When you’re living with any kind of arthritis, the pain can be terrible. Trying to cope with arthritis pain can be a lifelong challenge. Fortunately, there are plenty of pain relief options available, which can be easily researched online right now.
In addition to traditional arthritis pain, there are related symptoms like swelling, aches, and stiffness. Many pain relief options, including affordable over-the-counter topical products like lotions, creams and gels, are worth exploring.
Why Choose Over-the-Counter Creams?
Over-the-counter creams can offer pain relief for some arthritis sufferers. They contain active ingredients that work to soothe pain from the skin down into your joints. With regular use, one of these topical treatment options could help you live a pain-free life.
While over-the-counter arthritis creams may not be as strong as prescription medications, you can still get plenty of benefits from them. These products can offer quick, effective pain relief that gives you short-term results. All you have to do is apply them to your skin anywhere you’re aching or hurting.
These products work because they contain ingredients that help work against the inflammation that causes arthritis pain. Typically, over-the-counter creams include ingredients that fight inflammation and swelling, work to decrease joint pain and pressure, and even warm and cool the skin. They can even help distract your brain from the pain you’re feeling and may block the skin’s pain receptors.
Here are six over-the-counter creams that may be able to help with your arthritis symptoms.
1. Bengay Ultra Strength Pain Relieving Cream
Bengay Ultra Strength uses three different pain-relieving ingredients that work on arthritis aches and pains. It’s best for minor arthritis pain, but this formula offers strong, fast effects.
Arthritis-Friendly Ingredients
- Salicylates, which help reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation.
- Camphor, a counterirritant that warms and cools the skin.
- Menthol, which can also help warm and cool the skin.
2. Icy Hot Vanishing Gel
Icy Hot Vanishing Gel offers temporary pain relief for arthritis and muscle aches and strains. It can be applied generously, multiple times per day, to get relief. One of the biggest perks is that this gel will disappear – both in scent and appearance – as it works.
Arthritis-Friendly Ingredients
- Salicylates, which help reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation.
- Menthol, which works to initially cool and dull pain, then warms the area to relax whatever is sore.
3. Aspercreme Odor-Free Topical Analgesic Cream
Best for relieving temporary pain, Aspercreme Odor-Free Topical Analgesic Cream is one of the most popular over-the-counter products for arthritis pain. It’s available in formulas with and without lidocaine too, so you can choose if you’d like numbing or non-numbing.
Arthritis-Friendly Ingredients
- Salicylates, which help reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation.
- No counterirritants, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin.
- Scent-free, so it doesn’t smell like other typical arthritis creams.
4. Myoflex Odorless Pain Relieving Cream
If you’re looking for fast-acting pain relief that lasts longer than a few hours, you’ll want to try Myoflex Odorless Pain Relieving Cream. This over-the-counter product can last up to eight hours, giving you almost a whole day of relief.
Arthritis-Friendly Ingredients
- Salicylates, which help reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation.
- Aloe vera, which helps users avoid the menthol smell of other products.
5. Capzasin-HP Arthritis Cream
As the number one pharmacist recommended topical pain reliever, Capzasin-HP is one of the most effective over-the-counter products you can buy. It uses the same ingredient that causes the spiciness of peppers to help relieve arthritis pain.
Arthritis-Friendly Ingredients
- Capsaicin, which warms the skin to help reduce pain and blocks the body’s pain receptors. It can also penetrate the skin more deeply for quick relief.
6. Sportscreme Deep Penetrating Pain Relieving Rub
Sportscreme Deep Penetrating Pain Relieving Rub is a thick cream that’s meant to be deeply massaged into the skin. Though it’s designed to be used by athletes, it can work wonders for arthritis symptoms like stiffness and sore muscles.
Arthritis-Friendly Ingredients
- Salicylates, which help reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation.
- Free of counterirritants, which is ideal for anyone who doesn’t want heating or cooling of the skin.
Get Quick Relief With Arthritis Creams
If you’re looking for a way to relieve your daily arthritis aches and pains without prescription medication, you may be able to find relief via a topical, over-the-counter cream. Products like the ones mentioned here are great options that you can find at your local drug store or online.
Make sure to choose an over-the-counter arthritis cream that includes ingredients that can help alleviate pain. Look at the ingredients list, and check with your doctor before you begin using any products regularly. You may be able to find a product that helps you live a more comfortable, pain-free life.
It is always a good idea to be evaluated by a physician for arthritis, as certain types of arthritis, such as psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, can become debilitating if not treated appropriately.