Best arthritis pain relief cream of 2024, according to experts

Cost: $12 | Key ingredients: Menthol 10% | Cooling, warming, neutral: Cooling | Scent: Mint

Biofreeze products have long been a pain relief staple, but the Menthol Cream packs more benefits than its gel counterpart. With a 10% menthol concentration, this cream provides a powerful cooling sensation to relieve stiff, achy joints instantly. It’s NSAID-free (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), so it’s not as harsh on the skin as some.

Nearly 13,000 Amazon shoppers give it an average 4.6-star rating, many citing its effectiveness for arthritis specifically. “It won’t leave residue on your clothes and can be applied up to four times a day,” says John Gallucci Jr., chief executive officer of JAG Physical Therapy and expert in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and injury prevention.

Since Biofreeze cream is a concentrated solution (10% menthol is on the higher side), it’s not recommended for people with sensitive skin. Be sure to test a small patch before applying to larger areas, and if irritation occurs, discontinue use. However, this cream may be your new best friend if you can tolerate it.

If you would prefer an alternative to cream, Biofreeze also makes a pain-relieving roll-on that is a favorite of AOL’s health editor, April McCormick.

Cost: $56.00 for 2oz tub | Key Ingredients: Calendula Oil, Ginger Oil, Menthol Crystals, Pineapple Enzymes (Bromelain), Turmeric Oil, Vitamin E Oil | Cooling, Warming, Neutral: Neutral | Scent: Gentle, minty scent

Cymbiotika Ultimate Pain Balm is the best pain relief cream for sensitive skin due to its powerful blend of natural ingredients and ability to provide fast and targeted relief for pain and discomfort.

One of the active ingredients, bromelain, derived from pineapples, has been shown in studies to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it effective for pain, soft-tissue swelling, and joint stiffness associated with osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee and shoulder. Ginger is also commonly used for conditions such as burns, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, joint stiffness, and inflammation.

The Ultimate Pain Balm is formulated to address a bevy of pain-related issues, including sore muscles and joint pain, minor aches, muscle pain, and skin-soothing properties. So, it’s a versatile and helpful product to have on hand for managing conditions such as tension headaches, menstruation, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Customers rave about its effectiveness in relieving pain, pleasant smell, and quality ingredients. “I use it both for my sacroiliac joint pain and my TMJ pain. My husband also uses it on his sore muscles. It is life changing. I love the smell and it is easy to apply. I find it helps within minutes. It eases pain more than any other natural or medicated balms I’ve used. I will be subscribing to this item in a moment! It’s worth trying,” praised one reviewer. Another said, “I have been trying a few different pain relievers for arthritis in my foot and this is the one I’ll stick with. A little goes a long way and smell is not offensive….smells like spearmint. So happy I gave it a try!”

Cost: $19.22 for 5.3 oz tube | Key Ingredients: Diclofenac sodium (NSAID) 1% (equivalent to 0.93% diclofenac) | Cooling, Warming, Neutral: Neutral, slightly cooling | Scent: The gel does not have a strong scent

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is the best muscle relief cream for arthritis due to its FDA-approved formulation and ability to relieve arthritis pain effectively. The active ingredient, diclofenac sodium, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that temporarily blocks the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins, treating pain at the source.

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is an FDA-approved formula that the company claims works two times longer than other over-the-counter products, so it’s an accessible solution for managing chronic arthritis pain at home. Not to be overlooked, the gel comes with the Arthritis Foundation Commendation for the Easy Twist Cap, so sore and weak joints aren’t aggravated by trying to use the product.

It is worth noting that there are risks involved with using diclofenac sodium products, including Voltaren. Using too much or layering the product can lead to side effects and health issues, so speak to your doctor before using Voltaren to ensure it’s a good choice, and always follow the instructions on the label for use.

Customers have praised the gel for its performance, quality, and the absence of a pungent smell. They appreciate that it helps ease pain, reduces aching and throbbing, and continues working for hours. One customer review stated, “My wife and I both have arthritis issues (at different locations, however), after immediately applying the gel to those painful areas for a few days we both felt some pain relief using Voltaren.”

Cost: $14 | Key ingredients: Menthol 11%, camphor 11% | Cooling, warming or neutral effect: Warming | Scent: Light mint

This pump bottle makes it especially easy for arthritis pain sufferers to use, and you may not want to stop using it, thanks to its low per-ounce price. While it’s labeled as a rub, the Tiger Balm formula is more of a cream-mousse hybrid in consistency. Squeezing out just the right amount won’t be an issue.

But it’s the camphor and menthol that make this product stand out. The warming rub, which can help increase blood flow to stiff joints, has an 11% concentration of each active ingredient. “At 11%, these counterirritants produce a soothing surface irritation to the area of application that is strong enough to disrupt the pain signals from arthritis, which allows you to complete your everyday activities with less pain,” says Matthew Cavanaugh, a chiropractor at Cavanaugh Chiropractic Clinic in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Don’t worry about smelling like a medicine cabinet; the little odor it does have quickly dissipates after application. However, be cautious when applying after bathing or when the skin is wet, as this may increase the warming effects and cause irritation. The manufacturer recommends avoiding water one hour before and after using the product.

Cost: $15 | Key ingredients: Menthol 16%, camphor 11% | Cooling, warming, neutral: Cooling | Scent: Mint

If you prefer a maximum-strength topical arthritis pain relief cream but don’t love the residue they often leave behind, consider Icy Hot’s Pro Cream. With 16% menthol and 11% camphor, this formula boasts one of the highest concentrations of active ingredients available without a prescription.

This no-mess option uses a massaging applicator with 54 individual nodes to deliver the cooling sensation exactly where you need it — without getting any product on your hands. Even better? The cream absorbs quickly and feels non-greasy.

One negative is the scent; due to the high menthol concentration, your nose and eyes may experience some irritation when applying to larger areas. To avoid this, apply in a well-ventilated area away from young children and pets.

Cost: $45 | Key ingredients: Full-spectrum hemp oil, menthol, arnica, rosemary | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Cooling | Scent: Light natural

Equilibria’s Relief Balm contains menthol, arnica and 500 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD, delivering a cooling sensation and anti-inflammatory benefits. CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a compound found in cannabis or hemp plants that has shown promising pain-relieving properties. While Equilibria’s balm contains less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis), it’s a full-spectrum product containing all the beneficial plant compounds — including trace amounts of THC.

The product is free of gluten, GMOs and synthetic fragrances and has several moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter. You can save 25% as a subscriber with each Equilibria shipment. Plus, the company offers free consultations with wellness coaches to help you find the right amount of CBD to control your pain.

Reviewers say the balm works quickly and effectively and also note that a little goes a long way, making the higher price tag worth it. However, the one-ounce container may not last long if used multiple times daily. As with any CBD product, it’s important to consult with your doctor before use, especially if you are taking other medications or have any medical conditions. Ships to all 50 states, United States territories and military bases.

Cost: $13 | Key ingredients: Lidocaine 4%, menthol 1% | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Cooling | Scent: Mint

Tylenol is a consumer favorite for pain relief, and its new Precise Cooling Pain Cream only solidifies its spot on our list. This cooling cream combines the pain-fighting powers of lidocaine and menthol to deliver fast-acting relief with a refreshing sensation.

The cream is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, making it an excellent option for on-the-go application at work and during travel. The rollerball applicator allows you to target pain precisely thanks to the multiple steel ball bearings that help distribute the lotion evenly, though, the small application tip, which can make it challenging to apply to larger areas like the hips. However, smaller areas like the hands, wrists, and neck are easy to target — which may be exactly what you like about it.

Cost: $22 | Key ingredients: Capsaicin, arnica, MSM | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Warming | Scent: Light

Penetrex’s Warming Pain Relief Cream is a vegan formula that aids in soothing muscle and joint pain with the use of capsaicin, arnica and MSM. Capsaicin has been shown to reduce pain signals, while arnica is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is an organic sulfur compound that may decrease swelling.

Reviewers say the scent of this cream dissipates quickly, making it ideal for those sensitive to strong smells. “This formula is not menthol based, so it is also a great option for those who do not enjoy menthol’s strong scent and chilly sensation,” says Gallucci. It’s also safe to use up to three times a day.

Since it contains capsaicin derived from chili peppers, the warming sensation may feel intense for some users. Sweat and water can increase the warming effect, so don’t use them before exercise or after a shower. Still, the hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon speak to its effectiveness.

Cost: $40 | Key ingredients: Symphytum officinale extract 10X, rosmarinus officinale extract 1X, menthol, camphor | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Cooling | Scent: Cinnamon

For those willing to splurge on a high-quality, all-natural pain relief cream, Treefrog’s Topical Pain Relief Cream contains powerful ingredients like Symphytum officinale extract, also known as comfrey, which has been used for centuries to relieve pain and inflammation. Other noteworthy ingredients include rosmarinus officinale extract (commonly known as rosemary), menthol and camphor.

The product itself is light, non-greasy, and absorbs within minutes, leaving a soft, silky feel. The scent of cinnamon is refreshing and not overpowering, and it doesn’t have a strong menthol smell despite containing menthol.

Another perk of this cream is its eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing of ingredients. The product is also vegan and cruelty-free. It’s worth mentioning that it leaves a slight red hue on light-colored skin after application, but this dissipates quickly.

Cost: $11 | Key ingredients: Trolamine salicylate 10% | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Neutral | Scent: Fragrance-free

Aspercreme has been a trusted name in household pain relief since the late 1900s, and chances are you’ve already heard of it. But if you haven’t tried its Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cream yet, it’s definitely worth considering for your arthritis-affected joints.

The cream contains 10% trolamine salicylate, a topical pain reliever that targets and inhibits pain receptors. Upon application, the active ingredient begins working within minutes and provides relief for hours. “Aspercreme is odor-free, which is a pro for those sensitive to smells and cannot have fragrance on their skin,” says Gallucci. It’s also non-greasy and dries quickly.

While it has no added ingredients for extra benefits besides aloe leaf juice for moisture, the product comes in a generous 5-ounce tube (compared to competitors’ average of 4 ounces). The flip-top cap also eliminates the struggle of opening a tube or jar with achy wrists and hands. However, you should be aware that the salicylate content may still irritate some, as those with sensitive skin can potentially have a reaction to any topical pain reliever.

Cost: $8 | Key ingredients: Lidocaine 4% | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Neutral | Scent: Tropical jasmine

Healthcare professionals often use lidocaine, the active ingredient in Bengay Lidocaine Cream, as a topical anesthetic for minor procedures. So, it’s no surprise that this pain reliever has 6,000+ positive reviews on Amazon. The cream contains 4% lidocaine, the FDA-approved maximum strength for over-the-counter use. This makes it excellent for those with moderate to severe arthritis pain.

The cream numbs the pain receptors in the affected area within minutes. It’s not tacky and doesn’t leave residue or a sticky feeling on the skin. For best results, apply a thin layer and wait 10 minutes before going about your day. The cream penetrates your skin within seconds and provides relief for several hours or longer. Plus, you can apply it up to four times daily for flare-ups or more severe discomfort.

One of the main downsides of this product is that it contains an added fragrance — a tropical jasmine scent. While this may be pleasing to some, others with sensitive skin or noses may find it irritating. Some users also report the cream being on the thin side in consistency, but this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker for most.