The 11 best muscle pain relief creams, according to pain management specialists

With an estimated 52.5 million adults in the U.S. affected by arthritis alone and up to 24% of adults experiencing muscle pain during their lifetime, effective topical pain relievers can be life-changing. Also known as topical analgesics, these products include creams, gels, and rubs that can be crucial for those who endure temporary and chronic aches and pains right at the source of pain. The best muscle pain relief creams can either create a cooling or warming sensation that diminishes aches and pains quickly. They also can deliver anti-inflammatory ingredients directly where needed. However, the effectiveness of these creams can vary greatly depending on how severe the pain is, location and type of pain. 

To better understand the differences in muscle pain relief creams, gels, rubs and roll-ons, we need to first understand what key ingredients to look for in the best arthritis pain relief creams and those for general muscle pains and strains. If you think your pain is more severe or is a chronic condition, please consult with your physician for guidance on how to address the source of the pain. For those minor aches and pains, we turned to our panel of pain-management experts to learn what key ingredients to look for and how they help manage pain. We also asked about what ingredients to avoid and which products are the best on the market. We then took their input and researched and tested more than 30 of the top-rated muscle pain relief creams and evaluated each based on key ingredients, how well it worked, if any skin irritation was present, the scent and cost. Keep reading to learn what our experts had to say and to see which products made the cut as the best muscle pain relief creams. 

According to pain management experts, here are the best pain relieving creams of 2024.

What to consider when buying muscle pain relief creams

When shopping for pain relief creams, there are a few things to consider to ensure you choose a product that best suits your needs and preferences. Determine your ideal active ingredients, scent, cost, and whether the cream has a cooling or warming effect before choosing so you’re more likely to be satisfied with the results.

Active ingredients

The active ingredients in a pain relief cream are crucial as they determine the product's effectiveness. According to Dr. Leia Rispoli, a double-board-certified interventional pain management specialist and anesthesiologist at DISC Sports & Spine Center, the choice of topical agent really comes down to the source, character, and location of pain. “Those with knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis will likely benefit from an anti-inflammatory topical agent. Those with referred pain from a neuropathy or nerve issue may benefit from a CBD topical agent. Those with generalized muscle aches or cramps may benefit from anti-inflammatory, lidocaine, or CBD topical creams/agents,” she explains.

Formulas include lidocaine or other effective ingredients, such as methyl salicylate and menthol or camphor, and alternative options like arnica and CBD. Each ingredient targets different types of pain (i.e., joint, muscle, or nerve), so a combination of various active ingredients is typically beneficial. It's also important to note that some pain relief creams use salicylates, a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to block a key enzyme in the inflammation process.

Scent

The scent of a pain relief cream is another crucial factor to consider and one that comes up in many customer reviews. While it may seem trivial, a strong or off-putting scent can make using the cream unenjoyable. Some people may prefer a product with a strong scent, while others may select a fragrance-free option. Be cautious in using products that have fragrances, as they may cause skin irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Cost

The cost of a pain relief cream can vary widely depending on the brand, the active ingredients, and the size of the product. It's essential to consider your budget and how often you plan to use the cream when deciding which product to purchase.

Cooling or warming

Pain relief creams can have a cooling or warming effect. Dr. Francisco Contreras, Director of Oasis of Hope Medical Institute, explains that cooling creams often contain ingredients like menthol and camphor, which provide a soothing, cooling sensation. Warming creams, on the other hand, may contain ingredients like capsaicin, which creates a warming sensation that can help to soothe muscle aches and pains. The choice between a cooling or warming cream will depend on your preference and the type of pain you are experiencing.

How we chose the best muscle pain relief cream

In our quest to identify the best pain relief cream, we consulted with two renowned experts in the field of pain management: Dr. Francisco Contreras, an oncologist, surgeon, and Director of Oasis of Hope Medical Institute, and Dr. Leia Rispoli, a double-board-certified interventional pain management specialist and anesthesiologist at DISC Sports & Spine Center. They gave us a deep understanding of the key ingredients to look for in a pain relief cream, the potential side effects, and the benefits of using such products.

Armed with expert advice, we researched several products, focusing on their active ingredients, scent, cost, and whether they had a cooling or warming effect. We also considered other factors, such as the brand reputation, customer satisfaction, value for money, packaging, and any unique features that set the product apart. This rigorous approach has enabled us to provide reliable and trustworthy recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do pain relief creams work?

Pain relief creams work by delivering active ingredients directly to the affected area. These ingredients can create sensations like cooling, warming, or numbing, which distract from pain signals. Some creams include anti-inflammatory agents like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. They are effective for providing temporary relief from minor aches and pains associated with conditions such as arthritis, muscle strains, or sprains when applied to the affected area.

How do arthritis pain relief creams work?

Dr. Gendai Echezona, a triple board-certified anesthesiologist specializing in interventional pain management, says arthritis creams are applied to the skin over painful joints and are absorbed through the skin to provide temporary pain relief. “The mechanism of action varies based on the ingredients in each cream,” she says. Some creams work by blocking pain signals, while others may increase blood flow or reduce inflammation. “Anesthetics, such as lidocaine, block pain signals from nerves, inducing a numbing effect,” Echezona adds. “Counterirritants like menthol create a cooling or numbing sensation on the skin, potentially blocking pain sensation.”

What key ingredients should I look for in a pain relief cream?

When choosing a pain relief cream, focus on ingredients like menthol for cooling, capsaicin for reducing pain signals, camphor for numbing, lidocaine for local anesthesia, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac for inflammation. Arnica reduces swelling and bruising, while CBD offers analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Can pain relief creams cause side effects?

Pain relief creams can cause side effects, although these are generally mild and temporary. Some individuals may experience skin irritation like redness or itching. Rarely, allergic reactions may occur, leading to swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing. To minimize risk, follow product instructions carefully. Stop using the cream and consult a healthcare professional if you have adverse reactions.

Meet our expert panel

Francisco Contreras, Oncologist, Director of Oasis of Hope Medical Institute

Leia Rispoli, Double-board-certified interventional pain management specialist and anesthesiologist

Gendai Echezona, Fellowship-trained, triple board-certified anesthesiologist specializing in interventional pain management and lifestyle medicine

John Gallucci, physical therapist, athletic trainer and chief executive officer of JAG Physical Therapy

Matthew Cavanaugh, chiropractor at Cavanaugh Chiropractic Clinic

Zeeshan Ahmad, pain and spine specialist at OSF HealthCare