What is the Best Over‑the‑Counter Pain Relief Cream for Joint Pain?

Arthritis is often described as joint inflammation, but for most people, the biggest struggle is the pain. And that pain can show up in different ways—dull and achy, throbbing, or even sharp enough to take your breath away when you move the wrong way. It can flare up after a busy day, a bad night’s sleep, or during times of stress.

The good news? There are many ways to manage arthritis pain. From medications to natural remedies, relief comes in different forms.

What works for one person might not work for another, and even the same treatment may not always be effective every time. Finding relief usually means trying different approaches and sometimes switching things up. With a little patience, some trial and error, and guidance from your doctor, you can discover what works best for you.

Here are 24 pain relief treatments to consider.

Oral, Injected and Topical Medications

1. Disease-Modifying Medications

If you have an inflammatory type of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriatic arthritis, managing the disease itself is key to reducing pain. Thankfully, many medications—some developed in just the past few years—can help keep the disease under control. These include:

• DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs): Medications like methotrexate and leflunomide (Arava) help slow the disease’s progress.
• Biologics: These are genetically engineered drugs that target specific parts of the immune system, such as B cells, TNF (tumor necrosis factor), and IL-1 (interleukin 1).
• JAK Inhibitors: These drugs block certain signaling molecules (JAKs) to slow down RA progression.

Working with your doctor to find the right medication—or combination of medications—is important for controlling your condition.

2. Oral Pain Medications

Some medications are made specifically to relieve pain, while others were originally developed for different conditions but turned out to be effective for arthritis pain too. Some are available over the counter (OTC), while others require a prescription:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): An OTC pain reliever that may help with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) pain. Prescription versions combine acetaminophen with stronger painkillers for short-term relief after joint surgery.
• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): OTC versions like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen (Aleve) help with pain, while higher prescription doses can also reduce inflammation.
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Originally developed as an antidepressant, this medication is also approved for treating chronic OA pain.
• Tramadol (Ultram): A prescription opioid used for OA pain that doesn’t respond to other medications. While it has a lower risk of addiction than other opioids, it’s still tightly regulated.

3. Joint Injections

For severely painful and inflamed joints, injections can offer relief:

• Corticosteroid Injections: These powerful anti-inflammatory drugs work quickly to reduce pain and swelling.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Used for osteoarthritis, these injections help restore the natural lubrication in joints. Typically, they’re given once a week for three or four weeks.

4. Topical Medications

These pain relievers are applied directly to the skin over the painful joint and come in the form of sprays, creams, ointments, or patches. They work in different ways:

• Capsaicin: Found in chili peppers, this ingredient helps reduce pain signals in nerve cells.
• Salicylates: The same pain-relieving ingredient found in aspirin.
• Counterirritants: Ingredients like menthol and camphor create a warming or cooling sensation to distract from the pain.
• Diclofenac: A prescription NSAID in gel form that works like oral NSAIDs to relieve pain.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for arthritis pain, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you!

Diet and Natural Remedies  

5. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating healthy might not directly stop joint pain, but it can help manage inflammation, which can reduce pain over time. A diet rich in whole foods—like fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and beans—while low in processed foods and saturated fats is a great choice.

Some people notice that certain foods trigger their pain. If you think a specific food is making your arthritis worse, try cutting out just that one food to see if it helps. Avoid eliminating multiple foods at once, as it’ll be harder to figure out which one is causing the problem. Also, removing too many foods can lead to missing out on important nutrients your body needs.

6. Lose Extra Weight

If you’re overweight, shedding a few pounds can help ease arthritis pain, especially in weight-bearing joints like your knees. Even small weight loss can make a difference, but if you’re carrying a lot of extra weight, losing more can bring even bigger benefits.

One study followed 240 overweight or obese adults and found that those who lost 20% or more of their body weight had lower levels of inflammation, felt less pain, and could walk farther in a six-minute test compared to those who lost less than 5% of their weight. So, even though weight loss takes effort, the benefits for arthritis pain relief are well worth it!

Nutritional Supplements

Many people turn to supplements for relief from joint pain and inflammation. While results can vary, some supplements have shown promise in studies.

7. Fish Oil

Fish oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Research shows that omega-3 supplements can help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

8. SAM-e

S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e) is a natural compound in the body that helps with inflammation, protects cartilage, and relieves pain. Some studies suggest it works just as well as NSAIDs for osteoarthritis (OA) pain relief.

9. Curcumin

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, commonly found in Indian curries. It has natural pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, people with knee osteoarthritis who took 1,500 mg of curcumin daily had the same pain relief as those taking 1,200 mg of ibuprofen.

10. Glucosamine and Chondroitin

These are two of the most popular supplements for osteoarthritis. Since they are natural components of cartilage, they may help protect the joints. While some people swear by them, research results are mixed—some studies show benefits, while others don’t.

11. CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It doesn’t cause a high but may help with pain and inflammation. While animal studies are promising, there isn’t enough solid research on humans yet. Still, many people report relief from joint pain with CBD. The Arthritis Foundation is pushing for more research and FDA regulations.

If you decide to try CBD:

• Talk to your doctor first.
• Buy from a trusted company.
• Start with a low dose and gradually increase if needed.
• Have regular check-ins with your doctor, just like with any other treatment.

12. Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana contains both CBD and THC (the compound that causes a high). While the FDA hasn’t approved it for any medical condition, some studies suggest it may help with pain. If you’re interested in trying medical marijuana, speak with your doctor about getting a medical cannabis card, which allows legal use in certain states.

However, keep in mind:

• The long-term effects are still unknown.
• It’s illegal in 13 states.
• Even in legal states, carrying it across state lines is a crime.

Always research your options and work with your doctor to find the best approach for your joint pain!

Also Read: How do I Choose an Ergonomic Chair for Lower Back Support?

Exercise, Physical Therapies and Devices

There are many ways to ease joint pain without relying only on medication. Here are some simple and effective strategies that can help:

13. Stay Active

Moving might feel tough when your joints hurt, but regular physical activity can actually help reduce pain. Exercise triggers your body to release endorphins—natural painkillers that can make you feel better. Staying active also improves strength, flexibility, and range of motion, making everyday tasks easier.

If you’re overweight, exercise can also support weight loss, which helps reduce strain on your joints. Just be sure to choose joint-friendly activities like walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, or water aerobics. A physical or occupational therapist can guide you toward safe and effective exercises tailored to your needs.

14. Maintain Good Posture

Slouching puts extra stress on your spine and joints, which can lead to neck, back, and even limb pain. Practicing good posture—whether sitting, standing, or moving—can help relieve strain and discomfort. A physical therapist can teach you posture techniques and recommend exercises to strengthen key muscles that support your posture.

15. Rest When Needed

While movement is essential, overusing your joints can worsen pain. Finding the right balance between activity and rest is key. Take short breaks when using a joint repeatedly and listen to your body when it needs downtime.

16. Use Orthotic Supports

Braces, splints, and shoe inserts can help relieve pain by redistributing pressure away from sore joints. They can also provide stability and reduce swelling. A physical or occupational therapist can help you choose and use the right orthotic for your condition.

17. Try Assistive Devices

Everyday tasks like buttoning a shirt, putting on shoes, or opening jars can be tough when your joints ache. Luckily, there are assistive devices that make these tasks easier. An occupational therapist can recommend tools that suit your needs and show you how to use them properly.

18. Hot & Cold Therapy

Applying heat or cold can offer quick relief for aching joints:

• Use heat for soothing stiffness and promoting blood flow. Try a heating pad, warm compress, or soak in a hot bath.
• Use cold for reducing inflammation and swelling. Ice packs, frozen peas, or even paraffin wax for smaller joints (like hands and feet) can help numb pain and reduce discomfort.

19. Acupuncture

This ancient practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain. Some people with arthritis find it helpful, especially when other treatments haven’t worked well. It may take a few sessions before you notice results.

20. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

For those with severe arthritis pain that doesn’t respond to other treatments, RFA might be an option. This procedure involves a doctor using X-ray guidance to insert a needle near the painful joint and passing a current through it to “burn” the nerve endings, reducing pain signals. It’s generally reserved for people who haven’t found relief with other methods.

Mind-Body Therapies

Mind-body therapies help you manage pain by shifting your focus away from discomfort and promoting relaxation. Many of these techniques can be practiced on your own, but if you’re unsure where to start, a therapist can guide you.

21. Hypnosis

Hypnosis helps you focus your mind in a way that makes pain feel less intense. It puts you in a deeply relaxed, trance-like state where your subconscious takes over while your conscious mind gets a break. At first, you may need a professional to guide you, but over time, you can learn self-hypnosis and use it whenever joint pain flares up.

22. Biofeedback

Biofeedback teaches you how to control certain body functions—like breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension—that affect pain. Sensors attached to your body send information to a monitor, helping you see how your thoughts and actions influence your nervous system. With practice, you can use breathing techniques and relaxation strategies to ease pain naturally.

23. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors that can make pain feel worse. A therapist works with you to develop coping skills, giving you more control over pain management. While it won’t eliminate all pain, CBT can help you handle flare-ups more effectively and improve your overall well-being.

24. Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques can ease pain by reducing stress, relieving muscle tension, and boosting the release of endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers). You can try these on your own or work with a therapist to learn the best methods. Here are three simple techniques:

• Deep Breathing: This technique is similar to Lamaze breathing used during labor. Lie on your back in a comfortable position, placing one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe in deeply through your nose until your belly rises (your chest should move very little). Then, slowly exhale through your nose. Repeat several times to calm your body and shift focus away from pain.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups one by one. Lie down comfortably and take a deep breath. As you inhale, tense a muscle group (like your feet or legs) for about 5–10 seconds, then relax as you exhale. Move up your body, working through each muscle group until you reach your face.
• Guided Imagery: Picture yourself in a peaceful, happy place—maybe a beach, a forest, or a cozy cabin. Close your eyes and imagine the sights, sounds, and smells in detail. By filling your mind with positive images, you can distract yourself from pain and create a sense of calm.