10 Best Pain Relief Creams, According to Doctors

Minor aches and pains or the occasional sprain or strain respond to creams like BENGAY, which contains a local anesthetic plus a soothing agent, says Medhat Mikhael, MD, double board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine, and medical director at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.

"It has an analgesic effect with cold and a vasodilating effect with heat that improves healing and blood supply to the area, with an added local anesthetic to numb the area," says Dr. Mikhael. The formulation is also non-greasy and won't leave stains on clothing.

If you suffer from back pain, a strongly scented formula can be overwhelming when applied to a large part of the body like the back. This cream effectively relieves minor pains and is fragrance-free. "Topical formulations are made with a base and active ingredient, which can be optimized for a particular site on the body," says Mehta.

This one uses trolamine salicylate, a pain reliever related to aspirin that can help numb minor aches and soreness, including back soreness, according to Harvard Health Publishing. The addition of aloe makes for an extra-soothing feel.

For joint pain due to osteoarthritis, Mikhael prefers creams containing diclofenac, such as this gel from Voltaren, which is formulated specifically for arthritis pain relief. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) has been shown to be as effective as oral NSAIDs at relieving arthritis pain and stiffness, with fewer risks and side effects, according to the Arthritis Foundation. In the past, Voltaren was only available by prescription. But now a version containing 1 percent diclofenac is available over the counter. The gel formulation isn't greasy, and the twist cap is designed to be easy to open with sore, stiff hands and wrists.

Capsaicin-based creams are a good option for easing the shooting, burning pain near the surface of your skin that can strike during or after a shingles infection, says Mikhael. The ingredient, which is derived from chili peppers, is thought to make nerves less sensitive to pain messages, according to a January 2017 Cochrane review. With 0.1 percent capsaicin to deliver warm, penetrative relief, Zostrix fits the bill. The non-greasy formula feels good on skin, won't stain clothes, and, because it's fragrance-free, is less likely to cause irritation.

Topicals like Biofreeze, which feel cold on the skin, can have an instant pain-relieving effect, Dr. Mikhael says. The non-greasy, NSAID-free pain cream contains menthol, which relieves discomfort by desensitizing nerves and reducing blood flow to sore or injured areas. And chances are, it'll be more soothing than a bag of frozen peas. A June 2012 study in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that menthol is more effective at easing muscle soreness and discomfort than simply icing the area.

This formula uses warming camphor combined with other natural ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, witch hazel and other plant extracts to provide gentle comfort and relief. There are no artificial colors or fragrances used, nor is there wax, petroleum or alcohol. A soothing, warming sensation builds up a few minutes after applying — this isn’t a warming rub that burns. It's a multitasker designed to work for everything from post-exercise soreness to arthritis. Just be sure to wash your hands well after applying it so you don’t accidentally rub your eyes — you’ll definitely feel it if you do.

Some people find that alternating hot and cold therapy delivers more comfort than using either alone. If you're among them, this cream is for you. This cream does double duty, delivering hot and cold therapy to soothe and numb away pain. It uses menthol to deliver a cooling sensation, plus the numbing agent lidocaine, which temporarily stops nerves from sending pain signals, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

“Icy Hot's particularly popular for backaches and arthritis-related pain, but it's an all-purpose cream that you can use to relieve neck pain, knee pain and everywhere in between,” says David Asselin, DPT, a physical therapist practicing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The non-greasy formula doesn't feel slick, either.

This balm will deliver temporary pain relief without breaking the bank. The classic Tiger Balm ointment uses a combo of camphor and menthol to create a cooling sensation that temporarily blocks feelings of discomfort. Because the ingredients merely mask pain, the balm isn't likely to be as effective as options that also contain anti-inflammatory agents, such as lidocaine or diclofenac. But it'll get the job done if you're looking for fast, inexpensive, temporary relief.

This popular cream gets its pain-fighting power from arnica, a homeopathic remedy that may help ease muscle and joint discomfort, particularly back pain, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. It also contains methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which is a naturally occurring compound that may help reduce inflammation.

Keep in mind that homeopathic remedies aren't subject to the same scientific scrutiny as conventional pain relievers. But this might be worth a try if you're looking for a more natural option, as long as you get the green light from your doctor first.

This smooth, non-greasy lubricant doesn't contain any active pain-relieving ingredients. Instead, it's designed to act as a friction-reducer for massages — another tactic for soothing tight, overworked muscles. It doesn't contain active pain-fighting ingredients, but it can increase the comfort of a massage meant to deliver pain relief to your muscles.

Use the hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cream on your hands to get a deeper rub on areas like your knees, feet or wrists, or hand the jar to your partner or friend for help with your back, shoulders or neck.