7 Best Muscle Pain Relief Creams of 2024
Tension, stress, overuse, and small injuries are the most prevalent causes of muscle pain. The pain is usually localized, affecting only a few muscles or a small portion of your body.
However, exercise can also result in muscle soreness. Exercise-induced muscle soreness is common and mostly OK. They recover their strength and are able to operate at a higher intensity for longer time. Make sure you don’t hurt your muscles, tendons, or joints, though.
Muscle pain relief cream can help with short-term muscle soreness, but for long-term pain management or in the event of an acute injury, always consult your doctor.
Choosing a good muscle pain relief cream can be tricky. You want a product that works right away but also lasts for several hours.
Below are the seven best we've found to relieve muscle pain, each of which has its own unique use case.
Best Muscle Pain Relief Cream (Summary)
1. Penetrex Joint and Muscle Therapy Cream
Muscle and joint relief cream
– Intensive Concentrate for Relief & Recovery
– Whole-Body Formula with Arnica, Vitamin B6 & MSM (DMSO2)
– Penetrex is recommended for use on its own & is safe to use in conjunction with complementary therapies such as Heating Pads, Ice Packs, Back Massagers, Knee Braces and Supplements.
– Relief & Recovery for Joints & Muscles on your Back, Neck, Knee, Hand, Foot, and more.
– Contains unique ingredients including Arnica, Glucosamine, MSM (DMSO2), Choline, Boswellia Serrata (Frankincense) & Vitamin B6 deep into the tissue to soothe affected areas.
– Vanishing scent / non-greasy / non-sticky / non-staining / paraben-free
– Vegan and Cruelty-free (never tested on animals).
Ratings
4.3 out of 5 – 70,458 global ratings
Penetrex Pain Relief Cream Reviews
If I wake up with a sore back or neck, I rub this in and it instantly diminishes the pain at least 75 percent. I rubbed it into my hands and wrists and it helped my carpel tunnel at least 40- 50 percent.
Kneipp arnica cream contains arnica tincture for a powerful dose of botanical soothing benefits released by nature. Overworked, exhausted muscles and pangs don’t stand a chance against this intensive solution. It is easy to apply and fast acting so you can get back to your schedule.
– Vegan and contain no harmful preservatives, parabens or mineral oils.
– Soothe and comfort joints and muscles
– Best pain relief cream for joint pain
Benefits of Arnica Extract
– Help reduce pain related to sore muscles and joints
– Help heal bruises faster
– Aid in reducing swelling and inflammation
– Help speed recovery
– Help ease joint stiffness and aches
– Help reduce swelling from insect bites
Ratings
4.5 out of 5 – more than 400 global ratings
Kneipp Arnica Muscle Pain Relief Cream Reviews
I was looking for a non-greasy cream to alleviate sore muscles and joints ‘the day after’ all day gardening work. This cream is non-greasy once worked into the skin and my muscles did not feel sore the next day. Arnica is known to help with bruised skin. Will buy this again and check out other products offered by Kneipp.
Sent it to a friend recently and it was a great success
4-ounce tube of non-greasy Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream to ease backaches, minor arthritis, muscle, and joint pain. Topical analgesic contains three pain-relieving ingredients—camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate, for ultra-strong relief in a non-greasy cream. Bengay is a physician-recommended OTC topical analgesic. Contains more pain-relieving ingredients than any other Bengay product.
– Non Greasy
– Relieves the minor aches and pains of muscles and joints
Ratings
4.5 out of 5 – more than 8,900 global ratings
Bengay Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream Reviews
I bought this to treat tendonitis in my knee. I tried four other products but none worked as well as this product! The product went on easily and was not greasy. It did not stain. Within 30 mins I had relief from pain and swelling. I will buy this product again. I highly recommend this product.
BUY ON AMAZON
Hot + Cool Hemp Relief Cream Combines Highly Concentrated Levels Of Botanical Ingredients. Once applied, the cream begins to work by producing an immediately Hot sensation. It then soothes aches and pains with Cool sensations providing hours of relief as the ingredients are absorbed into your body.
Ingredients: Jojoba Oil, Camphor Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Wintergreen Essential Oil, Sunflower Oil, 1,000 mg Hemp Formula
– Non-greasy
– Long-lasting formula
– Best for muscle pain relief
Purity Hemp Naturals Reviews
This product is perfect for those aches and pains. I recommend this product!
Topricin is moisturizing, non-irritating, odorless and non-staining. It supports the body’s natural processes that work to Heal the Cells Causing the Pain. Topricin has 22-years of history in the medical community and is used by hundreds of thousands all over the world.
Topricin contains 11-natural biomedicines delivering reliable pain relief, improving quality-of-life, and providing a strong adjunct to professional care with no side effects and won’t interfere with other medications
The safest alternative for people who cannot tolerate prescription and non-prescription OTC oral pain medication. It stimulates and supports your body’s desire to “”Heal the Cells that are Causing the Pain””. Topricin is safe effective and ideal treatment for the entire family and for all skin types.
– Topricin Pain Relief Cream
– Best cream for muscle knots
Ratings
4.4 out of 5 – more than 4,800 global ratings
Topricin Pain Relief Therapy Reviews
It works wonders on the muscle knots in my shoulders.
The very high concentration of Arnica montana extracts (35%) makes our Arnica gel cream ideal for massages dedicated to bruise, swelling and discomfort in muscles and joints. Enriched with essential oils of mint and eucalyptus, which refresh the area for a long time giving topical relief. atural formula, suitable even for the most sensitive skin of babies. Salve without parabens, without mineral oils, without silicones
– Made in Italy.
– Dermatologically tested and have a natural formulation
– Muscle and Joint relief
– Perfect for insect bites | Goodbye itching!
Ratings
4.7 out of 5 – more than 800 global ratings
Dulac Arnica Gel Cream Reviews
I never knew a cream like this could take pain away in sore muscles, and decrease bruising! This product is amazing. Helps my very sore muscles from fibromyalgia. Even helped my husband’s sore elbow. I highly recommend!
Our All Natural Relief Arnica Cream can help to provide you with some much needed relief & relaxation. Arnica has been used for many years as a natural remedy for muscle aches & pains, stiff joints, bruising & more. Our formula is highly concentrated, allowing for maximum effectiveness.
Some of nature’s best remedies for muscle pain and soreness have been combined to create this effective body cream. Essential Oils of Arnica Montana, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass & Rosemary work together to provide natural relief.
This product is ideal for:
– The Active Lifestyle (Runners, Weightlifters, Cyclists & More…)
– Massage (Great for massage therapy & home use)
– Joint Pain Relief & Muscle Soreness
– Bruising & Swelling
Ratings
4.5 out of 5 – more than 700 global ratings
Brookenthorne Naturals Relief Arnica Cream Reviews
I use this on my back, my feet, and any other muscle that I pull, strain, or overuse. This all natural product works well in reducing pain and inflammation. I also like the scent.
Burning, itching, or a rash at the application site are all possible side effects. If you have a rash or irritation on your skin while using a pain reliever cream, stop using it and visit your doctor if the problem doesn’t go away in a few days.
2. Kneipp Arnica Joint & Muscle Intensive Cream
3. Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream
4. Purity Hemp Naturals HOT + COOL Cream Rub
5. Topricin Pain Relief Therapy Cream
6. DULÀC Arnica Gel Cream Maximum Strength
7. Brookethorne Naturals Relief Arnica Cream | Muscle Pain Relief Cream for Massage
3. Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream
4. Purity Hemp Naturals HOT + COOL Cream Rub
5. Topricin Pain Relief Therapy Cream
6. DULÀC Arnica Gel Cream Maximum Strength
7. Brookethorne Naturals Relief Arnica Cream | Muscle Pain Relief Cream for Massage
1. Penetrex Joint and Muscle Therapy Cream - Best Muscle and Joint Relief Cream
Muscle and joint relief cream
– Intensive Concentrate for Relief & Recovery
– Whole-Body Formula with Arnica, Vitamin B6 & MSM (DMSO2)
– Penetrex is recommended for use on its own & is safe to use in conjunction with complementary therapies such as Heating Pads, Ice Packs, Back Massagers, Knee Braces and Supplements.
– Relief & Recovery for Joints & Muscles on your Back, Neck, Knee, Hand, Foot, and more.
– Contains unique ingredients including Arnica, Glucosamine, MSM (DMSO2), Choline, Boswellia Serrata (Frankincense) & Vitamin B6 deep into the tissue to soothe affected areas.
– Vanishing scent / non-greasy / non-sticky / non-staining / paraben-free
– Vegan and Cruelty-free (never tested on animals).
Ratings
4.3 out of 5 – 70,458 global ratings
Penetrex Pain Relief Cream Reviews
If I wake up with a sore back or neck, I rub this in and it instantly diminishes the pain at least 75 percent. I rubbed it into my hands and wrists and it helped my carpel tunnel at least 40- 50 percent.
2. Kneipp Arnica Joint & Muscle Intensive Cream
Kneipp arnica cream contains arnica tincture for a powerful dose of botanical soothing benefits released by nature. Overworked, exhausted muscles and pangs don’t stand a chance against this intensive solution. It is easy to apply and fast acting so you can get back to your schedule.
– Vegan and contain no harmful preservatives, parabens or mineral oils.
– Soothe and comfort joints and muscles
– Best pain relief cream for joint pain
Benefits of Arnica Extract
– Help reduce pain related to sore muscles and joints
– Help heal bruises faster
– Aid in reducing swelling and inflammation
– Help speed recovery
– Help ease joint stiffness and aches
– Help reduce swelling from insect bites
Ratings
4.5 out of 5 – more than 400 global ratings
Kneipp Arnica Muscle Pain Relief Cream Reviews
I was looking for a non-greasy cream to alleviate sore muscles and joints ‘the day after’ all day gardening work. This cream is non-greasy once worked into the skin and my muscles did not feel sore the next day. Arnica is known to help with bruised skin. Will buy this again and check out other products offered by Kneipp.
Sent it to a friend recently and it was a great success
3. Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream
4-ounce tube of non-greasy Bengay Ultra Strength Topical Pain Relief Cream to ease backaches, minor arthritis, muscle, and joint pain. Topical analgesic contains three pain-relieving ingredients—camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate, for ultra-strong relief in a non-greasy cream. Bengay is a physician-recommended OTC topical analgesic. Contains more pain-relieving ingredients than any other Bengay product.
– Non Greasy
– Relieves the minor aches and pains of muscles and joints
Ratings
4.5 out of 5 – more than 8,900 global ratings
Bengay Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream Reviews
I bought this to treat tendonitis in my knee. I tried four other products but none worked as well as this product! The product went on easily and was not greasy. It did not stain. Within 30 mins I had relief from pain and swelling. I will buy this product again. I highly recommend this product.
4. Purity Hemp Naturals HOT + COOL Cream Rub
BUY ON AMAZON
Hot + Cool Hemp Relief Cream Combines Highly Concentrated Levels Of Botanical Ingredients. Once applied, the cream begins to work by producing an immediately Hot sensation. It then soothes aches and pains with Cool sensations providing hours of relief as the ingredients are absorbed into your body.
Ingredients: Jojoba Oil, Camphor Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Wintergreen Essential Oil, Sunflower Oil, 1,000 mg Hemp Formula
– Non-greasy
– Long-lasting formula
– Best for muscle pain relief
Purity Hemp Naturals Reviews
This product is perfect for those aches and pains. I recommend this product!
5. Topricin Pain Relief Therapy Cream
Topricin is moisturizing, non-irritating, odorless and non-staining. It supports the body’s natural processes that work to Heal the Cells Causing the Pain. Topricin has 22-years of history in the medical community and is used by hundreds of thousands all over the world.
Topricin contains 11-natural biomedicines delivering reliable pain relief, improving quality-of-life, and providing a strong adjunct to professional care with no side effects and won’t interfere with other medications
The safest alternative for people who cannot tolerate prescription and non-prescription OTC oral pain medication. It stimulates and supports your body’s desire to “”Heal the Cells that are Causing the Pain””. Topricin is safe effective and ideal treatment for the entire family and for all skin types.
– Topricin Pain Relief Cream
– Best cream for muscle knots
Ratings
4.4 out of 5 – more than 4,800 global ratings
Topricin Pain Relief Therapy Reviews
It works wonders on the muscle knots in my shoulders.
6. DULÀC Arnica Gel Cream Maximum Strength
The very high concentration of Arnica montana extracts (35%) makes our Arnica gel cream ideal for massages dedicated to bruise, swelling and discomfort in muscles and joints. Enriched with essential oils of mint and eucalyptus, which refresh the area for a long time giving topical relief. atural formula, suitable even for the most sensitive skin of babies. Salve without parabens, without mineral oils, without silicones
– Made in Italy.
– Dermatologically tested and have a natural formulation
– Muscle and Joint relief
– Perfect for insect bites | Goodbye itching!
Ratings
4.7 out of 5 – more than 800 global ratings
Dulac Arnica Gel Cream Reviews
I never knew a cream like this could take pain away in sore muscles, and decrease bruising! This product is amazing. Helps my very sore muscles from fibromyalgia. Even helped my husband’s sore elbow. I highly recommend!
7. Brookethorne Naturals Relief Arnica Cream | Muscle Pain Relief Cream for Massage
Our All Natural Relief Arnica Cream can help to provide you with some much needed relief & relaxation. Arnica has been used for many years as a natural remedy for muscle aches & pains, stiff joints, bruising & more. Our formula is highly concentrated, allowing for maximum effectiveness.
Some of nature’s best remedies for muscle pain and soreness have been combined to create this effective body cream. Essential Oils of Arnica Montana, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass & Rosemary work together to provide natural relief.
This product is ideal for:
– The Active Lifestyle (Runners, Weightlifters, Cyclists & More…)
– Massage (Great for massage therapy & home use)
– Joint Pain Relief & Muscle Soreness
– Bruising & Swelling
Ratings
4.5 out of 5 – more than 700 global ratings
Brookenthorne Naturals Relief Arnica Cream Reviews
I use this on my back, my feet, and any other muscle that I pull, strain, or overuse. This all natural product works well in reducing pain and inflammation. I also like the scent.
FAQs
a. Is pain relief cream safe?
These treatments are generally considered safe for the majority of people. If you’re on blood thinners, stay away from creams with salicylates as the active ingredient, as they can cause bleeding and bruising. Pain relievers should not be used on children under the age of four.Burning, itching, or a rash at the application site are all possible side effects. If you have a rash or irritation on your skin while using a pain reliever cream, stop using it and visit your doctor if the problem doesn’t go away in a few days.
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