Top Over The Counter Arthritis Cream – 2023 Guide and Reviews

 

If you have been scouring the Internet in search of the best over the counter arthritis cream but you haven’t had a lot of luck up until now, you’re in the right place. We’ve looked through hundreds of sales figures, social media reactions, and customer reviews, to make sure that the products that we will recommend to you are those you should give a try. The first option we came up with is the Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel as it is a cold topical analgesic that gets the job done in a timely fashion, therefore providing you with the pain relief you need so much. It’s currently used by chiropractors, massage therapists, and podiatrists, but also by athletes, so you can rest assured that it is an effective solution for dealing with your arthritis pain. If this choice is no longer available, we suggest checking out the Stopain Extra Strength Roll-On.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Over The Counter Arthritis Creams (Reviews) in 2023

 

 

We can’t make the right decision for you, so we decided we would at least try to help you by showcasing some reviews of over the counter arthritis creams below. These products have all acquired quite a good deal of appreciation on the part of those that have tried them in the past.

 

 

1. Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel for Arthritis Bottle With Pump

 

Gels are more fast-absorbing compared to creams, and so that’s why we decided to choose such a product as our top recommendation. This one comes in a convenient pump bottle so you can apply it to your achy body region effectively and swiftly. Biofreeze’s Pain Relief Gel has been the top choice of athletes, chiropractors and massage therapists for many years now.

It’s worth noting that this is a non-addictive and non-systemic alternative and it contains no NSAIDs, so it is perfectly safe to utilize without a prescription from your physician. It contains menthol as well as a variety of natural ingredients such as those derived from Aloe, Calendula, Lemon, Burdock Root, Boswellia, and Arnica.

On top of everything, you can use this gel even if you are a vegan or just care about animals’ wellbeing since this company doesn’t test on them. This product is manufactured in the United States and it comes in two varieties – a green one and a colorless one.

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2. Stopain Extra Strength Pain Relief Roll-On 3 Ounce

 

Stopain’s alternative is another that you ought to keep in mind since it is mess-free and it can be a friend in need when you need some momentary pain relief. As is the case with other good over the counter arthritis creams, this one will provide you with both joint and muscle pain relief. It contains both glucosamine and MSM, two ingredients that have been proved to be effective in the long-term treatment of arthritis.

This product also contains active menthol, and its cooling action will undoubtedly make you feel at ease. You are allowed to apply the cream using the roll-on applicator up to four times a day and you’ll be glad to know that this formula doesn’t stain your clothes and is non-greasy.

The series includes gels, roll-ons, as well as sprays, so you can choose the application method that you prefer best. It’s said to be great for alleviating pain from bursitis, tendonitis, and of course arthritis.

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3. Penetrex Pain Relief Therapy

 

This USA-made over the counter cream for arthritis pain can be used by many people and will provide them with the relief they need. It is a great alternative for pretty much any type of pain from the one you might feel in your feet, shoulders, wrists, elbows, hips, calves, neck, back, to that in your knees. It can even be applied on your hands.

The difference between this product and some of the others we have found while doing our research is that this particular one doesn’t just mask the pain on account of it having a cooling or warming effect. It actually diminishes the pain thanks to the ingredients it contains.

The Penetrex alternative comes with extracts from Arnica, Boswellia Serrata and others, but it also contains a good helping of MSM and Glucosamine, as well as Vitamin B6. It has no parabens, it doesn’t stain any of your clothes, it’s non-greasy, and it has never been tested on animals.

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4. Aspercreme with Lidocaine

 

Lidocaine is an anesthetic commonly used by physicians and dentists. It is not a long-lasting product, but it does numb the area to which it is applied for anything from several minutes to several hours depending on the quantity that has been used.

Unlike some of the other choices in the same line, the Aspercreme desensitizes the aggravated nerves that have caused the pain in the first place. It focuses on the pain receptors and targets them effectively, and it appears to do so in a more effective manner compared to other topical analgesics currently available for the same purpose.

What’s interesting about the Aspercreme is the fact that it comes with the maximum amount of Lidocaine available without any prescription, so it is perfectly legal to purchase and it will provide you with the pain relief you are looking to get from such a product. Some users note that they’ve used it for sciatica pain and they’ve gotten great results.

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5. Boiron Arnicare Cream 4.2 Ounce Homeopathic Medicine 

 

While it might seem basic compared to some of the other choices that we have showcased in this selection, this Arnica over the counter cream for arthritis pain has proven its worth under a number of circumstances. It can be used for massage and for soothing the pain you might feel in certain body areas and it greatly reduces the discomfort you might have.

It’s also been shown to have mild anti-inflammatory properties, and it even promotes the discoloration of bruises. This particular formula doesn’t contain any parabens and it is unscented, so you can safely use it even before getting out of the house.

From cosmetic surgeons that have utilized this product to relieve post-procedure pain to professional athletes that needed its services to soothe their sore muscles, this cream has been used by many and offered excellent results every time.

Besides, it costs way less compared to others so you might need to try it just because of that and because it has received plenty of favorable reviews.

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6. Blue Emu Original Analgesic Cream

 

Having gathered over one thousand positive ratings from those who have given it a try in the past, it’s pretty clear that something must be good about this product.

The Blue Emu Original is capable of soothing your achy muscles and joints, and the best thing about it is that it has no scent and it is non-greasy, so you can simply apply it in the morning before going to work and not worry about anything.

The deep penetrating support ensured by the formula is probably the most notable benefit you’ll get if you decide to give this one a go.

Sure, it might not be a cheap over the counter arthritis cream, but it does offer you the pain relief you might need. You have to apply it for around two to three times as needed per day for a minimum of two weeks to get some long-lasting results. It’s safe to use and it contains Emu oil, MSM, Glucosamine, as well as a helping of vitamins E and A.

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7. Two Old Goats Essential Oil Lotion

 

Essential oils can also provide plenty of pain relief depending on what plants they are extracted from. This particular one carries a blend of six natural essential ones that go deep into your muscles and joints, which obviously makes the product quite effective.

You’ll find that the Two Old Goats alternative contains extracts from peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, chamomile, lavender, as well as birch bark, and all of these work together toward alleviating the discomfort you might feel.

This particular offer includes two bottles and a pump, so you can conveniently attach this extra and apply the product in a more convenient manner.

The Two Old Goats Essential Oil blend is said to offer excellent results in cases of arthritis, gout, or fibromyalgia. Plus, its formula even gives your skin a bit of nourishment but beware that it is greasy when compared to similar gels and creams. We advise using it while you are at home.

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8. Hemp Extract Cream 5000Mg Made in USA

 

This USA-made hemp extract cream is another noteworthy alternative, and that’s because it has been produced in a facility inspected by the FDA and GMP certified. Needless to say, that makes it more or less safe to use on any type of patient.

The hemp formula contained in this product makes it possible for you to benefit from pain relief in your muscles, back, knee, or the discomfort you might feel due to arthritis in the elbow region, for example.

It has also been found to be effective in soothing inflammation as well as stiffness and in relieving joint pain. Some argue that it has helped them deal with the pain of fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel.

To get the right results, you should apply the cream at least three to four times every day and massage that body area for a minimum of thirty seconds. This helps the cream to penetrate the dermis and get at a deeper level where you actually need it to act.

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9. Max Strength Hot Cream Natural Muscle Pain Relief Cream

 

There’s always been a debate as to whether cold creams are better than hot ones and the other way around. Well, you’ll be happy to know that hot creams do prove their worth when the tissues affected are the bones, the joints, and the muscles. Such an option does not, however, provide relief when the ones that have been affected are the nerves.

Since arthritis is a disease characterized by the degeneration of the joints and surrounding tissues, the Max Strength Hot Cream could be a good option in this case. It is a powerful muscle relaxer that contains natural ingredients such as capsaicin and a good helping of essential oils that help you relax and benefit from the much-needed pain relief you are looking for.

The product has been designed with around a dozen nourishing oils from eucalyptus and spearmint to sweet basil – and all of these help reduce inflammation and tension. This capsaicin cream is paraben-free.

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10. Natural Pain Cream by The Feel Good Lab

 

If you’re in the market for a product that can help you feel as if there were no discomfort associated with your current lifestyle, perhaps this one by The Feel Good Lab might be right up your alley.

It’s made with natural ingredients which all help soothe the pain caused by arthritis, tendinitis, fibromyalgia, back pain, post-surgery, or any other ailment that might be aggravated by inflammation.

It can also be used effectively to aid in the treatment of injuries such as pulled muscles or sprains. Besides, it makes for a great choice for athletes, too, since it is gentle and safe to utilize for a long amount of time.

This product contains several effective ingredients such as devil’s claw, chondroitin, menthol, glucosamine, turmeric, MSM, as well as arnica. It also has plenty of Boswellia, sunflower oil, CMO, aloe vera, coconut oil, calendula, and magnesium. Instead of getting two or more creams to benefit from all of the ingredients, you have them all in a single formula.

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Our Yearly Guide

 

Over the counter arthritis creams are commonly frowned upon, and that’s because they usually contain natural ingredients instead of synthetic ones and that’s why they require no prescription. Of course, there are some exceptions such as those that contain low amounts of anesthetics, but these are usually less effective compared to those that a doctor could prescribe you.

One thing that we have to get out of the way right off the bat is the fact that arthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that can’t be treated completely. All you can do, in fact, is alleviate the symptoms, to get some much-needed pain relief. While arthritis can’t be reverted, its progress can be slowed down or stopped, but that’s the subject of another article we’ll write some other time.

Let’s look at some of the factors that you should have in mind when you’re in the market for an effective arthritis cream.

 

 

Ingredients

Needless to say, the cream or medication that a doctor can prescribe you is far more effective than that which you can buy on your own. Natural ingredients (plant extracts and oils) are effective but only when they are used day in, day out, and for a long amount of time. You won’t get the same pain relief from a natural cream like you would from popping a pill prescribed by your doctor.

Some of the common natural ingredients that have proven to be good at alleviating pain are camphor, menthol, and extracts from Arnica, Boswellia, Eucalyptus, Aloe Vera, and a variety of other plants. Sometimes, the manufacturers will add MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine to the mix, and these are known to have a beneficial effect on arthritis, too, in fact on pretty much any type of joint pathology.

 

Consistency and other features

The word ‘cream’ can describe a variety of formulas. In fact, you can opt for a gel, which can have a color or not, or you can get a roll-on formula. There’s also the option of you choosing an oil resulted from the mix of several natural essential oils.

What you need to pay attention to is the consistency of the cream that you opt for. It shouldn’t leave any stains because in this way, you aren’t limited as to what you can wear or not. It can be quite uncomfortable to have to apply the cream on your skin and then wait for it to dry without any clothes on, especially if you aren’t exactly young.

How easy is it for you to apply the product on your skin? Does its consistency bother you? Does it have to be applied using a special extra such as a pump, for example? Is that pump included with the purchase? Be careful to get all of the info you can before deciding to invest in a product.

Safety

Not all creams in this line are made the same, and not all offer the same benefits. When it comes to safety, you have to make sure that the option you have selected doesn’t contain any NSAIDs and any parabens.

If possible, try to opt for creams that have no scent, either, because some of the menthol ones can have a pretty powerful smell and you can end up smelling like a drugstore instead of a regular human being.

 

 

Side effects of arthritis creams and patches

 

While patches and skin creams for treating arthritis pain are usually very well tolerated mostly because they typically contain natural ingredients that rarely trigger allergic reactions, that doesn’t mean that skin irritation is impossible. Whether it’s burning or redness, you can experience skin irritation after using a product that you have never tried before and even more so with one that hasn’t been recommended by your doctor.

To avoid any such issues, we recommend performing an allergy test. For example, if you’re used to applying one type of cream and you’re looking to try out a new one, just apply a limited amount of the new one on a small portion of your skin and then wait for 48 hours to assess your reaction.

There are cases where these creams can cause more severe reactions such as severe allergic ones – and these can range from hives to swelling of your lips or face. If you notice any of these, don’t hesitate to call your doctor or 911 as soon as possible. However, an allergy test can greatly prevent such mishaps.

 

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