Finding the most effective arthritis pain relief products can feel like a mystery.

So many times I asked my doctor what I should use, and I heard “there’s a pill for that!” or “we can give you a shot for that!”

Ugh.

While these options to relieve arthritis pain are certainly worthy of considering, I prefer not to jump straight to prescription medication or invasive procedures.

This is simply personal preference, but I have found that sometimes the side effects from medicine can be worse than the original problem!

That is why I prefer to consider a less invasive arthritis pain relief measure first, before shots and pills.

Acupuncture, massage therapy, myofascial release, stretching, and topical creams can all be effective ways to relieve pain without drugs or needles.

I have tried them all, so I thought it would be helpful to share my favorites with you.

This video targets the many different pain relief creams and gels for arthritis, soreness, stiffness, nerve pain and more that I have used through the years with good results.

These have stood the test of time and are still my preferred methods for relieving stiffness and inflammation from arthritis and other conditions.

Be aware, just like not all medicines work for everybody, different people will find one cream works better than another.

The pain cream that works for you might not work for your friend or spouse.

You will have to experiment with the different ones and see what works for you.

Remember to do a little patch test first to make sure there’s no rash or reaction by your body.

And, as always, this is not medical advice so discuss your plans with your doctor before starting a new pain relief regimen.

When you start a new product, use it for at least two weeks to test the results.

If they don’t work to relieve the pain, many of them can still be used as a moisturizer.

The Top 6 Pain Relief Creams

These are my favorite pain relief gels and creams I have used over the years.

Click on any of the product names below to purchase them!

1. Biofreeze Professional Gel

Biofreeze is one of the most popular pain relief creams, and for good reason.

When I have an arthritis flare up, it’s the first thing I reach for.

It numbs the area of pain and provides a cooling effect.

Note that the Professional Gel is different from the original Biofreeze formula in that it works faster, lasts longer and was developed with professional physicians and their patients in mind.

2. Arnicare Gel

Many people ask what the difference is between Biofreeze and Arnicare Gel.

For me, sometimes one works better than the other, so I like to keep both on hand.

If Biofreeze doesn’t take the edge off the pain, I switch to Arnicare Gel, and vice versa.

Arnicare Gel is a topical treatment that relieves muscle pain and stiffness and reduces swelling.

It can also help heal discoloration from bruises.

3. Rocky Mountain Fractionated Coconut Oil + Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil + Peppermint Oil

Fractionated Coconut Oil is a carrier oil, which means it is used to dilute other essential oils and help them absorb into the skin.

Use a small mixing bottle to combine the coconut oil with Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil and Pepperment Oil and rub the mixture into your skin to soothe pain.

4. Blue Emu

While this cream isn’t necessarily the best for relieving pain, it works wonders for loosening stiff joints and breaking up stiffness in the muscles.

I get a lot of questions about the difference between Blue Emu vs. Biofreeze.

Biofreeze contains the organic compound menthol and is meant to be used primarily as a pain reliever, whereas Blue Emu contains Glucosamine and MSM with emu oil and aloe vera and is meant to be used as an anti-inflammatory.

They’re similar, but they work a bit differently.

For me, Biofreeze is great for targeting pain on site, while Blue Emu is better for relieving stiffness.

Your best bet is to try them both and see which works better for you, or use a combination depending on how you’re feeling that day.

5. Palma Christi Castor Oil

Castor oil is a tried and true method for relieving pain.

I remember my grandmother always having some on hand for various ailments, and today we have a range of over-the-counter options to choose from.

Palma Christi Castor Oil is hexane free and non-laxative and comes with a host of other benefits in addition to being an all-natural pain reliever.

I use it on my hands and feet, and wrap them in saran wrap to make an at-home pain relief pack.

Just rub the oil into the skin over the affected area, cover with saran wrap, and add a hot towel or heating pad over the top.

Leave it in place 30-60 minutes for best results.

6. Icy Hot Medicated Patch

Icy Hot comes in a topical gel, but I like the patches best.

They feel great, especially for back pain, and they don’t leave a mess.

Just break it open and put it on the area that’s bothering you.

They last a long time–you can even shower while wearing them!

What have you found to be the best products for relieving arthritis pain?

If you have any creams that have worked to soothe your pain and stiffness, please share them in the comment space below so we can all work together on FEELING GOOD!