Enjoy pain relief at your fingertips with the best arthritis creams of 2025, according to health experts
Over-the-counter products from brands like Biofreeze, Bengay, Tiger Balm and Tylenol can help ease your joint pain.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, slowly erodes the protective cartilage cushioning the joints, while rheumatoid arthritis turns the body's immune system against itself, creating painful inflammation. Other variants like psoriatic arthritis, gout and ankylosing spondylitis each attack the body in uniquely painful ways, yet many share the same progressive joint damage that makes everyday movements increasingly difficult. Behind these painful conditions are grandparents who can't pick up their grandchildren, athletes sidelined from activities they love and workers whose careers are threatened by increasing levels of discomfort. The morning struggle to button a shirt or open a jar isn't just inconvenient — it's a daily reminder of diminishing independence.
While oral medications play their role in reducing pain and targeting inflammation, many options (including common analgesics like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, like ibuprofen) have the potential to cause stomach irritation, cardiovascular risks or liver damage. These risks have driven some people to turn to topical alternatives, either as a primary method of relief or a complementary addition. These creams deliver relief directly to painful areas without significantly impacting other organs. Modern arthritis creams incorporate pharmaceutical-grade ingredients delivered through sophisticated carriers that enhance absorption and extend effectiveness. Dr. Zeeshan Ahmad, a pain and spine specialist at OSF HealthCare, says that some of the most common ingredients used in arthritis creams include capsaicin, menthol, lidocaine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. "These ingredients work to either block pain signals or reduce inflammation, providing relief," he says. The most advanced formulations combine several approaches, creating multi-hour relief that was previously impossible without oral medication. But what separates effective arthritis relief from expensive disappointments? To answer this question, I leveraged my nursing background with additional insights from a panel of arthritis treatment specialists — board-certified doctors, joint-pain specialists, chiropractors and physical therapists. Their criteria for effective topical relief guided our comprehensive assessment of the market-leading pain relief creams for arthritis. Each product was evaluated across multiple dimensions, including active ingredients, delivery, application, cost effectiveness and performance in real-world conditions. Our final list features impressive options that may deliver measurable relief if you're living with arthritis pain. Update, May 15, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick of the best arthritis creams has been updated. Best overall arthritis pain relief cream Other arthritis creams we recommend for 2025 Factors to consider when choosing an arthritis cream How we chose Other arthritis pain relief creams we considered FAQs Meet our experts Key ingredients: Diclofenac sodium 1% | Cooling, warming, neutral effect: Neutral | Scent: Neutral Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is one of the best arthritis creams available. It's our top recommendation, as it delivers prescription-strength relief in an accessible over-the-counter formula. Rather than masking pain through cooling or warming sensations, this clinically proven diclofenac sodium formulation targets inflammation directly, providing meaningful improvement rather than temporary distraction. Diclofenac is a powerful NSAID that reduces the production of pain-causing prostaglandins right where they form, addressing the underlying inflammation driving the discomfort of arthritis. It reduces pain while improving mobility and function, so you can go about your day with limited interruption. The nongreasy gel absorbs quickly with only a trace of a medicinal odor, while the easy-open cap helps protect arthritic hands from messy application or product waste. It's easy to use and is frequently recommended by the Arthritis Foundation, so it’s a solid choice for relief that lasts. Furthermore, for those unable to tolerate oral NSAIDs due to stomach sensitivity or medication interactions, Voltaren provides similar anti-inflammatory benefits with minimal systemic absorption.Table of contents
Best overall arthritis pain relief cream
Best overall arthritis cream
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel