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Arthritis creams and lotions are designed to help ease the aches and pains associated with arthritis by delivering anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving ingredients topically through the skin.

While topical pain relievers are not a cure for arthritis, people with minor symptoms—or who experience pain emanating from superficial joints close to the skin, such as the knees, ankles or hands—may experience temporary relief after using these products as recommended.

To identify the best arthritis creams, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on over 60 products, considering average price per ounce, maximum allowable over-the-counter strength and more. Read below to find out which arthritis creams earned our recommendations. Note: All prices are accurate as of the publication date.

Aspercreme® Arthritis Gel Is Prescription Strength for Arthritis Pain Relief

This odorless, affordable cream seems to tick all the boxes. Aspercreme’s Pain Relief Cream is not greasy and it aims to provide fast-acting relief from joint pain, aches, strains and sprains.

The price is right on this popular cream, coming in as one of the least expensive options on our list. It may offer relief for minor aches and can soothe muscle soreness and fatigue.

Our nerves (and joints) may need a bit of cooling calm and balm every now and then. IcyHot’s Pain Relieving Balm delivers a clean, no-mess application and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) power.

Osteo Bi-Flex Joint Health Pain Relieving Cream

This product packs an invigorating menthol punch. Rubbing and massaging Osteo Bi-Flex’s topical pain relief cream into painful areas may offer relief from radiating discomfort caused by arthritis and stiff joints.

This product can be used before and after exercise to soothe sore muscles. Customer reviews note this rub starts working quickly and offers fast relief.

Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief Cream

Amazon reviewers rave about the sweet relief they experience when using Blue-Emu’s fast-acting cream. Those with osteoarthritis, backaches, strains or bruises may find this product worth a whirl.

Reviewers appreciate the roll-on application of this item, which is helpful for people who might have difficulty massaging in cream (or for those wanting to keep their hands clean). If you have minor aches, pains and strains, this product may offer an “icy” effect to dull the pain and “heat” to relieve achy muscles.

Blue-Emu Ultra with Hemp Seed Oil

This cream uses THC-free hemp seed oil to fuel more natural pain relief. Hemp seed oil helps “hydrate” your skin and facilitates quick absorption, according to the company.

Tiger Balm Active Muscle Rub

This cream gets strong reviews from customers on Amazon, many of whom tout Tiger Balm’s fast-acting relief for minor aches, pains, strains or bruises.

This cream uses “purified capsaicin,” which Rugby describes as a “penetrating pain reliever recommended by doctors.” If you can handle the burn (capsaicin is the ingredient found in cayenne peppers), Rugby’s Capsaicin Cream may be worth trying.

To determine the best arthritis creams, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on over 60 products, ranking them based on the following factors:

Arthritis creams are topical pain relievers designed to numb, dull or dissipate pain. Those suffering from minor aches, strains, pain or bruises may find temporary relief by using an arthritis cream as directed on the product label.

Arthritis creams come in various forms and delivery methods, including: 

Most arthritis creams can be purchased over-the-counter at drugstores or supermarkets, but some stronger products, such as Pennsaid, require a prescription.

Arthritis creams deliver pain-relieving ingredients, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), capsaicin or salicylates, to help alleviate targeted areas of arthritis discomfort. In arthritis creams, NSAIDs are delivered in topical form, as opposed to orally which can sometimes cause side effects like cardiovascular risks or an upset stomach. Creams that use capsaicin—an ingredient derived from chili peppers—give a warm, tingling feeling, while creams that contain salicylates provide alternative osteoarthritis pain relief for those who cannot take oral medications or for whom acetaminophen has been unsuccessful.

These topical creams absorb into and through your skin and work best on joints that aren’t far below the skin’s surface (such as in the hands, elbows, ankles and knees). Ingredients used in arthritis creams depend on the brand or product you choose and your specific health needs.

Before buying an arthritis cream, consult a health care professional, such as a rheumatologist or physical therapist, for expert guidance to determine whether using one of these products is safe for you—especially if you have vascular issues, asthma, allergies, skin disorders or if you take oral NSAIDs. You may also need to try different types of creams to find the one that works best for your needs.

Consider the following factors when beginning your search:

When choosing which cream works best for you, consider its listed active ingredients and how they might interact with your health needs and history. Common active ingredients in arthritis creams include:

Before choosing an arthritis cream, consult with your health care provider to determine which active ingredients might be right for you.  

As arthritis creams come in many forms, it’s important to find the type that will work best for your needs. If you want a product that requires thorough rubbing or massaging into the skin, opt for a cream, gel, salve, balm or ointment. Alternatively, arthritis sprays and roll-on products don’t require much if any massaging and carry the benefit of little mess. Patches that release pain-relieving medication also offer an on-the-go option.

Generally, topical arthritis creams are considered to be safe, effective and have less side effects than oral medication options. 

While arthritis creams aren’t exactly a “break the bank” purchase, there is a broad price range that can fit any budget. Of the products we reviewed for this piece, price points range from about $4 up to nearly $35 depending on the brand, size and type of arthritis cream you opt for. 

There is no cure for arthritis. However, depending on the severity of your symptoms, you might find relief through a combination of medications, physical therapy, dietary changes or surgery.

Several arthritis creams claim to offer quick and effective relief from the agony of joint pain or swelling. Unfortunately, the relief is temporary.

Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.

Robby has spent his career in a variety of writing, editing and storytelling roles. He now resides near Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife and three kids. He enjoys woodworking, playing rec league soccer and supporting chaotic, downtrodden sports franchises like the Miami Dolphins and Tottenham Hotspur.

Meaghan is an editor and writer who also has experience practicing holistic medicine as an acupuncturist and herbalist. She's passionate about helping individuals live full, healthy and happy lives at every age. Outside of writing and editing for Forbes Health, Meaghan loves practicing yoga, reading and spending time with her family near the ocean in her home state of Maine.