10 Arthritis Pain Relief Creams Reviewed and Rated
The Arthritis creams featured on our list of reviews are a topical pain relief method that can get you back to moving, so you don’t have to worry about pushing through the pain. Nowadays you have a lot of options to choose from though, so make sure to choose wisely.
In order to get effective pain relief, it’s important to invest in an arthritis cream that has proven to be work for other users who also deal with Arthritis pain. To choose our top picks, we have put in extensive research.
Take a look at what we found below!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Potency
To ensure your Arthritis cream works, we took a good hard look at how potent it is.
It is important to think about how potent your mediation rub of choice is potent and powerful. There is no point in using an arthritis pain rub that is too weak to do much good. But at the same time, you do not want something so potent that it causes problems or side effects. It is why you need to read the label carefully and make sure you are choosing a product that is right for you.
We here at RunnerClick made sure to consider the potency of the ingredients for each product that we listed on our guide here. One important point to remember is that often, the more potent Arthritis creams and salves can work great, but they may also carry a strong odor with them and may feel too hot or cold on the skin.
We focused on Arthritis creams that had the most pleasant consistency for application. I mean who wants there skin to feel sticky and greasy. Our job is to guide you to the wealthiest Arthritis creams for pain and confidence. It is essential for us to keep consumers happy and healthy focusing on Arthritis creams with more natural ingredients that are easily recognizable and pronounceable.
With so few ingredients you can quickly acknowledge the effective and active ones. Most of our picks will not stain close and contain a hydrating ingredient to stomp out that dry skin.
Comfort
Your cream should be easy to put on and should not be sticky or uncomfortable once you rub it in.
Comfort here means having pain relief options that don't feel weird on the skin, and that doesn't cause additional discomfort or problems. The ultimate goal of using arthritis pain rub is to relieve the pain and feel good. The last thing you want is to reduce your pain and stiffness and replace it with a greasy or sticky feeling.
Some rubs absorb better than others, some linger on the skin longer, and some last longer. You will want to make sure you feel comfortable after using the rub and will be able to enjoy your day without being distracted by any after-effects. It comes down to personal preference and may take some trial and error to nail down.
To determine efficacy, we examined hundreds of reviews for each product listed to see whether consumers were happy with the pain relief results of the Arthritis cream in question. It was also taken into account how customers felt about the application process and the way it felt on the skin. We also looked at how each Arthritis cream was meant to be applied to the skin and how easy users felt it was to do so.
Use
The right arthritis cream for you will cover the use you are looking to get from it, so make sure to keep your needs and preferences at the forefront.
It is essential to think about how you plan to use your pain cream and how you will need to use the store and apply it. Most Arthritis gels and Arthritis creams are asked the same way, but some come with hands-free and mess-free rollers and applicators to make the job easier and faster.
You are also going to want to consider if the arthritis rub is created with oil or water-based products as this can significantly affect how it will be used and applied and where you can use it. Also worth considering is how often you can use the rub. Some can be applied only 1-2 times a day and others can be used more frequently so find how bad your pain is and how often you want or need to apply the pain rub.
Looking at reviews, container sizes, and suggested expiration dates, we evaluated the shelf life and the usability of the substances on this list. Looking at shelf life is a good indicator of value and how often you are going to be able to use the Arthritis creams and what application rate you will need. An Arthritis cream that requires just a small dollop to provide adequate relief will last a fair amount of time on the shelf.
Ease of Use
Applying your arthritis cream shouldn't give you a headache, so make sure to get something that is easy for you to use.
People consider "ease of use" to be more than just how they apply the Arthritis creams to the skin and has more to do with how easy it is to use in daily situations and how things like odor and consistency affect use. Many factors can affect how comfortable a pain rub is to use. Everything from whether it is oil or water-based, to how long it lasts can impact how easy you think it is to use.
In most cases, we looked at ease of use in regards to how quickly the product could be applied, how messy it was, its potency, and if it could be used throughout the day if needed. You want fast, reliable relief from your arthritis pain, so it is essential to find something that works that doesn't become a challenge or chore in and of itself
It is the main concern for many people using any pain relief cream for Arthritis. The medicinal ingredients often make this type of Arthritis cream smell secure. You end up leaving the house smelling like some therapeutic substance. While many of the Arthritis creams feature a scent that fades away once applied, others have a pungent odor.
For some, it’s not a deal-breaker, as long as the Arthritis creams are active, while others hate a strong smell. Many of the Arthritis creams featured on this list have an odorless formulation so you can slather on the pain relief treatment and leave your house not having to worry about whether you stink.
Versatility
Remember, the right pain rub is one that can work on different types of pain and can address pain caused by many factors.
The final major factor we wanted to focus on when looking for the best arthritis pain rubs available was how versatile they are. Many different things can cause pain and arthritis are believed to be linked to other stimulants and factors such as toxins in the body and our body's reaction to toxins in the environment.
A good pain rub will be able to provide some relief to a wide range of pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. We here at RunnerClick tried to find versatile pain rubs to help you with a variety of painful symptoms. While Arthritis creams may provide temporary pain relief, you can also limit triggers to prevent pain from occurring on a regular basis.
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints. By preventing triggers that cause inflammation you can reduce your risk of a flare-up. What should you avoid if you suffer from arthritis?
- Smoking or cigarette smoke
- Sitting around
- High-impact activities
- High-stress levels
- Obesity
10 Best Arthritis Creams
1. Boiron Arnica
This Boiron Arnica Cream is suitable not just for relieving joint pain and stiffness but also muscle pain, as well. It can reduce swelling and clear up the appearance of bruised skin. It's a great option for those with easily irritated skin. It comes in a small tube of 2.5 oz.
Read morePotency
This cream formulation features, as its main ingredient, Arnica montana, which is a useful natural pain relief substance. The Boiron cream does not stain clothes nor does it leave a greasy residue on the skin. Users also appreciated the inclusion of Arnica, which they found very useful. They also liked that the active ingredients were natural.
Some users noted that they had issues with this cream for arthritis because of its high Arnica content. Those with blood pressure issues may want to avoid this type of topical pain treatment since Arnica may cause blood pressure to spike
Comfort
According to real-life users, this cream goes on smoothly and comfortably, so you don't have to worry about dealing with a sticky or uncomfortable residue when you use this product.
Use
Your best bet with this Boiron Arnica cream is to apply it quickly as soon as you notice the pain. Reviewers found this arthritis pain relief cream particularly useful for bruising, even heavy bruising that was the result of surgery. For the best results, the Boiron cream should be re-applied to the affected area regularly.
Ease of Use
Reviewers liked the thick consistency of this cream and that it was easy to apply without making a mess.
Versatility
This formulation does not have a fragrance. Users particularly liked the fact that the Boiron cream was odorless. Unlike other products of this nature, the cream is indeed unscented. The tube this cream comes in is rather small, especially for using it regularly. Some reviewers noted that the product was reasonably expensive considering its size. This cream is available in other formats, though.
2. Topricin Pain Relief
This arthritis pain relief cream comes in three size formats including 2 oz, 8 oz, and 32 oz containers. The topical pain treatment is an excellent alternative to potentially addictive pain pills. It's suitable for those with arthritis as well as those with other types of joint and muscle pain. Some even use it to treat headache pain!
Read morePotency
This cream is composed of 11 ingredients and does not require a prescription. The ingredients are said by the company to be 'natural biomedicines. Although directions encourage repeated use, some users pointed out that some of the ingredients are not suitable for use by individual patients (e.g., Kidney patients). One of the main active ingredients is Arnica. Reviewers liked that the cream did not use heat to mask or dull pain.
Comfort
Reviewers liked the thick creamy consistency of Topricin especially that it quickly dried on the skin. It's quickly absorbed and not at all messy.
Use
Topricin has a shelf life of about four years or so. When applying this cream, only a small amount needs to be used to ensure effectiveness. Application of this Arthritis cream should be frequent to provide pain relief, but any of the available formats should last a while.
Ease of Use
Topricin works well if used regularly. Reviewers found the cream effective in reducing pain and said that massaging it into the skin helped enhance its efficacy. Only a small amount of the cream is required to massage into the skin for pain relief.
Versatility
The pain relief cream doesn't have any distinct odor, which reviewers cited as a bonus. It's tough to find pain relief or creams that don't have a strong medicinal smell. Thankfully, Topricin is fragrance-free.
3. T-Relief
Arthritis cream designed uniquely for arthritic patients and others with joint pain. It contains an intense concentration of its active ingredient and is Organic. The company also offers a guarantee. Try this arthritis pain relief cream and if you're not satisfied, even after using the entire tube, send it back!
Read morePotency
This cream includes 12 additional ingredients that help treat aches and pains. It also contains shea butter so this creams moisturizers as it works to relieve inflammation and pain. Note that this product contains Arnica, which can be contraindicative with blood pressure medications. It may also cause blood pressure to spike for some users.
Comfort
This intense and effective cream actually goes on pretty comfortably and does not leave behind an uncomfortable or sticky residue.
Use
This cream does not have a very long shelf life, so it's best used by someone who requires frequent application.
Ease of Use
Reviewers found the cream worked effectively and helped them reduce their OTC painkiller consumption. Some were less convinced of the significant effects, saying that they felt no difference after applying this cream. For those that found the cream effective, the product seemed to work quickly, within minutes.
Versatility
Hurray! No odor! Another cream on this list without a strong medicinal smell when applied to the skin. No one wants to smell like they've been living in their medicine cabinet. Reviewers appreciated the odorless formula.
4. Australian Dream Arthritis Cream
Another pain relief cream with an empty container guarantee. Use it all up and find it doesn't work right? The company will refund you. This Australian Dream cream features a different active ingredient than the other options on this list so far. Helps by improving blood flow in the affected area.
Read morePotency
This cream includes different ingredients than other creams on this list. It does not use heat to mask pain, instead, it includes histamine dihydrochloride to promote blood flow to the area where applied so that the body can naturally heal pain on its own. This cream also provides emu oil among other inactive ingredients.
Comfort
The cream isn't greasy, and reviewers liked the thick cream consistency. Users also liked that it was absorbed quickly by the skin. The Arthritis cream goes on smoothly and doesn't leave any nasty residue on the skin.
Use
You need a dab to apply to the skin for the Australian Dream cream to work as indicated. Using a small amount is sufficient and ensures you'll have enough cream to last a little while.
Ease of Use
The majority of reviewers found the cream to work wonders for arthritis pain. Reviewers liked that it targeted joint pain fast. A few reviewers didn't feel a measurable difference when applying the cream to affected areas, however.
Versatility
Reviewers particularly appreciated the odorless formula of the Australian Dream cream.
5. MaxRelief Arnica
This MaxRelief cream comes in a small jar with plenty of Arnica to prevent and relieve joint pain due to arthritis. The brightly colored jar is easy to spot in your purse or backpack when the pain starts to cloud your mind. Includes natural ingredients that get to work right at the source without the help of cooling or warming sensations that might mask the pain instead of treating it.
Read morePotency
Its active ingredients include Arnica, Emu Oil, and Eucalyptus. Ingredients are natural. Camphor is also included as an active ingredient, but there's no stinky menthol in this cream.
Comfort
Some users found this cream a bit too tacky for their liking. Its stickiness, compared to other creams, made it tough to apply correctly and was hard to use without feeling messy or gross. Others found that once applied to the skin the cream felt very nice. The majority of users found the cream particularly greasy, though.
Feels a lot like a body lotion than other pain creams, which some liked, while others would have preferred a quicker drying substance.
Use
This cream is really useful for those of you who suffer from arthritis-related pain. It is available in both a cream and spray form, so you can choose which one works best for you. if you need a more sport-specific option, this brand also offers that option.
Ease of Use
The formula provides fast-acting pain relief immediately. This cream also lasts for several hours. They are meant to be rubbed gently into the skin. Reviewers found this cream useful and liked it better than other options on the market.
Versatility
Some users found this cream was not smelly at all and had no odor, while others found the smell to be pungent. Some reviewers noted that the pain relief provided by MaxRelief cream was not very long-lasting. The small package may not last very long for someone with a chronic pain condition like arthritis.
6. Capzasin-HP
This arthritis cream contains an ingredient from a hot pepper to help relieve pain. Don't worry. It shouldn't burn your skin unless you have an allergy. If you're not sure or have sensitive skin, test this arthritis pain relief cream on a tiny patch of skin to ensure you won't break out in hives or irritate a larger area of skin.
Read morePotency
Capzasin cream contains 0.1% of its primary active ingredient 'Capsaicin,' which is sourced from chili peppers. Ever wondered why it's a bad idea to touch your eyes after dicing up some hot chilies? It's because of Capsaicin.
Comfort
Keep it away from your face until after you wash your hands to avoid the painful burning of your eyes. If you are using Arthritis creams on your hands because that's where the pain is located, don't touch your face until the cream is completely absorbed.
Use
If you suffer from arthritis pain, then you know it can strike at any moment. The best part about this cream is that you have the option to reapply throughout the day--although it will last you for several hours so you will stay pain-free for a while.
Ease of Use
Capsaicin is an excellent active ingredient because it works to help reduce pain caused by arthritis. You'll see the best results with this cream if you put it on regularly. This cream provides a warm sensation to the skin. Some liked it, while others found it uncomfortable or even unbearable.
If you're sensitive to this type of product, it may be best to try a different pain relief cream.
Versatility
This cream doesn't have a strong odor, so it's easy to apply and head off to wherever you're going — no need to wait until a strong medicinal smell subsides. Reviewers appreciated the odorless formula. Reviewers found the pain relief from this cream was long-lasting and re-application of the cream was only necessary every few hours or even more sporadically.
7. The Feel Good Lab Relief
With a company name like 'The Feel Good Lab,' you'd expect some great results, and that's what you'll get with this Arnica infused pain relief cream. It comes in various sizes including 1.2 oz, 3.4 oz, and 6.8 oz. A blend of ingredients works to reduce joint pain and muscle aches. Also included are skin softening agents, so repeated use doesn't dry up your skin.
Free of harmful chemicals and GMOs, this cream provides natural pain relief where it's most needed.
Read morePotency
It contains a blend of 30 ingredients including the ever-popular pain reliever Arnica as well as Turmeric, which is a known natural anti-inflammatory. It also includes coconut oil to moisturize the skin and a variety of other natural ingredients that you'll instantly recognize. Users with sensitive skin found this cream to be an excellent choice.
As always, check the ingredient list to make sure you are not allergic to any of the components used in the formulation.
Comfort
Some reviewers did find this cream for arthritis a bit sticky, but otherwise a great pain reliever. Also important to note is that this cream is FDA approved.
Use
In terms of use, this is a great option for almost anyone. It is safe enough for even those of you with sensitive skin, so more than likely you won't be allergic to (make sure before you buy though). This cream is easy to put on and effectively help relieve your pain.
Ease of Use
Most reviewers were incredibly impressed with this cream and found it to work exceptionally well. Users also liked the way it left their skin feeling soft and smooth. Reviewers liked that this cream dried quickly, too.
Versatility
This cream does contain menthol, so there's a faint scent, but it dissipates quickly upon application. Reviewers liked the understated fragrance profile of the cream and wanted that it did not contain any perfumes or dyes. Users liked that the tube of this cream for arthritis was well-sized for frequent use. You can buy it in different sizes, too. The small size is perfect for travel. Pain relief was also long-lasting.
8. Joint Flex
An arthritis cream that contains natural ingredients including skin moisturizers. No need to go to the doctor for a prescription to get your hands on this pain relief cream.
Read morePotency
This cream for arthritis includes Glucosamine to help with joint pain and irritation. It doesn't leave a sticky film on the skin and helps to moisturize the affected area. It also includes Camphor as its main active ingredient.
Comfort
Reviewers were impressed by the feel of this cream for arthritis on the skin. It's more of a lotion, and it's easy to apply to the skin.
Use
All in all, the Joint Flex cream is a perfect option for those of you who need fast pain relief from your Arthritis flare-ups. Make sure to keep this one around, especially if those symptoms flare up at any time.
Ease of Use
A unique formulation ensures that this cream dries quickly and is absorbed post-application quite rapidly. Most reviewers found that the cream worked quite well for arthritis pain.
Versatility
The company claims this cream doesn't have a strong smell and once applied leaves no odor. Reviews were all over the map when it came to fragrance. Some users found the menthol-like scent to go while others found it was overpowering. If used daily for chronic pain, this pain-relieving cream should last a couple of months.
9. Castiva with Capsaicin
Here's our second pick that contains Capsaicin. If you like a bit of heat when it comes to pain, this is an excellent choice for pain relief. Comes in a 4 oz tube and works not only for arthritis pain but for muscle aches, as well.
Read morePotency
This Arthritis cream is made with castor oil, which allows the active ingredient of Capsaicin to get deep into the skin a lot quicker than without it. Don't use this if you're sensitive to heat or the included elements.
Comfort
Reviewers found the Castiva cream to work very well. They found the castor oil base did indeed encourage faster absorption and pain relief. Some users noted that washing hands after an application was critical to avoid touching the eyes with the Capsaicin infused substance.
Use
Reviewers seemed to have different experiences when it came to the length of time that pain relief lasted. Some found the cream's pain-reducing powers lasted for hours and hours while others were less impressed with its ability to take away the pain for long periods.
Ease of Use
The last thing you want is to end up with an arthritis pain relief cream that is a pain to you. Lucky for you, this one is really easy to use and not a hassle to apply whatsoever. However, it is important to note that it is not a good option if you have sensitive skin.
Versatility
Reviewers noted the cream did have an odor, but it was not unpleasant. Users who commented on the smell were pleasantly surprised by it. They said it was mild and not at all overpowering.
10. Creation Farm Balm of Gilead Herbal Salve
An herbal balm that comes in a lovely 4 oz jar. This herbal concoction contains various natural ingredients that help with arthritis pain.
Read morePotency
Some of the ingredients in this balm include Eucalyptus, Juniper, and St. Johns Wort.
Comfort
Reviewers said that the balm felt a lot like Vaseline, which means it's quite messy. It's tough to wash off, as well.
Use
Lasts a relatively long time since a little goes a long way. The fairly large jar should last a fair amount of time for most.
Ease of Use
The balm works well to reduce inflammation and works as a rub for times when the flu or a cold hits. The bulk of users found the balm very efficient when it came to relieving pain from arthritis.
Versatility
Most reviewers found the smell to be nice and pleasant. Natural ingredients are included to bring users a mildly scented balm.
Sources
- , 7 Joint Pain Triggers That Can Make RA Worse, Online Health Website
- , 13 Natural Remedies for Arthritis, Online Magazine Website
- , Arthritis pain: Treatments absorbed through your skin, Health Website
