Pain Relief Creams & Gels · Quick Guide
Woman applying cooling gel to her knee

Most People Pick the Wrong Cream For Their Pain

A muscle rub and a joint gel don’t work the same way. Which one are you dealing with?

My Pain Is In My Joints Stiff, achy or grinding in knees, hands, hips, back → My Pain Is Muscular Knotted tension, tight or overworked muscles, constant ache →

Takes 5 seconds. No forms, no signup.

🌿 DRUG-FREE FORMULAS·💬 NO SIGNUP·⏱ 2-MINUTE READ

Sore Muscles Or Aching Joints?

Muscle pain and joint pain feel different, show up at different moments, and the creams and gels made for them are not the same. Knowing which one describes your situation is the fastest way to see what’s actually relevant to you.

Usually Sore Muscles

  • Tightness or knots you can feel with your hand
  • Aching legs, back or shoulders after effort or a long day standing
  • Eases with movement, stretching or warmth

Usually Aching Joints

  • Stiffness that is worst in the first minutes of the day
  • Centered on one spot: a knee, a hand, a hip, a shoulder
  • Noticed when climbing stairs, gripping or getting up from a chair

See yourself in one of these? Pick that one at the top of the page.

What To Look For In A Cream Or Gel

Formats differ more than labels suggest. These are the four points worth comparing before you pick a cream, gel or rub.

✓How it is applied. A cream or gel works where you rub it in, instead of traveling through your system like a capsule.
✓Whether rubbing it in matters. Some are made to be massaged into the area; others simply sit on the skin.
✓Drug-free or medicated. Creams, gels, rubs and ointments all come both ways. Which one suits you is worth checking against anything you already take.
✓Texture and residue. Greasiness, staining and smell decide whether a cream gets used every day or ends up in a drawer.
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This page is general information about pain relief creams, gels and rubs, and does not sell any product. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If your pain is severe, persistent or new, speak with a healthcare professional, especially if you take medication or have a medical condition.

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new product.

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through them. Products are sold and fulfilled by their respective manufacturers, not by this site.

Aching joints or sore muscles?
Joint Pain → Muscle Pain →