Over-the-counter pain relief balms or creams are the easiest way to provide relief from acute pains and muscle pulls or strains, providing rapid relief to the affected area. This article will help you find some of the best pain relief creams on the market, but first you need to know how these creams work to find the best one for yourself.

How Do Muscle Rubs Work?

Topical pain relief products come in various forms such as gels, muscle pain balms, pain relief sprays, creams, and patches, though creams and gels are the most common types. Pain relief balms and muscle rubs are absorbed directly into the skin, providing quick pain relief on the affected area, though many balms are more effective in the areas where skin is a little thin, like the joints.

Many muscle rubs and creams use counterirritants such as menthol, cinnamon oil, camphor, etc. to ‘distract’ your brain from the pain. These ingredients radiate warm and cool sensations on the skin and distract the brain whilst numbing pain receptors to provide relief from painful sensations.

Do Pain Relief Creams Work?

The effectiveness of pain relief creams depends mostly on the active ingredient(s) used, as some ingredients are more powerful than others and can reduce painful sensations in minutes. However, some ingredients might not even work for some people, making it essential to research pain relief creams before you buy.

Similarly, some topical painkillers show impressive results when used in combination with oral painkillers: Products with capsaicin perform extremely well when used with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as paracetamol, for example. However, we cannot recommend using pain relief creams (with or without NSAIDs) for chronic pain, as they may not be safe for long-term use.

Best Muscle Pain Relief Cream

Here are some of the most effective muscle pain balms you can find on the market:

1. Penetrex Therapy Cream

Pros

• Provides quick relief
• Non-greasy
• Easy to apply
• Paraben-free
• Contains arnica as the main ingredient

Cons

• Not suitable for chronic pain
• Fairly expensive

Penetrex is a popular pain relief cream which is ideal for people with sensitive skin as it doesn’t use counterirritants or other harsh ingredients. As a result, Penetrex can target the source of pain, reducing inflammation and soreness whilst being gentle on your skin.

1. BioFreeze Pain Relief Muscle Rub Gel

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Fast effects
• Contains natural ingredients
• Strong menthol content

Cons

• Menthol can be irritating for some people
• Doesn’t treat the root cause of the pain

BioFreeze muscle rub gel is easy to use and provides quick relief from minor aches and inflammation, thanks to its menthol content. Although the gel is quickly absorbed and creates a strong cooling sensation, it doesn’t treat the root cause of pain, which can leave you suffering further down the line.

1. Vicii Botanicals CBD Muscle Rub

Pros

• Contains plenty of CBD
• Only minor tingling sensations
• Easy to use

Cons

• Expensive

Studies show that CBD is effective at reducing pain and inflammation, making this CBD-based ideal for repairing and rejuvenating sore muscles. Whether you use this balm to get relief from chronic pain or muscle soreness after a tough gym session, the soothing effects of CBD will help you relieve those aches and pains.

What Is The Best Pain Relief Cream?

Choosing the best pain relief cream for your needs is very important, but it all depends on what kind of pain you are seeking relief from and your individual medical needs. Some people will use these creams for minor muscle soreness, but others may rely on them to relieve chronic symptoms, so your mileage may vary depending on why you’re using these products.

Similarly, the active ingredients of your chosen pain relief cream may give drastically different results – menthol provides a cooling distraction but no real pain relief, for example. These differences can make all the difference in the world, so compare the active ingredients and consider your needs before buying a pain relief cream to get the best results.

Active Ingredients To Look For

Because there are a finite amount of ingredients and compounds that relieve pain or reduce inflammation, many pain relief creams use similar active ingredients, such as:

Counterirritants

Counterirritants like menthol, camphor, cinnamon oil, produce hot or cold sensations which help to desensitize the skin by blocking nerve endings. These substances also distract you from the pain, providing some psychological relief from the pain.

Salicylate

Salicylates are commonly used in painkillers like aspirin for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, making them ideal for pain relief creams. Unlike counterirritants, salicylates do not create hot or cold sensations, so people with sensitive skin will find they give more effective relief.

Lidocaine

An effective local anesthetic, lidocaine is added to some pain relief creams thanks to its fast-numbing effects and proven pain-reducing properties. Because lidocaine is quickly absorbed into the skin and numbs the area it is applied to, it is commonly used in heavy-duty pain relief creams.

Hot And Cold Method

If you’re looking for a quick and easy alternative to pain relief creams and muscle rubs, then the hot and cold method is for you! This deceptively simple technique is one of the most effective ways to treat joint and muscle soreness without pharmaceuticals and all you need are some hot and cold packs (available in most major supermarkets) or ice, towels, and a hot water bottle.

The cold of an ice pack (or ice cubes in a plastic bag) numbs the area and reduces inflammation by restricting blood flow, while gentle heat from a hot pack (or hot water bottle) relaxes your muscles and increases blood flow. By swapping between cold and hot every 20 minutes or so, you can sooth any inflammation and promote healing, though you should avoid using other creams and balms with this method, as the temperature changes may cause side effects.

Things To Know Before Using Pain relief creams

Pain relief creams and muscle rubs aren’t for everyone, and long-term use of NSAIDs is not advised, so make sure you do your research to find the best option for your needs. When researching, keep these pointers and precautions in mind:

• Follow the instructions: Pain relief creams are medicines, so stick to the recommended dosage
• Avoid applying creams or balms on areas where your skin is broken or irritated.
• DO NOT use creams with heating pads or the hot and cold treatment.
• Use latex gloves to apply the pain relief cream.
• If you don’t have gloves, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after application
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or any other sensitive area with the product on your hand.
• Consult your doctor if you are taking other medications
• Make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients
• Do not cover the area tightly with bandages
• Do a patch test if you are using the product for the first time.
• Avoid using the pain relief cream more than 4 times per day.
• Stop using the product if your redness or stinging doesn’t go away after some time.
• Avoid applying near eyes.

Side Effects Of Topical Pain Relief Products

Unless you are allergic to any ingredient in your chosen pain relief cream, there shouldn’t be any side effects from these topical products. Some products may cause numbness or irritation (especially those containing counterirritants), but this should pass in a matter of hours.

No matter what product you use, always follow the instructions on the label and use it as intended – even the most harmless muscle rub can cause pain when misused. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose after applying the cream and wash your hands thoroughly after use and consult your doctor if you notice any side effects like persistent redness.

Final Words

Choosing the right pain relief balm for your needs can be tricky with so many good options to choose from, but this guide should help you soothe your aches for good. To sum up, make sure you follow the instructions, use stronger creams (like those containing lidocaine) sparingly and consult a doctor if you see any side effects or are taking other medication.