How To Choose the Best Topical Cream for Joint, Knee and Muscle Pain

Joint Health Magazine is supported by our readers. When you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission.See our Advertiser Disclosure.

What is a Topical Joint Pain Product?

This is a medicinal (cream and gel) that you rub on the areas of joint pain and soreness all over your body. The active ingredients penetrate deep into your skin, treating areas of inflammation and discomfort. Topical joint creams are different than oral joint supplements, which are taken once or more in the form of a pill. In this case, the ingredients have to enter your blood stream before they can take effect. That may take time, while the active ingredients in a topical pain product begin working immediately.

Why Should You Use a Topical Joint Product?

A topical joint pain product may be for you if you suffer from painful, uncomfortable joint pain and inflammation that requires immediate relief. You may not want to wait to see if the oral supplements bring down your pain effectively. If this is the case, purchase a topical treatment and you’ll be minutes or even seconds away from relief.

What Happens When You Put on a Topical Joint Product?

When you apply or rub this treatment onto your skin, you’ll immediately feel a tingling sensation. Some of the ingredients, like eucalyptus, have this effect. This sensation isn’t unpleasant, and it means the active ingredients are taking effect. You may also notice a strong mint smell, as menthol is included in most of these products.

What Ingredients to Look for in Topical Pain Relief (Creams, Gels, and Rubs)?

Menthol

This is a counterirritant which comes from the peppermint plant. This plant has several medicinal uses, such as calming gastrointestinal discomfort. When you put menthol on the skin the skin receptors are activated, and this creates an immediate cooling feeling. This is one of the reasons that it’s an excellent arthritis remedy, and research studies have confirmed this effect.

Camphor

This is an extract from the bark and wood of the associated tree. This substance actually works for the treatment of joint pain and inflammation, in concentrations up to 11%. When rubbed on the skin it can penetrate deeply and alleviate pain. It can also eliminate redness and itchiness from the surface of the skin. Studies have shown its effectiveness as an essential oil balm.

Eucalyptus Oil

These are flowering evergreen trees and shrubs in the family Myrtaceae. The tree is native to Australia, but today it grows all over the world. The oil that’s extracted has powerful medicinal properties, due to the fact that it’s replete with healthy anti-oxidants (flavonoids) and anti-inflammatory agents. Research on knee surgery patients has indicated its great benefits in lessening the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

Capsaicin

This ingredient gives off heat and may give you a burning sensation on your skin. According to the National Library of Medicine it’s often included in topical joint creams. This is because the heat activates receptors, and temporarily turns them off. Then reduced pain and inflammation quite a bit.

If you suffer from joint pain and inflammation, you may want to try a topical joint pain product. You rub these products right into your skin, and they absorb quickly and begin healing your symptoms immediately.

Bones are connected by joints, which allow us to move with ease. Joint damage can cause pain preventing you from doing the things you once loved. Topical joint relief supplements tend to work more quickly, helping to relieve pain directly in the affected area compared to supplements taken orally. A topical joint pain relief supplement should be evaluated on its: potential to block the transportation of pain signals, potential to act as a counterirritant to reduce soreness, potential to act as a counterirritant to reduce soreness and Quality of Ingredients* backed by clinical research.

Below you’ll find some of the most effective topical joint pain supplements on the market today, in our opinion.

Rating Table

Our Top Joint Pain Relief Products

#1

Well Care Botanicals

Well Care Botanicals
Overall rating 4.9/5 Overall rating Read Full Review
  • Fight Joint Pain and InflammationReduce Joint Pain & Stiffness
  • Enhance Joint MobilitySupports Cartilage Health
  • Prevent Recurring DamageMaximizes Comfort & Flexibility
  • Long Lasting ResultsQuality Natural Ingredients

Pros

  • The brand uses all-natural and organic ingredients
  • The ingredients are pure with zero additives.
  • The products have no psychoactive effects.

Cons

  • Excessive consumption may cause irritability and hallucinations
Bottom Line

Well Care Botanicals has a wide selection of unique hemp oil-infused products. These products work well to enhance the benefits of better sleep, focus, relaxation, and pain relief.

Read Full Review
#2

Blue Emu

Blue Emu
Overall rating 4.8/5 Overall rating Read Full Review
  • Fight Joint Pain and InflammationSupports Joint Flexibility
  • Enhance Joint MobilityStrengthens Joint Mobility
  • Prevent Recurring DamageDoctor Formulated
  • Long Lasting ResultsPurely Natural Ingredients

Pros

  • The product consists of natural emu oil.
  • It contains soothing aloe vera.
  • The product does not burn or sting the skin.
  • The product does not have an offensive odor.

Cons

  • The price of the product could be expensive for some potential users.
Bottom Line

With pain being one of the most discomforting symptoms of arthritis, people diagnosed with many conditions in this family of diseases tend to search for methods to relieve the pain.

Read Full Review
#3

Aspercreme

Aspercreme
Overall rating 4.7/5 Overall rating Read Full Review
  • Fight Joint Pain and InflammationPromotes Joint Mobility
  • Enhance Joint MobilityPromotes Joint Flexibility
  • Prevent Recurring DamageAids Proper Joint Function
  • Long Lasting ResultsLab-Tested Ingredients

Pros

  • Available in various sizes for added convenience.
  • The cream is free from any odors.
  • The cream contains a maximum strength formula.
  • The cream does not irritate or burn the skin when applied.

Cons

  • Allergic reactions can be experienced from aspirin and salicylates allergies.
  • Can not be used in combination with other topical analgesics.
Bottom Line

Pain, inflammation, and muscle stiffness affect millions of people all over the world. Individuals diagnosed with arthritis and similar conditions also experience stiffness, inflammation, and pain in their joints.

Read Full Review

**This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available informations and our estimation of efficacy.

*Result may vary. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a serious medical condition, or have a history of heart conditions we suggest consulting with a physician before using any supplement. The information contained in this website is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be relied upon as a medical advice. Always consult your doctor before using any supplements.

Disclosure of Material connection: Some of the links in the post above are “associate sales links.” This means if you can click on the link and purchase an item, we will receive a commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services which we use personally and/or believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.”