Sore muscles, arthritis aches, back pain, and other types of discomfort can make daily life miserable. While oral pain medication often causes side effects, topical pain relief creams provide targeted relief right where you need it. Keep reading to discover the top-rated pain creams and how to choose the right one for your needs.
- Best Cooling Creams for Muscle, Joint, and Back Pain
Sore, overworked muscle fibers and strained joints greatly benefit from cooling relief. Look for creams containing menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, and other cooling ingredients like:
Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel – With a high 4% menthol content, it provides long-lasting icy cooling for muscle, joint, back, and arthritis pain. The popular gel penetrates quickly and leaves no greasy residue.
IcyHot Cream – This affordable cream contains menthol and methyl salicylate to relieve muscle aches, ease arthritis pain, and dull lower back pain. The invigorating scent wakes up sore limbs.
Salonpas Pain Relief Patch – Convenient medicated patches use 10% menthol to numb muscle soreness, strains, stiff joints, and sport injuries. The cooling patches adhere directly to problem areas for fast-acting relief.
- Best Warming Creams for Arthritis and Joint Pain
For deep relief from arthritis and joint pain, look for warming creams containing capsicum extract derived from hot peppers. Helpful products include:
Zostrix HP Arthritis Cream – This effective cream harnesses the pain-blocking power of capsaicin along with moisturizing emollients. It absorbs quickly without leaving residue.
Heated Relief Cream – With 4% capsaicin extract, this fast-acting cream helps provide lasting comfort from arthritis symptoms, back pain, stiff joints, and sore muscles.
Tiger Balm Arthritis Rub – This tried-and-true rub uses camphor, menthol, cajeput oil, and other natural ingredients to ease muscle and joint aches. The invigorating scent energizes.
- Best Arnica Creams for Bruises, Sprains, and Strains
Arnica extract from the mountain arnica plant offers natural healing for bruising, swelling, sprains, strains, and arthritis flare-ups. Look for arnica in creams like:
Boiron Arnica Cream – This homeopathic remedy uses a highly diluted concentration of arnica to reduce bruising and speed recovery from minor injuries and muscle soreness without side effects.
Forces of Nature Pain Management Cream – Certified organic and safe for sensitive skin, it combines arnica with menthol, magnesium, and other natural pain fighters to treat back and muscle aches.
NatraBio Arnica Relief – Providing soothing relief without artificial scents or parabens, this topical gel treats bumps, bruises, muscle strains, sprains, and arthritic hand pain.
When evaluating pain relief creams, check labels for proven active ingredients that match your needs. Follow usage directions closely and do a skin patch test before applying to a larger area. If pain persists or you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult your doctor. With the right topical cream, you can find welcome relief from recurrent aches and pains.
