10 Topical Pain Relief That Work

best topical pain relief

Pain is an unpleasant sensation and is usually an indication that something is wrong.

Pain can be emotional as well, but today we will be focusing on the physical aspect.

Nobody likes to feel pain, but unfortunately, at some point in our life, we all experience it. There are different levels of pain, and they occur for varying reasons.

But one thing is certain, we need a remedy for it, whether the ache is acute (short term) or chronic (long term).

At times, the discomfort does not warrant a hospital or doctor visit, and for those instances, we can use over-the-counter remedies.

One such solution is topical pain relief analgesic creams, gels, or rubs.

They help you find relief without addictive side effects attributed to many of today’s common, over-the-counter painkillers.

In this post, we will explore ten live-saving topical pain relief options that are formulated with some of the most powerful ingredients to provide you with the comfort and pain relief you so rightfully deserve.

Best Muscle, Joint & Nerve Pain Relief Creams At a Glance

Top 10 Pain Relief Cream For Arthritis – Effective Topical Analgesic

1) MindBody Matrix – Best Overall

mind body matrix

The MindBody Matrix topical pain treatment was originally discovered on the International Space Station and is being hailed by the space-age treatment for muscle, nerve, and joint pain.

This topical pain relief cream could also replace traditional medical approaches for a wide range of painful conditions because of its potent formulation and efficiency.

MindBody Matrix has a unique way of eliminating any type of minor ache or pain.

It alters the energy of your cells and this has been verified by 4,000+ peer-reviewed studies.

This topical pain relief cream is formulated with nine essential oils, including Boswellia, arnica, tea tree, peppermint, and aloe vera.

It also consists of two neurotransmitter supporters, L-theanine and GABA, which have been found to promote calming and relaxation at the cellular level and balance the neurotransmitters.

The final step in developing this breakthrough cream involves putting the cream inside a Red LED Light Chamber for 30 minutes to infuse it with the pain-relieving properties of Red Light.

Pros

  • Fast-acting
  • Applicable to numerous pain types, including muscle, nerve, and joint.
  • No prescription is needed.
  • No opiates were used.
  • No supplemental surgery, exercise, or stretching is required.
  • It’s FDA-registered.
  • Pleasant smell

Cons:

  • A bit more costly than other topical pain relief creams.

Why MindBody Matrix is the Best Overall Topical Pain Reliever

Users and researchers at Harvard University and the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston are now praising a strange new topical pain relief cream, as it has proven itself a very effective pain-relieving product.

MindBody Matrix can relieve chronic back and hip discomfort that prevents you from doing your everyday activities. It can also:

  • reduce knee, elbow, shoulder, and neck discomfort
  • manage the aches and pains associated with arthritis
  • .help you combat sleep issues
  • relieve minor aches related to headaches, migraines, and stress

2) Arctic Blast – Best Runner Up

ArcticBlast

Stop hurting, start living! This is the aim of Arctic Blast pain reliever, as it intends to help you take back control of your life.

Arctic BlastTM promises to get right to the root of the pain with its life-changing pain reliever formulation that provides deep penetrating, temporary relief for those struggling with the burden of pain.

Arctic Blast uses a combination of natural ingredients that are proven by clinical trials to be effective pain relievers.

Its active ingredients include peppermint oil and camphor, which is one of the few topical pain relievers that are FDA-approved.

Pros

  • Ships internationally
  • 100% money-back guarantee for up to one year.
  • Backed by research

Cons

  • May not be suitable for pregnant and lactating women
  • A bit more costly than other topical pain relievers.

Why Arctic Blast is the Best Runner Up

Back pain, acute injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, minor pain, are just a few of the issues that this formulation can remedy.

Arctic blast is able to help you regain mobility lost to muscle and joint pain. It can relieve pain and leave you with a cooling sensation.

Additionally, from the numerous reviews on their website, it is evident that this product keeps to its promise of helping you manage everyday aches and pains without addictive side effects attributed to many of today’s common, over-the-counter painkillers.

3) Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel

Voltaren is one of the most commonly used pain-relieving gels on the market.

Its popularity is primarily seen among persons with osteoarthritis pain affecting their hand, knee, elbows, ankles, and feet joints.

Voltaren relieves pain as effectively as its oral NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) companion, minus the side effects.

Of note, even though this gel has been available for years, the over-the-counter formulation was approved in 2020.

Its active ingredient, diclofenac sodium, is the perfect formula for inflammatory arthritis pain relief.

This gel is formulated with non-greasy Voltaren Emulgel, which combines the properties of an arthritis cream and a gel to go below the surface of the skin and attack pain at the site.

Pros

  • FDA-approved
  • Ideal for persons diagnosed with heart or kidney disease and the elderly.
  • Provides cooling sensation.
  • Affordable
  • Suitable for the entire body.

Cons

  • Delayed pain relief
  • Not suitable for persons with sensitive skin.
  • May cause an allergic reaction in persons who have an aspirin allergy.

Why Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is Best for Arthritis

Arthritis pain affects millions of people globally, and the older we get, the more at risk we become.

As such, we believe that having a topical pain relief gel designed specifically for pain associated with arthritis is necessary.

Clinical studies conducted to validate the efficacy of Voltaren saw volunteers with osteoarthritis of the knee achieving notable pain relief starting at 1 week and lasted through 12 weeks of treatment.

Voltaren wants you to take on the day using its powerful pain relief gel. Further, it also:

  • improves mobility and reduces stiffness
  • penetrates deep to attack pain directly at the site
  • treats pain instead of mask it

4) Rub on Relief Fast Acting Pain and Ache Relief Natural Crea

Rub On Relief

This natural, non-greasy cream is formulated to reduce inflammation with a cooling sensation all while calming the skin.

Rub on Relief Fast Acting Pain and Ache Relief Natural Cream can quickly soothe muscle and joint pain upon contact due to its ingredient, camphor.

Its ingredients are clinically proven to provide rapid pain relief of achy hands, back, feet, shoulders, neck, knees, elbows, wrists, fingers, ankles, muscles, etc. rub on relief penetrates deep down to help soothe sore muscles and joints.

Rub on is one of the fastest-acting pain relief creams and topical medications available.

Pros

  • Non-greasy feel
  • Fast-acting
  • Formulated with only the best and safest natural ingredients.
  • Affordable
  • All-natural
  • No burning sensation
  • Gives both a hot and cold sensation.

Cons

  • Has a menthol scent that some may dislike.

Why Rub on Relief Fast Acting Pain?

Rub on Relief features thirteen 13 natural ingredients in one revolutionary product to create the ideal natural pain relief cream that stands among the best topical pain relievers and pain relief creams.

It is perfect for those affected by a stiff neck, lower back issues, creaky knees, throbbing hands, but prefers an all-natural option.

Rub on Relief can give you soothing relief in record time and:

  • works on the source of the pain
  • can relieve numerous types of pain, including lower back pain, upper back pain, sciatica, scoliosis, hip pain, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, joint pain, foot pain, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints.

5) Penetrex Therapy Cream

Penetrex Joint Muscle Therapy

Penetrex is created with natural ingredients capable of relieving pain and inflammation using its non-greasy and non-staining formulation.

Described as a best-kept secret, Penetrex therapy cream does not simply provide cooling and warming ingredients found in other formulations.

Instead, Penetrex delivers soothing results by targeting the source with its unique formulation, which features ingredients like Arnica Montana Flower Extract, peppermint, Boswellia Serrata, Vitamin B6, and aloe vera.

Pros

  • Natural
  • Pleasantly light and quickly vanishing peppermint scent.
  • Unconditional refund policy.
  • Non-greasy
  • Non-burning

Cons

  • Can cause an allergic reaction on very sensitive skin.

Why Penetrex Therapy Cream is Runner up Best Natural

There can never be too many natural topical pain relief options, especially if those options are effective in relieving painful joints and chronic pain.

These are among the best pain relief creams and are recommended by pain management specialists and other healthcare providers.

Penetrex Therapy Cream can also be used on its own and is also appropriate for use in conjunction with complementary therapies such as a heating pad, ice pack, massage, and supplements.

6) Bengay Pain Relieving Cream

Ultra Strength Bengay

Bengay is formulated with Camphor, Menthol, and Methyl Salicylate which are known to relieve and reduce aches.

Its mess-free, non-greasy formulation makes it appropriate for use anywhere and anytime.

This pain-relieving cream targets painful muscles, soothe aches, and many users have noted that it is just as effective as tiger balm.

Bengay can ease backaches, minor arthritis, muscle, and joint aches.

Methyl Salicylate is not a common ingredient in topical relievers, and its camphor and menthol formulation account for its soothing cooling sensation.

Pros

  • Easy application
  • Non-greasy
  • Super Affordable
  • Great smell
  • A physician-recommended OTC topical analgesic for temporary relief.

Cons

  • Skin irritation may occur.

Why Bengay Pain Relieving Cream is Best for Muscles

Muscle injuries can happen to anyone, and they actually occur quite frequently.

As such, having a topical analgesic that one can use over-the-counter for minor strains and sprains is essential.

This is why we believe Bengay deserves a spot on our list, as its inclusion of Salicylate makes this analgesic product the ideal cream to target muscle pain and minor body aches.

7) Icy Hot Vanishing Gel

Icy Hot Vanishing Gel

If you like a cool or warm tingling feeling while getting pain relief then this may be the option for you.

Applying this vanishing gel to any affected area provides you with an initial cooling feeling followed by heat that quickly provides you with temporary relief.

Its formulation boasts a 10% concentration of menthol, which is much higher than most topical analgesics.

Pros

  • Does both cooling and warming.
  • The scent disappears in minutes.
  • No-mess, sponge applicator.
  • Soothing gel formula.

Cons

  • May not be suitable for pregnant and lactating women.
  • It may not be strong enough for intense pain relief.

Why Icy Hot Vanishing Gel is the Best Hot & Cold Therapy

Coupled with its propensity to provide efficient pain relief, this gel does so with a mixture of hot and cold action that we all love. Its potent formulation can:

  • relieve minor discomfort associated with arthritis
  • reduce simple backaches
  • treat muscle strains, sprains, bruises, and cramps

8) Capzasin-HP Arthritis Cream

Capzasin Arthritis Pain Relief

Capzasin-HP Arthritis Cream gives off a mild warming sensation which can be attributed to its natural active ingredient capsaicin.

Capsaicin is the ingredient found in different types of hot chili peppers and cayenne peppers, which makes the peppers spicy and hot.

Capsaicin creams are known for their anti-inflammatory qualities, therefore, capsaicin is an effective component of any pain-relieving formulation.

Pros

  • No mess sponge applicator.
  • Odor-Free
  • Mild warming sensation, unlike that associated with the chili peppers themself.

Cons

  • Capsaicin irritates your skin.

Why Capzasin-HP Arthritis Cream?

According to the CDC, in the United States, 23% of all adults, which is over 54 million people have arthritis. So the more topical analgesics we have to combat this condition, the better.

This quick relief gel is specially formulated with Capsaicin and Menthol for persons affected by arthritis.

However, it can also address issues like:

  • simple backache
  • muscle strains
  • muscle sprains
  • bruises
  • cramps

9) Ted’s Pain Cream with Resveratrol

Teds Pain Cream

This topical analgesic is dubbed as a new way to outsmart pain.

It was developed by a neuroscientist for his own aches based on his research with resveratrol. Resveratrol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good remedy for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

This analgesic cream promises not to just numb the discomfort you are experiencing; instead, it will outsmart it on a molecular level.

Ted’s analgesic cream is formulated with two natural ingredients, 10% methyl salicylate from wintergreen oil and resveratrol from grape skins or Japanese knotweed.

Pros

  • No heat
  • Backed by peer-review studies.
  • Formulated by a neuroscientist.
  • Works on nerve endings.

Cons

  • Not suitable for people with aspirin allergies.
  • Not recommended for people on blood thinners.
  • May cause discomfort for people with complex regional pain syndrome type II (CRPS II).

Why Ted’s Pain Cream with Resveratrol is Best for Nerve Pain

Neuropathic pain is no joke for persons with conditions like diabetic nerve pain. As such, topical analgesics that can target nerve endings are necessary.

This cream’s composition enables it to target nerve-specific discomfort in relation to tendonitis, muscle strains, carpal tunnel, arthritic joints, and sore muscles.

In fact, it works differently from other topical treatments, Ted’s doesn’t numb your nerves, nor does it distract you with menthol or heat.

It may actually reset your nerves to their pre-injury state, eliminating false aches, while allowing important, true pain signals to still make it through.

10) Sombra Warm Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel

Sombra Warm Therapy

Sombra Warm Therapy is made with witch hazel, camphor, and menthol, which will provide you with warming than a cooling effect during the pain-relieving process.

It is mess-free and has a non-greasy feel that allows you to have peace of mind when applying it to areas being covered with clothes.

It is an alcohol-free topical analgesic gel with a refreshing orange-citrus scent and is effective in helping to relieve aches in the muscles and joints due to chronic back discomfort, sprains, and strains and conditions such as sciatic pain, fibromyalgia, neuralgia, arthritis, and more.

Pros

  • Pleasant orange smell.
  • Non-greasy
  • Alcohol-free
  • Made with natural ingredients.

Cons

  • Can cause an allergic reaction.

Why Sombra Warm Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel?

Sombra Warm Therapy is not only ideal for pain as its warm therapeutic action improves blood flow.

This natural gel uses both warming and cooling gate theory pain relief principles.

Gate theory is the idea that providing a sensation stronger than pain, such as heat, to the brain will give you the relief you need.

Additionally, it uses natural aloe for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Pain relief is an essential part of life for many; consequently, pain relief creams that can effectively relieve pain, including those formulated as targeted arthritis creams are welcomed.

Living with pain, whether chronic or acute is no easy task, and so we understand why finding an ideal topical analgesic is necessary.

We trust that this list will help you narrow down your options to finding the ideal topical analgesic.