. Our top pick: Sombra Warm Pain Relief Gel

What to Know About Pain Relief Creams

• Application Type:

"Clean the affected area first and never apply if there are any cuts, open wounds, or broken down skin," says Dr. Durrani. Dr. Marcus goes on to say, "This [application] varies according to the active ingredients; it is best to stick to the directions on the label." In general, apply to the afflicted region as you would any other form of cream; however, if you're dealing with a patch, roll-on, or something other than a standard cream (such as Tiger Balm), the directions will likely alter. 

• Key Ingredients:

According to Dr. Durrani, common ones include lidocaine, capsaicin, menthol, diclofenac, and methyl salicylate. "Some of these relieve pain by reducing inflammation, while others change how your body will process pain." Many formulae promote heat and cold modalities because of menthol and capsaicin, although diclofenac and methyl salicylate have anti-inflammatory qualities. Lidocaine, on the other hand, is used to numb the skin, so keep an eye out for that as well.

• Fragrance

Because menthol has a strong aroma on its own, pain relief lotions are often heavily perfumed. However, as with any topical medication, there is always the risk of irritation, particularly for people with sensitive skin or allergies. If there is an unscented alternative, it could be your best bet. And if you've had any previous unpleasant reactions, it's advisable to consult with your doctor, as they may direct you to something that's more suited to your requirements.