From arthritis creams to muscle rubs, topical pain relief creams work in several ways:
Counterirritation – Menthol, camphor, and capsaicin creams produce a tingling, cooling, or warming sensation that distracts the nerves from underlying pain signals.
Blocked transmission – Local anesthetics like lidocaine work by temporarily blocking nerve impulse transmission, reducing sensitivity in the area.
Reduced inflammation – NSAIDs like diclofenac and salicylates applied topically reduce swelling, fluid, and inflammation in joints and tissues.
Increased circulation – Creams containing cayenne or black pepper stimulate blood flow to the painful area bringing healing components to the tissues.
When rubbed into the skin over a painful area, these pain-fighting ingredients absorb into the deeper tissues where they can exert targeted analgesic effects at the source of pain. Since less medication enters the bloodstream, there are fewer systemic side effects.
Frequent reapplication is key to provide ongoing relief as the effects wear off. Consistently using a pain relief cream delivers progressive improvements in mobility and function over time.
