Everyone has experienced pain at one point in their lives, whether it be from a headache, a back injury, a sports injury, or even arthritis.
Pain relieving cream is a great way to reduce discomfort, irritation, and pain. It is the perfect solution for people who are experiencing acute pain, chronic pain, or even temporary pain. The best part is that you can use this cream anytime and anywhere. You can even use it at work or while you're on the go.
In this article, we are going to cover the different types of pain relief creams available, how they work, what to consider before purchasing one, and how to find the best pain relief cream for your needs.
Types of pain relief creams
There are many types of pain relief creams that are available to help ease pain and discomfort. It is important to find the right type of cream for you. Some creams may be better suited for a specific type of pain. For example:
- If you are experiencing muscle pain, you may want to look into a cream that contains an anti-inflammatory ingredient.
- If you are experiencing joint pain, you may want to look into a cream that contains a joint pain-relieving ingredient.
- If you are experiencing skin irritation, you may want to look into a cream that contains a skin-soothing ingredient.
- If you are experiencing joint pain and skin irritation, you may want to look into a cream that contains both ingredients. You may also want to look into a cream that contains a pain-relieving ingredient.
- If you have a lot of pain and discomfort and you want something that will provide long-term relief, you may want to look into a cream that contains a pain-relieving ingredient.
However, you may not need a pain-relieving cream at all. Often using a heating pad on the affected area may do the trick.
Another product that may work well for some people is coconut oil. In an animal study in India, the high levels of antioxidants present in virgin coconut oil (VCO) reduced inflammation and improved arthritis symptoms more effectively than leading medications.
How do pain relief creams work?
Pain relief creams work by eliminating pain, inflammation, and discomfort. They are typically used as a topical cream to help relieve pain and discomfort. They are available in both prescription and non-prescription forms.
What to consider before purchasing a pain relief cream?
It is important to consider a few factors before purchasing a pain relief cream. You should make sure that the cream is safe to use with children and pets, is gentle enough for everyday use, and has a pleasant smell. You should also make sure that the cream is not greasy or oily and that it has a moisturizing effect. You should also consider the price of the cream before purchasing it. A lot of people are looking for a pain relief cream that will help them deal with their pain without breaking the bank.
What are the active components in pain relief Creams?
Depending upon the condition being dealt with, pain relief creams might include a variety of active components that intend to target swelling, improve blood circulation and enhance discomforts, such as topical NSAIDs (Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatories), lidocaine (an anesthetic), rubefacients (drugs that trigger inflammation and inflammation of the skin to increase blood circulation, consisting of salicylates), capsaicin, menthol, arnica, and camphor.
According to an extensive evaluation of topical analgesics from the Cochrane Library, particular topical medications are generally utilized for typical discomfort conditions:
Sprains and strains: frequently treated with topical NSAIDs.
Osteoarthritis: generally attended to with topical NSAIDs, rubefacients, diclofenac sodium, and low-dose capsaicin.
Neuropathy: typically treated with topical lidocaine or other topical analgesics and high-dose capsaicin.
Arnica is a plant-derived compound utilized topically to deal with muscle injuries, swellings, and sprains, though more research study into these usages is required. Capsaicin stemmed from chili peppers, is a typical active ingredient in
pain-relieving creams work by producing an experience of heat when applied to the skin, triggering nerves and decreasing chemical discomfort messenger activity. The portion of capsaicin in a topical discomfort relief cream, nevertheless, differs depending upon the condition being dealt with.
Understood for the opposite result, menthol (which originates from mint oil) is cooling and has actually been revealed to be more efficient than ice at decreasing discomfort.
Potential Benefits of Pain Relief Creams
When utilized as directed, discomfort relief creams might help in relieving pain or discomfort and swelling related to persistent and intense musculoskeletal and neuropathic discomfort, which can increase the lifestyle of individuals with unpleasant conditions.
Some topical analgesics help in reducing swelling by utilizing NSAIDs while others offer a numbing impact through using topical anesthetics. In general, these creams are generally simple to use, suggesting they can be utilized in the house when suggested by a healthcare service provider.
Prospective negative effects of discomfort relief creams
While discomfort relief creams present a couple of threats and are thought about efficient and safe, there are some negative effects and preventative measures worth keeping in mind.
- Anybody with heart disease must consult their service provider prior to utilizing a topical analgesic including an NSAID.
- Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding needs to seek advice from their healthcare professional prior to utilizing any topical discomfort relief cream.
- Do not use topical discomfort relief creams to open injuries or open skin.
- Stinging, soreness, or burning might happen at the application website, depending upon an item's active components.
- In uncommon cases, allergies might take place.
- Many discomfort relief creams are not suggested for kids under 12 years of age without very first seeking advice from a healthcare professional.
Stop usage and seek advice from your health care professional if you're utilizing a topical discomfort relief cream and experience any unfavorable side results or aggravating of your condition.
How to find the best pain relief cream for your needs?
One of the best ways to relieve pain is by using pain relief cream. There are many types of pain relief creams on the market and each one is designed for different types of pain. You can find pain relief creams for headaches, arthritis, back pain, sprains, and many other types of pain. However, before you buy a pain relief cream, you should first consider what type of pain you are experiencing.
Some people find that using a pain relief cream for one type of pain actually makes the pain worse. It's important to do some research to find the best pain relief cream for your needs. If you are looking for a cream that will reduce pain and irritation, you should opt for one that contains both menthol and camphor. If you are looking for a cream that will provide relief from back pain, you should go for one that contains hyaluronic acid.
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Pain Relief Cream on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Pain Relief Cream - Reviews
The Best
Biofreeze Roll-On Pain-Relieving Gel 3 FL OZ, Green (Pack Of 3) Topical Pain Reliever For Muscles And Joints From Arthritis, Backache, Strains, Bruises, & Sprains (Package May Vary).
About this product
- #1 Clinically Recommended Menthol Topical Pain Relief Brand (*IPSOS Clinician Survey, July 2022).
- Biofreeze roll-on applies easily for penetrating pain relief without the mess.
- Fast acting and long-lasting, cooling menthol formula delivers penetrating pain relief for sore muscles, backaches, sore joints, bruises, and arthritis.
- Best for minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains.
- 3 fl oz roll-on offers hands-free application via roller ball and is TSA-friendly, making it suitable for travel and on the go.
- Biofreeze is a clinically recommended brand; trusted by pharmacists, physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, podiatrists, and athletic trainers, Biofreeze is FSA/HSA eligible. Save up to 30.
Use on your neck and shoulder/rotator cuff, or foot pain but works anywhere. It is a roll-on, so there is no lotion on your hands. The length of the container makes it possible to apply the lotion to one's back. It doesn't seem to stain clothes.
From a long-time user: I have been using bio/freeze for twenty years. It is the best!!
Some customers reported that Biofreeze is not what it use to be.
From a user: I have ordered Biofreeze many times from other sellers with no trouble. But this particular shipment arrived and was clumpy and defective. So I contacted the seller who told me to contact the Biofreeze manufacturer and "Don't tell them that you bought it on Amazon."
Our Thoughts - However, many more customers must have received Biofreeze from other sellers because they were very happy with the product.
Very Good
Sombra Warm Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel, 8-Ounce.
About this product
- Absorbs quickly with a refreshing orange scent.
- Alcohol-free, non-greasy, non-staining.
- Unique warming and cooling ingredients.
- Animal Free. Made in the USA.
- Relieves minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis and simple backaches.
This product is unique in that it provides warm therapy. For arthritic sufferers or any other affected area use this when you are stiff and sore. It does help with pain and limberness giving a burning sensation. Don't use it too very much as it can get very hot!
Some customers reported that they received a damaged container or its contents leaking. Have some of the ingredients changed? It does not work the same as it used to.
Our Thoughts - Packaging needs improving. A little goes a long way. The smell is nice and fresh.
Good Value
Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream, Non-Greasy Analgesic for Minor Arthritis, Muscle, Joint, and Back Pain, Camphor, Menthol & Methyl Salicylate,
2 oz Packaging May Vary.
About this product
- 2-ounce tube of non-greasy Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream to ease backaches, minor arthritis, muscle, and joint pain.
- Topical analgesic contains three pain-relieving ingredients—camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate, for ultra-strong relief in a non-greasy cream.
- Pain relief cream penetrates deeply for back and arthritis pain relief and soothing of other minor aches, sprains, and bruises.
- Bengay is a physician-recommended OTC topical analgesic. Contains more pain-relieving ingredients than any other Bengay product.
- Topical pain relief analgesic comes in a convenient tube for portable & on-the-go relief from aches, minor arthritis, and joint, and back pain.
The scent makes one relax when massaging the injured area. It's not greasy. The smell is strong but works for muscle aches and pains well.
Small and expensive for what it does. There is a sudden cooling effect, then maybe after less than 3mins, it's gone.
Our Thoughts - Bengay ultra strength non-greasy pain relieving topical analgesic cream, works well.
Good
Tiger Balm Sport Rub Pain Relieving Ointment, Ultra Strength 1.70 oz (Pack of 2).
About this product
- For temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with joint and muscle strains, Backaches, Arthritis, and Stiff muscles.
- Item Package Length: 2.997cm.
- Item Package Width: 7.899cm.
- Item Package Height: 15.798cm.
Good for sore muscles and joints can be used for stiffness and pain in hands or foot pain. It works very well. Some users rub this on the back of the neck when they get the first warning signs of a migraine, it often works well.
Some customers mentioned that they received damaged and leaking Tiger Balm. Others said that it works well but they didn't like the smell. The packaging needs to improve.
Our Thoughts - Good for sore muscles and joints but it may take a bit of time before it kicks in. Very strong. Just as expected. Be careful what you touch after using, it's not for damaged skin, mucous membranes, or sensitive areas.
Good
Boiron Arnicare Gel for Soothing Relief of Joint Pain, Muscle Pain, Muscle Soreness, and Swelling from Bruises or Injury - Non-greasy and Fragrance-Free - 2.6 oz.
About this product
- Arnicare for pain: This homeopathic medicine helps temporarily relieve muscle pain & stiffness due to minor injuries, overexertion & falls. Also great for pain, swelling, & discoloration from bruises.
- Topical pain relief: Our non-greasy, water-based formula absorbs quickly & is unscented & paraben-free. This cooling gel is great for relief following an injury, intense workout, or general overexertion.
- Plant-based active ingredient: The Arnica montana plant is a natural pain reliever. This popular homeopathic medicine temporarily relieves muscle pain & stiffness without unwanted drowsiness. Fluoride-Free
- Homeopathy medicine: highly diluted biological, botanical, or mineral substances to relieve symptoms. Our tablets, pellets, & topical treatments work with your body without the risk of contraindications, or known drug interactions.
- The Boiron promise: We believe there’s more than one way to feel better. Since 1932, we have been committed to providing quality medicines. As a world leader in homeopathy, our passion is your health. Our promise is your satisfaction.
It alleviates the throbbing pain in the hip and knees. It helps considerably. It's clear, an odorless product that provides pain relief to muscle and arthritis aches and pains
Some customers mentioned that this is a homeopathic product and they didn't get any relief from pain.
Our Thoughts - This may not work for everyone. There are many conflicting reviews from users.
Good
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief, No Prescription Needed - 5.3 oz/150 g Tube.
About this product
- One 5.3 oz/150 g tube of Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief
- Number 1 Doctor Recommended topical pain relief brand
- Clinically Proven to relieve arthritis pain, improve mobility and reduce stiffness, aches, and pains to provide prescription-strength arthritis pain relief
- An Alternative to Pills, Voltaren is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel that combines the benefits of an arthritis cream and gel for arthritis pain management
- Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel Penetrates Deep to attack arthritis pain directly at the source of inflammation, treating arthritis pain rather than just masking it
Seven days after applying this to the knees and elbows the pain was gone. Works well. Users of Voltaren with osteoarthritis seem to like the results they are getting.
Some customers reported that this Voltaren is not like it used to be. It doesn't give a warm sensation like it's working. Others said that his product doesn't do what it claims to do. May have been a bad batch. A few mentioned that it ships from Argentina, and all packaging is in Spanish.
Our Thoughts - Voltaren gel works well if used as instructed. Not meant as a quick pain relieving cream. The only frustration is that in the listed warnings of possible doom and destruction it says not to use it for more the 21 days. Nowhere does it say when you can start using it again.
Good
Salonpas Lidocaine Plus Pain Relieving Cream, 3 Ounce Tube.
About this product
- Salonpas Lidocaine Cream: Maximum strength Lidocaine, available without a prescription, provides relief for minor aches and pains; Pain creams help muscle soreness, sprains, back pain or backache, joint pain, and neck pain
- Tackle large or small pain areas: Convenient Lidocaine Cream provides powerful targeted numbing pain relief for your back, neck, shoulders, knees, or elbows
- Quality active ingredients with no prescription: Benzyl Alcohol numbs nerves fast and lidocaine is at the maximum strength you can buy without a prescription; That's two powerful medicines that provide targeted relief and calm nerves for hours
- Hours of pain relief: Is back pain holding you back; Does neck pain make it hard to focus; Is joint pain or muscle soreness stopping your favorite activities; Salonpas patches provide hours of pain relief; Why let pain stop you when you can stop the pain
- Salonpas to help soothe your pain: With pain relief patches, spray, cream, gel, and liquid, Salonpas is here to help you get through your day with discreet, easy-to-use, topical pain relief for temporary relief of aches and pains
Salonpas does work, rub it into your pain area deeply, and relief will come in about 10 min. It's not messy or greasy and the smell isn't as strong or medicinal as others. The smell is strong and helps to open up the sinuses.
Not suited for everyone. Some customers said that it didn't relieve the pain much. Others mentioned that they received a damaged product. Not marketed for use on children under the age of 12, and not marketed for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
Our Thoughts - Salonpas Lidocaine Plus Discomfort Relieving Cream includes the optimal strength of non-prescription (OTC) lidocaine (4%), in addition to benzyl alcohol, which, according to the business, numbs nerves rapidly. In addition, this non-greasy formula uses fast remedies for musculoskeletal and/or nerve discomfort.
