Arthritis is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people each year. Thankfully, over-the-counter arthritis creams, gels, and other topicals incorporate ingredients that reduce inflammation or temporarily relieve pain by distracting the pain receptors at the joints. Although these products do not ultimately cure the underlying condition, they can provide consistent relief, making the pain and inflammation manageable for individuals.
We spoke with experts about how arthritis creams work and what ingredients to look for and avoid when looking for a new cream. Then, we researched dozens of arthritis topicals on the market based on the ingredients, efficacy, formula consistency, and price. We then narrowed down the options to the top 8 arthritis topicals available.
Active Ingredients to Look for and Avoid in Arthritis Creams
These ingredients typically decrease inflammation or distract the pain receptors so that you experience joint relief at the site.
- Diclofenac sodium: Experts recommend this top ingredient for its ability to decrease inflammation at and around the joint. This ingredient also provides longer-lasting pain relief.
- Capsaicin: This is an active ingredient derived from chili peppers and has shown to be effective in reducing neuropathic pain.
- Camphor, Menthol, and Lidocaine: These three active ingredients work similarly in that they provide a numbing or cooling sensation to the pain receptors.
- Trolamine salicylate: An active ingredient that targets inflammation in the joints.
While Nilanjana Bose, MD, MBA, a rheumatologist at Lonestar Rheumatology in Houston, Texas, suggests that there aren’t any particular ingredients in arthritis creams that people should avoid, she explains that it’s important to pay attention to your own body. Individuals with sensitive skin might find that certain topicals cause more harm than good for their skin.
What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
- Application Method: The most common form of these topicals is a cream or gel massaged directly into the joint. However, roll-on creams work well for individuals who want to avoid getting their hands messy and spreading the product to other body areas. If your joint pain is in hard-to-reach areas, such as the back, then a spray-on topical may work best.
- Fast-Acting Relief: Products that incorporate ingredients like methanol provide fast-acting relief because they work instantly to distract the pain receptors away from the joint. However, fast-acting relief does not always equate with long-lasting relief.
- Long-Lasting Relief: Active ingredients that target inflammation, such as diclofenac sodium and trolamine salicylate, often provide longer-lasting relief.
- Safety considerations: Topical arthritis creams are generally considered safe for most individuals to use, Bose says. For products that include the active ingredient of capsaicin, Bose recommends wearing gloves, protecting the eyes when applying, and ensuring that there is no open wound or cut in the area.
- Pregnancy concerns: Although topical creams and gels are generally viewed as safe for pregnant individuals and those who are breastfeeding, Rachel Frank, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at UCHealth and director of the Joint Preservation Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, recommends first speaking with your doctor before using a new product.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you notice worsening arthritis symptoms or arthritis creams and topical treatments aren't helping, it may be time to consult your healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan and product recommendations.
Our Top Picks
Best CBD Cream:
Best Roll-On Formula:
Best Natural:
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Pros
Non-greasy formula
Alleviates stiffness and pain
Longer-lasting relief
Cons
May take a few days for best results
Key Specs
Type: Gel | Active Ingredient: Diclofenac sodium
Why We Recommend It
Voltaren Topicical Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, recommended by Bose, previously required a prescription but is now available over the counter at most pharmacies and stores. The key ingredient in this topical gel is diclofenac sodium, which is known for alleviating stiffness, joint pain, and inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis. As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), the active ingredient works by healing the joint from underneath the skin by directly targeting inflammation. Although this nonsteroid topical will not treat arthritis, studies have found it does provide long-lasting relief because it targets inflammation and pain directly at the area of concern.
Besides its anti-inflammatory properties, this product was propelled to the top of our list for its non-greasy formula. This makes it easy to use on areas such as the hands, knees, and ankles. You can apply the product to the skin, massage it, and go about the rest of your day, as it won’t leave behind a greasy sheen.
Keep In Mind
For arthritis pain, it is recommended to apply the product to the afflicted area for one week to see the most optimal results. So, you might not experience relief as fast as other products on the market. We suggest trying Aspercreme Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cream if you need fast-acting relief. It acts quickly, provideslong-lasting relief, and can soothe and hydrate the skin thanks to thetrolamine salicylate and aloe in the formula. That said, the product may leave a sticky residue on your skin and can be hard to squeeze from the tube.
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Pros
Provides fast-acting relief
Works on many different joints
Incorporates natural turmeric
Cons
Strong scent
Might take a few days for optimal results
Key Specs
Type: Cream | Active Ingredient: Camphor
Why We Recommend It
Joint pain in the knee can feel debilitating, especially if you live an active lifestyle. The JointFlex Pain Relief Cream combines two key ingredients to assist with inflammation and pain relief: camphor and turmeric. Camphor is an active ingredient used in topicals for its ability to alleviate minor aches and pains caused in the joints. Turmeric, a natural ingredient recommended by Bose, has anti-inflammatory properties that will assist with alleviating inflammation. Together, these ingredients work well to address minor inflammation, pain, and stiffness you might experience from arthritis.
This product is optimal for knees because it targets the stiffness that can often accompany knee pain. It is recommended to consistently use this product on the afflicted joint for about one week. This will help the product work its full anti-inflammatory benefits against the area, allowing you to experience the most relief from the topical.
Keep In Mind
The cream emits a strong scent, which might bother some people.
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Pros
Natural ingredients
Non-greasy, non-sticky formula
Cruelty-free
Cons
May not provide long-lasting relief
May cause skin sensitivities
Key Specs
Type: Cream | Active Ingredient: Arnica, vitamin B6, MSM
Why We Recommend It
When looking for the right arthritis cream for your hand joints, finding a formula that doesn’t leave behind a sticky or greasy residue is important. Penetrex Joint & Muscle Therapy cream is specifically formulated with a non-greasy and non-sticky formula, making it an optimal cream to use on the hands. The formula incorporates the natural ingredients of arnica and vitamin B6. Studies have found that arnica extract sufficiently alleviates mild to moderate pain and inflammation when used in topicals. Vitamin B6 also assists with providing inflammatory relief to the joint by targeting the underlying condition.
This vegan, cruelty-free formula also doesn’t have a strong odor, unlike many other options. Also, the natural ingredients work great for individuals who want to avoid harsher active ingredients. For best results, it is recommended to apply the cream three to four times per day for one week.
Keep In Mind
Although effective, this product might not provide the longer-lasting relief you need for more severe aches and pains. Also, this cream may cause irritation in those with sensitive skin.
Best CBD Cream
Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion + Menthol
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Pros
USDA-certified organic
Cooling sensation
Thinner formula is easy to apply
Cons
Strong scent
Key Specs
Type: Cream | Active Ingredient: CBD, THC
Why We Recommend It
Cannabidiol, or CBD, has been shown to relieve symptoms of inflammation and pain in people with arthritis. Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion combines CBD and THC in a thin cream formula that absorbs quickly to provide faster-acting relief. This cream also contains methanol to provide an instant cooling sensation.
We love that this product is USDA-certified organic for its ingredients, including peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, and rosemary oil. Applying two pumps of the product twice per day is recommended.
Keep In Mind
This product contains 1 mg of THC for every 25 mg of CBD. Depending on the individual, one might prefer to use a cream that only contains CBD.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/capzain-quick-relief-gel-59da28ccab4e40258954910716896e5b.jpg "Experts Share The Best Arthritis Cream To Keep You Moving—Comfortably (5)")
Pros
Fast-acting relief
No-mess application
Odorless formula
Cons
Burning sensation may bother individuals
Applicator may deteriorate
Key Specs
Type: Gel | Active Ingredient: Capsaicin, menthol
Why We Recommend It
The Capzain Quick Relief Gel has a no-mess applicator that makes it ideal for those who want to avoid getting their hands messy. The attached sponge allows you to squeeze the gel out and apply it directly to the joint. This product includes both capsaicin and methanol in its formula to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Besides its beneficial active ingredients, the product also boasts an odor-free formula. Apply the product to the area or areas of concern a few times per day to experience the most relief from the product.
Keep In Mind
The combination of capsaicin and methanol can cause a burning sensation to the area applied, which might feel uncomfortable for some. Also, the sponge applicator may deteriorate after extended use.
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Pros
Easy to apply
Targets tough-to-reach places
Fast-acting relief
Cons
Strong scent
Key Specs
Type: Spray | Active Ingredient: Methanol
Why We Recommend It
The BIofreeze Professional Strength Pain Relief Aerosol Spray provides fast-acting and cooling relief with methanol. This product is a spray, which can come in handy If you’re experiencing joint pain in hard-to-reach places, such as the back, because there’s no need to rub the product in.
Methanol, which provides a numbing effect to painful joints, can cause irritation to areas like the eyes. Because this option is a spray, you’re less likely to get it all over your hands and then wipe your eyes which may cause stinging. For this reason we like this option for those who are on the go and unable to frequently wash their hands.
Keep In Mind
Although the product absorbs quickly into the skin, it might be helpful to rub it in, depending on where you apply it. The product also has a strong scent that might irritate some individuals.
Best Roll-On Formula
Aspercreme Odor Free Max Strength Lidocaine
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Pros
No-mess application
Unscented formula
Fast-acting relief
Cons
May leave behind sticky residue
Applicator may clog
Key Specs
Type: Roll-on liquid | Active Ingredient: Lidocaine
Why We Recommend It
This roll-on cream uses lidocaine—an active ingredient that provides temporary relief to the area applied. Unlike other lidocaine options on the market, this one is fragrance-free, which we love. The product also comes with an easy roll-on applicator to keep your hands from getting the messy, dirty applications.
We also love that the formula is thin, which helps the product absorb and dry quickly. Additionally, the product comes in a compact tube that is easy to pack when traveling.
Keep In Mind
The formula might leave behind a sticky residue after being applied to the skin. Also, the roll-on applicator might get clogged as you continue to use the product.
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Pros
All-natural ingredients
Non-greasy formula
Cons
Not as fast-acting
Key Specs
Type: Cream | Active Ingredient: Methanol
Why We Recommend It
Smith's Amish Arthritis Cream is ideal for individuals who experience skin sensitivities or want an all-natural product. The formula combines the all-natural ingredients of methanol, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and sweet almond oil. Together, these ingredients assist in soothing and cooling relief to inflamed joints.
We love that it also doesn’t feel greasy on the skin once applied. This works great for people using the product in areas like their hands and want to go about their day after application. For best results, apply the product a couple of times daily to experience its cooling and soothing effects.
Keep In Mind
Besides methanol, the product lacks other active ingredients known to assist with pain and inflammation. Individuals might find the product does not provide as fast or long-lasting relief as other products.
How We Selected the Best Arthritis Creams
When selecting the best arthritis creams, we spoke with board-certified rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons to better understand what makes an arthritis cream effective. We then researched dozens of arthritis topicals and creams available over the counter and compared them based on several factors such as:
- Active ingredients: Based on expert interviews and medical studies, we chose products with recommended and well-studied active ingredients.
- Other ingredients: Active ingredients, though effective, can sometimes feel harsher on the skin. So, we also considered natural alternatives and formulas that incorporated more hydrating ingredients as they will feel smoother on the skin.
- Form: Although form largely depends on the user, we researched a variety of different types to ensure we provided the most diverse list of topicals that work for a variety of individuals.
- Formula consistency: Rubbing in a topical and finding that it leaves behind a greasy or sticky cast can be frustrating. We considered how the topicals absorbed and dried on the skin when selecting the top ones.
Our Experts
The insights that we received from our interviews helped guide our research on what to look for in an arthritis cream, including the ingredients used and the form. For this article, we spoke to:
- Nilanjana Bose, MD, MBA, rheumatologist at Lonestar Rheumatology in Houston, Texas
- Rachel Frank, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at UCHealth and director of the Joint Preservation Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine
Why Trust Verywell Health
Danielle Zoellner is a Boston-based freelance writer with an emphasis on health and wellness writing. She has written for The Independent, Verywell Health, DailyMail.com, and Vox Magazine, among other publications. Growing up in a household of healthcare professionals has fueled her passion for topics relating to health, fitness, wellness, and the medical industry. Danielle has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and English from the University of Missouri. Danielle does not have arthritis, but she has used OTC topical creams to assist with joint and muscle pain. She used her experience with these topicals to assist her with researching and writing about the top arthritis creams available.
