Simple topical creams and ointments can help ease pain in achy joints. (Getty Images)
The search for the best arthritis cream is becoming ever more important as over 53 million Americans battle this often debilitating condition. With arthritis draining $300 billion annually in medical costs and lost wages, effective relief options are more crucial than ever.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, slowly erodes the protective cartilage cushioning the joints, while rheumatoid arthritis turns the body's immune system against itself, creating painful inflammation. Other variants like psoriatic arthritis, gout and ankylosing spondylitis each attack the body in uniquely painful ways, yet many share the same progressive joint damage that makes everyday movements increasingly difficult.
Behind these painful conditions are grandparents who can't pick up their grandchildren, athletes sidelined from activities they love and workers whose careers are threatened by increasing levels of discomfort. The morning struggle to button a shirt or open a jar isn't just inconvenient — it's a daily reminder of diminishing independence.
While oral medications play their role in reducing pain and targeting inflammation, many options (including common analgesics like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, like ibuprofen) have the potential to cause stomach irritation, cardiovascular risks or liver damage. These risks have driven some people to turn to topical alternatives, either as a primary method of relief or a complementary addition. These creams deliver relief directly to painful areas without significantly impacting other organs.
Modern arthritis creams incorporate pharmaceutical-grade ingredients delivered through sophisticated carriers that enhance absorption and extend effectiveness. Dr. Zeeshan Ahmad, a pain and spine specialist at OSF HealthCare, says that some of the most common ingredients used in arthritis creams include capsaicin, menthol, lidocaine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. "These ingredients work to either block pain signals or reduce inflammation, providing relief," he says. The most advanced formulations combine several approaches, creating multi-hour relief that was previously impossible without oral medication.
But what separates effective arthritis relief from expensive disappointments? To answer this question, I leveraged my nursing background with additional insights from a panel of arthritis treatment specialists — board-certified doctors, joint-pain specialists, chiropractors and physical therapists. Their criteria for effective topical relief guided our comprehensive assessment of the market-leading pain relief creams for arthritis. Each product was evaluated across multiple dimensions, including active ingredients, delivery, application, cost effectiveness and performance in real-world conditions. Our final list features impressive options that may deliver measurable relief if you're living with arthritis pain.
Update, May 15, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick of the best arthritis creams has been updated.
Key ingredients: Diclofenac sodium 1% | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Neutral | Scent: Neutral
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is one of the best arthritis creams available. It's our top recommendation, as it delivers prescription-strength relief in an accessible over-the-counter formula. Rather than masking pain through cooling or warming sensations, this clinically proven diclofenac sodium formulation targets inflammation directly, providing meaningful improvement rather than temporary distraction.
Diclofenac is a powerful NSAID that reduces the production of pain-causing prostaglandins right where they form, addressing the underlying inflammation driving the discomfort of arthritis. It reduces pain while improving mobility and function, so you can go about your day with limited interruption.
The nongreasy gel absorbs quickly with only a trace of a medicinal odor, while the easy-open cap helps protect arthritic hands from messy application or product waste. It's easy to use and is frequently recommended by the Arthritis Foundation, so it’s a solid choice for relief that lasts. Furthermore, for those unable to tolerate oral NSAIDs due to stomach sensitivity or medication interactions, Voltaren provides similar anti-inflammatory benefits with minimal systemic absorption.
As one impressed Amazon customer says, "This stuff is amazing!!!" They continue, "I've been using this product for several weeks now and no longer need to tape my knee to walk … Works great. I felt the difference after two days and quit taping my knee after one week."
Key ingredients: Menthol 10% | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Cooling | Scent: Mint
Biofreeze earns our top recommendation for menthol-based relief, with its high potency and skin-friendly formulation. While the brand offers various delivery systems, including gels and patches, our experts specifically highlight the cream version for superior performance. "It won’t leave residue on your clothes and can be applied up to four times a day," says John Gallucci Jr., physical therapist and CEO at JAG Physical Therapy.
What distinguishes this formula is its 10% menthol concentration, which delivers a powerful cooling effect deep into affected joints rather than merely numbing the surface. Users consistently report speedy relief and longer-lasting comfort. One 5-star Amazon reviewer says, "Been having shoulder joint issues. This is the best cream I have found. Lets me sleep at night."
Unlike many competing high-strength formulas, Biofreeze attains this intensity without the use of NSAIDs, making it suitable for those who can't tolerate these ingredients or who take medications that might interact with them.
The cream absorbs well, minimizing surface residue, reducing the likelihood of a lingering medicinal odor or greasy marks on clothing. If your arthritis has limited your dexterity, the brand also offers this same powerful formula in a convenient pain-relieving roll-on.
Key ingredients: Menthol 11%, camphor 11% | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Warming | Scent: Light mint
This unassuming pump bottle hits arthritis pain without hitting your wallet. Our best value arthritis pain cream — Tiger Balm Arthritis Rub — delivers effective relief at drugstore prices through its potent 11% concentration of camphor and menthol. This dual-action formula outperforms many pricier alternatives.
"At 11%, these counterirritants are strong enough to disrupt the pain signals from arthritis, which allows you to complete your everyday activities with less pain," says Matthew Cavanaugh, a chiropractor at Cavanaugh Chiropractic Clinic. This powerful combination creates an immediate cooling sensation followed by sustained warming that increases circulation to stiff joints, reducing pain perception and underlying stiffness.
The mousse-like consistency makes it easy to apply, while the pump dispenser eliminates the hand strength required for opening or squeezing tubes or jars. And don't worry about smelling like a medicine cabinet, either — the slight odor dissipates quickly after application.
One quirk worth noting: The formula's warming effect intensifies with moisture, so the manufacturer recommends avoiding showering or bathing within an hour after application.
Key ingredients: Menthol 16%, camphor 11% | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Cooling | Scent: Mint
If you prefer a maximum-strength arthritis pain relief cream but don't love the residue these creams often leave behind, consider our top pick, Icy Hot Pro. With 16% menthol and 11% camphor, it boasts one of the highest concentrations of active ingredients available without a prescription.
And don't worry about messy hands: Its applicator packs a whopping 54 individual massaging nodes that allow you to apply it in the form of a cooling massage.
The cream absorbs quickly and feels nongreasy, but because of the high menthol concentration, the scent is strong. It may irritate your nose and eyes when you apply it to larger areas, so make sure you do it in a well-ventilated area away from young children and pets.
Key ingredients: CBD isolate, menthol, arnica, tea tree oil | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Cooling | Scent: Light natural
Medterra's Rapid Recovery Cream earns our top spot for CBD-based arthritis creams, as it contains menthol, arnica and 500 milligrams of CBD isolate to deliver a cooling sensation and anti-inflammatory benefits.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound found in hemp plants that's shown promising pain-relieving properties. The cream has several moisturizing ingredients, including sunflower and olive oils, aloe and glycerine, and is free of animal products, GMOs and synthetic fragrances. It also has independent lab-tested certificates of analysis for quality assurance.
Just note that the 1.7-ounce container may not last long if you use it multiple times daily. That said, you can save 25% as a subscriber with each Medterra shipment. Plus, the company offers quizzes and informational resources to help you find the right amount of CBD to control your pain.
As with any CBD product, it's important to consult your doctor before use, especially if you're taking other medications or have any medical conditions.
Key ingredients: Lidocaine 4%, menthol 1% | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Cooling | Scent: Mint
Tylenol Precise Cooling Pain Cream delivers the most refreshing, effective cooling sensation in our lineup. This specialized formula harnesses the complementary powers of lidocaine and menthol to create a dual-action approach to pain management, combining immediate sensory relief with deeper numbing properties.
Unlike regular creams requiring hand contact and messy application, the innovative rollerball applicator has multiple steel ball bearings that create a therapeutic massage effect while distributing the cream. The design allows you to target small, hard-to-reach joints like finger knuckles without medicating surrounding tissues. There's also no greasy residue to deal with, which is common with cooling creams.
While the compact applicator design proves less efficient for covering larger joint areas like hips or shoulders, it's ideal for the smaller joints commonly affected by arthritis, like fingers, wrists and ankles.
Key ingredients: Capsaicin, arnica, MSM | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Warming | Scent: Light
Many arthritis relief formulas use cooling menthol to numb pain or NSAIDs to reduce inflammation. However, our top pick for warming arthritis relief, Penetrex's Warming Pain Relief Cream, takes the road less traveled with its sophisticated approach.
The formula combines three complementary therapeutic compounds: methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), an organic sulfur compound associated with reduced joint pain and oxidative damage when applied topically, capsaicin derived from chili peppers to disrupt pain signal transmission and arnica extract, known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Gallucci says that not only is this cream safe to use up to three times a day, but "it is also a great option for those who do not enjoy menthol’s strong scent and chilly sensation." The warming, plant-based formula may prove particularly valuable during colder months when colder temperatures often exacerbate joint stiffness and pain.
One caution! The formula's warming sensation amplifies with moisture or increased body temperature, so it's best to avoid applying it before exercise or bathing unless you're prepared for more significant effects.
Key ingredients: Trolamine salicylate 10% | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Neutral | Scent: Fragrance-free
If you have sensitive skin, our top gentle pick is worth considering. Aspercreme has been around for what seems like forever, and if you haven't tried its Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cream, it's a contender, especially if you aren't big on smelly creams. "Aspercreme is odor-free, which is a pro for those sensitive to smells and [who] cannot have fragrance on their skin," Gallucci said. It's also nongreasy and dries quickly.
The cream contains 10% trolamine salicylate, a topical pain reliever that targets and inhibits pain receptors. The active ingredient begins working within minutes of application and provides relief for hours.
While it has no added ingredients for extra benefits besides aloe leaf juice for moisture, it absorbs well and is nongreasy. The flip-top cap also makes opening the tube easier, even with achy wrists and hands.
Just note that the salicylate may still irritate some, so test it on a small patch of skin before applying it more broadly.
Key ingredients: Lidocaine 4% | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Neutral | Scent: Tropical jasmine
Bengay's Lidocaine Cream is our top pick of the category. It leverages a 4% lidocaine concentration, the maximum strength available without prescription, to create a pain-blocking effect.
Unlike cooling menthol or warming capsaicin, which work by essentially tricking pain receptors with competing sensations, lidocaine directly blocks nerve signal transmission at its source. This delivers relief without intense burning or tingling sensations that many people find uncomfortable. The numbing action begins within minutes and establishes a protective barrier from pain that can last for several hours per application.
As one reviewer on Amazon says, "I went from an 8.9 (I reserve my pain levels 9 & 10 for pains I never want; the ones where you don’t care if you wake up the next day) to a 4-6. There are even days I feel a light 3.5. That’s so major! I feel human again! Focusing on what’s being said, not pacing around to find relief… nope I just rub on these cream, wash my hands and within minutes there’s sweet relief. Dreamy!"
Bengay's unique tropical jasmine fragrance is also a refreshing departure from the medicinal aromas you often find with pain relief products. As another Amazon user says, "Much better than the old medicinal smell that let everyone know you had a medicated rub on."
Making sense of the overwhelming array of arthritis relief products becomes significantly easier when you understand a few key factors separating effective formulations from subpar alternatives:
Most effective arthritis creams rely on a core group of proven pain-relieving compounds, each working through different mechanisms to provide relief. According to Ahmad, four primary ingredients dominate the market: capsaicin, menthol, lidocaine and NSAIDs.
"Capsaicin application produces a warm, burning sensation locally before it produces some relief. Menthol produces a cold sensation locally and helps with pain," Ahmad says, highlighting how these ingredients create opposing but equally effective sensory distractions. For those preferring no temperature sensation, "Lidocaine is an anesthetic medicine which reduces pain by making the area numb," providing relief without warming or cooling effects.
For targeting inflammation directly, topical NSAIDs like diclofenac sodium work by reducing inflammatory processes at their source. More recently, CBD-infused formulations have emerged as promising alternatives, offering potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
The fragrance profile of arthritis creams varies from distinctly medicinal to barely noticeable. Many formulations have natural scents derived directly from their active ingredients. Menthol and camphor-based products typically emit a refreshing, minty aroma, while capsaicin formulas often release a subtle spicy scent reminiscent of chili peppers.
Strong medicinal odors might limit when and where you feel comfortable applying your pain relief cream. While some manufacturers add artificial fragrances to mask medicinal notes, these additional compounds provide no therapeutic benefit and can trigger skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Topical treatments can cause adverse reactions. According to Ahmad, skin irritation tops the common complications, ranging from mild redness to more concerning reactions based on individual sensitivity and ingredient concentrations.
A cautious approach is essential for those with sensitive skin or known allergies. So, always review the complete ingredient lists, not just the active components, and perform a patch test on a small area before widespread application. This simple precaution can prevent uncomfortable or severe reactions like contact dermatitis or chemical burns.
Beyond skin reactions, certain ingredients carry systemic risks when absorbed through the skin. "Remember that anti-inflammatory medicines are also known to cause blood thinning. So, if someone is already taking blood thinners and on top applies arthritic creams to half or more of the surface of their body, then the risk for internal bleeding would be high," Ahmad says.
If you have heart, kidney or liver problems, talk to your doctor before using arthritis creams. This is especially important if you take other medications that might interact with the ingredients.
The ideal arthritis cream offers relief in a convenient package, which is particularly important when painful or stiff hands make application challenging.
Traditional tubes require squeezing, which can be difficult for arthritic hands and often leads to dispensing too much product. Roll-on applicators offer precise, mess-free distribution directly to painful areas without requiring finger dexterity. Pump dispensers eliminate the need for squeezing or twisting motions, while flip-top caps prevent frustrating struggles with screw-on lids.
Traditional tubes need hand strength for squeezing, which is problematic for arthritic fingers and can result in wasted product. Contrastingly, roll-on applicators offer precise, mess-free distribution directly to painful areas without requiring finger dexterity. Pump dispensers offer another user-friendly alternative, requiring only gentle pressure rather than gripping or twisting motions. These design elements can make the difference between independent use and needing assistance.
Don't just look at the price tag — consider how long that tube will last you. That tiny $12 tube might seem cheaper than the $20 bottle, but if you're using it daily, you'll blow through the small one in a week, while the bigger option might last a month.
Ask yourself how often you'll be using it. Daily relief for both knees? You'll want the larger size for better value. Just keeping something in the medicine cabinet for occasional flare-ups? The smaller option might make more sense, so it doesn't expire before you use it.
Some creams are also more concentrated than others, meaning a little goes a long way, while others require a generous application to feel any effect. This dramatically impacts how long each container lasts. The bottom line? Divide the price by how many applications you'll get. That's an accurate cost comparison.
Arthritis cream prices span from drugstore basics around $8 to specialized formulations exceeding $50, with several factors explaining the differences.
Premium-priced products typically offer higher concentrations of active ingredients, pharmaceutical-grade compounds rather than natural alternatives or patented delivery systems that enhance penetration into deeper tissues. Some higher-priced options incorporate multiple active ingredients targeting different pain pathways simultaneously for more comprehensive relief.
While budget-friendly options can provide effective relief, especially for mild symptoms, more severe or persistent arthritis pain might respond better to premium formulations with higher active ingredient concentrations or more sophisticated delivery systems.
Arthritis creams typically create warming or cooling sensations as a therapeutic mechanism.
Some arthritis creams provide a cooling sensation, which can be soothing for joint pain or inflammation. "In acute injuries, like falling in sports, ice is applied," Ahmad says. "This is because the goal is to prevent or reduce swelling from bleeding, thereby helping with pain." However, cooling may not be ideal for everyone, especially those in colder climates, with sensitive skin or nerve damage (neuropathy). "Be careful in people with diabetes who have decreased sensations due to neuropathy. For them, preferably use heat and limit it to 10 to 15 minutes with a 20-minute gap in between," Ahmad advises. This helps prevent potential tissue damage from prolonged cooling that might go unnoticed due to reduced sensation.
For persistent or chronic arthritis pain, warming formulations often provide superior relief. "Chronic pains usually respond better to warmth, but if cold works better, there are no contraindications to this," Ahmad says. Capsaicin and various counterirritants create heating sensations that increase local blood flow, potentially delivering more oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues while relaxing tight muscles surrounding painful joints. However, they may not be suitable for sensitive skin or users with conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. As with cooling products, consider your skin type and sensitivity to warmth before purchasing a warming cream.
Our comprehensive evaluation combined clinical expertise with real-world performance testing to identify effective arthritis relief formulations. We began by consulting a diverse panel of specialists, including board-certified doctors, joint-pain specialists, chiropractors and physical therapists, to understand which ingredients and concentrations deliver meaningful relief rather than just temporary comfort.
Using their criteria, we systematically analyzed leading products, evaluating active ingredient quality, delivery technology and supporting clinical evidence. We then cross-referenced these assessments with user experiences to understand how each formula performed across different arthritis types and severity levels.
This dual approach allowed us to identify products that excel across the board. Our final recommendations represent formulations that consistently impressed medical experts and people living with arthritis, delivering meaningful relief without excessive cost, application challenges or uncomfortable side effects.
Rub A535 Muscle and Joint Cream: This cream is an extra-strength formula containing double the pain-relieving ingredients of regular creams and delivers immediate and deep-penetrating relief. Some people find the warming sensation too intense, but its mild scent makes it ideal for daily use.
Humble Brands CBD Comfort Bar: This bar combines the potential anti-inflammatory benefits of 1,000 mg of organic broad-spectrum CBD with a soothing, moisturizing formula. Users praise it for effectively reducing chronic joint pain with a convenient, mess-free application. Its vegan, cruelty-free formula and earth-friendly packaging make it an ethical choice for pain relief.
Dr. Bronner's Arnica-Menthol Organic Magic Balm: If you prefer a plant-based solution for muscle and joint pain, this balm has a potent blend of organic ingredients, including arnica and menthol, which provide a cooling and soothing sensation while relieving pain. Dr. Bronner's is also dedicated to fair-trade and sustainable practices.
Treefrog's Topical Pain Relief Cream: This natural pain relief contains symphytum officinale extract, also known as comfrey, which has been used for centuries to relieve pain and inflammation. Other noteworthy ingredients include rosemary, menthol and camphor. The product is light, nongreasy and absorbs within minutes, leaving a soft, silky feel. The cinnamon scent is refreshing, not overpowering, and doesn't have a strong menthol smell. However, it's a splurge at $40 for a 4 oz. tub.
Arthritis creams work directly where you need them. "The mechanism of action varies based on the ingredients in each cream," says Dr. Gendai Echezona, a triple-board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist. These formulations penetrate the skin above painful joints, delivering active ingredients to underlying tissues without circulating through your entire system. Different compounds target distinct aspects of pain. "Anesthetics such as lidocaine block nerve pain signals, inducing a numbing effect," Echezona says, describing how these ingredients temporarily interrupt the pain messages traveling to your brain.
Other ingredients work through sensory distraction rather than direct pain blocking. "Counterirritants like menthol create a cooling or numbing sensation on the skin, potentially blocking pain sensation," Echezona says. This sensory competition essentially "changes the channel" on pain signals. At the same time, ingredients like capsaicin and salicylates address inflammation at its source, reducing the underlying cause of discomfort rather than just masking symptoms.
While generally safer than oral pain medications, arthritis creams aren't appropriate for everyone. They contain potent active ingredients that can interact with certain health conditions or medications.
People with sensitive skin or known allergies should carefully review complete ingredient lists before application. Many formulas contain preservatives, fragrances or botanical extracts that may trigger reactions independent of their therapeutic components.
Those taking blood-thinning medications should exercise caution with anti-inflammatory formulations, as ingredients like salicylates can be absorbed systemically and potentially enhance anticoagulant effects. Similarly, individuals with liver or kidney conditions may have impaired ability to process absorbed ingredients.
Pregnant women should avoid most topical pain relievers, particularly during the second and third trimesters, as certain ingredients may affect fetal development. Additionally, caregivers should not apply adult-strength formulations to children without pediatrician approval, as their thinner skin allows greater absorption of active ingredients. When in doubt, consult your health care provider!
The most effective arthritis creams typically contain one or more of these proven ingredients, according to Echezona: diclofenac (reduces inflammation), salicylate (similar to aspirin), menthol (creates cooling sensation), capsaicin (blocks pain signals), lidocaine (numbs the area) or CBD (addresses inflammation through cannabinoid receptors).
Your comfort preferences matter when choosing between these options. "It's important to note that individual responses to these treatments may vary. For instance, capsaicin or menthol may induce sensations like burning or cooling, which might be uncomfortable for some patients," Echezona cautions. Those sensitive to intense sensations might prefer more neutral options like lidocaine, while those preferring comprehensive relief should opt for combination products containing multiple active ingredients.
Most arthritis creams can be safely used multiple times throughout the day, but proper timing significantly affects relief and safety. "Each product comes with instructions regarding the recommended frequency of use," says Echezona, emphasizing the importance of following these guidelines precisely.
Applying more frequently than directed won't accelerate relief and may increase side effect risks or absorption concerns. Most formulas work optimally when applied at consistent intervals, creating stable levels of active ingredients in affected tissues rather than erratic peaks and valleys. For creams containing NSAIDs like diclofenac, strict adherence to maximum daily application limits is essential to prevent side effects.
Dr. Zeeshan Ahmad, pain and spine specialist, OSF HealthCare, Urbana, Ill.
Matthew Cavanaugh, chiropractor, Cavanaugh Chiropractic Clinic, Lafayette, La.
Dr. Gendai Echezona, anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, Premier PCW, Norwalk, Conn.
John Gallucci, physical therapist and CEO, JAG Physical Therapy, Bridgewater, N.J.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.