Currently, roughly 54.4 million Americans have arthritis and an estimated 78.4 million will have it by the year 2040. Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints and can be very painful.
Symptoms of arthritis include reduced range of motion, pain that worsens with inactivity, and pain and stiffness. Those who live with this condition are two times as likely to have mental health issues than those who don’t. To help soothe symptoms and reduce pain, here are some of the best over-the-counter creams on the market.
How Creams Can Help Soothe Arthritis Symptoms
The symptoms of arthritis can make daily tasks feel unbearable and be both mentally and physically taxing. Over-the-counter creams can be a good option for managing pain and reducing inflammation, offering quick, albeit temporary relief. These lotions, creams, and gels contain active ingredients that don’t require a prescription and are often very affordable at your local pharmacy.
Here are six over-the-counter creams that may be able to help reduce your arthritis symptoms.
1. Bengay Ultra Strength Pain Relieving Cream
Price: $6.78 for 4 ounces.
This cream provides relief from minor arthritis pain, backaches, and muscle and joint pain. It isn’t greasy and comes in a convenient travel tube, making it simple to have relief on the go. This cream provides localized treatment right to the joint.
Arthritis-Friendly Ingredients
- Salicylates, which reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation.
- Camphor, a counterirritant that warms and cools the skin.
- Menthol, which also warms and cools the skin.
2. Icy Hot Vanishing Gel
Price: $9.59 for 2.5 ounces.
Icy Hot Vanishing Gel is an extra-strength gel that is great for relief of arthritis symptoms. It works at the exact point of contact and absorbs quickly into the skin without greasiness or odour. It initially provides an icy feeling to numb pain and then a waking effect to relax the muscle or joint. This type of treatment is generally very effective in treating aches and pains.
Arthritis-Friendly Ingredients
- Salicylates, which reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation.
- Menthol, which works to initially dull pain, then warms the area.
3. Aspercreme Odor-Free Topical Analgesic Cream
Price: $5.54 for 3 ounces.
This cream is odour free and clinically proven to relieve arthritis pain. This formula is not greasy and will leave no residue behind. It’s available in formulas with and without lidocaine, so you can choose if you’d like numbing or non-numbing
Arthritis-Friendly Ingredients
- Salicylates, which reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation.
- No counterirritants, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
- Scent-free, ideal for those who are scent-sensitive.
4. Myoflex Odorless Pain Relieving Cream
Price: $11.41 for 4-ounce tubes.
This is a targeted pain relief option that is great to relieve symptoms of arthritis. This formula is odourless and lasts up to eight hours for full day relief.
Arthritis-Friendly Ingredients
- Salicylates, which reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation.
- Aloe vera, which helps users avoid the menthol smell of other products.
5. Capzasin-HP Arthritis Cream
Price: $9.99 for 1.5 ounces.
This strong pain-relieving cream works by decreasing the substance in your body that helps to pass pain signals to your brain. Consistency is key with this pain-relieving cream, so it’s most beneficial if used at the same time every day.
Arthritis-Friendly Ingredients
- Capsaicin, which warms the skin to reduce pain and blocks the body’s pain receptors.
6. Sportscreme Deep Penetrating Pain Relieving Rub
Price: $7.49 for 3 ounces.
Sportscreme Deep Penetrating Pain Relieving Rub is a thick cream that soothes muscles. Though it’s meant for athletes, its extra strength ingredients make it perfect for relieving arthritis symptoms.
Arthritis-Friendly Ingredients
- Salicylates, which reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation.
- Free of counterirritants,
Get Relief From Symptoms
Arthritis is a painful and uncomfortable condition to live with. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, talk to your doctor and explore these over-the-counter creams for temporary localized relief. While some of the above creams need to be used consistently for maximum benefit, others are a great option for off the cuff treatment. Quick working, effective, and affordable, these six creams are great for managing the symptoms of arthritis.