Pain Relief Creams: Your Complete Guide to Soothing Muscle Aches & Joint Pain
Table of Contents
Dealing with everyday aches, muscle strains, or joint pain? Finding the right topical solution can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide to pain relief creams is your go-to resource for understanding the different types of topical products available. We'll help you navigate your options so you can choose the right one for fast, effective relief.
We’ve created in-depth guides on popular brands and their generic alternatives to provide you with all the information you need. From how to choose a topical anti-inflammatory to what to look for in a muscle rub, our resources cover everything you need to know about pain relief creams.

Your Essential Topical Pain & Muscle Relief Resources
Explore our expert guides to find the best solution for your aches and pains:
- Aspercreme: The Topical Anesthetic Guide
Learn how topical lidocaine provides targeted, numbing relief for aches, sprains, and bruises. Discover whether it's the right choice for you. Learn more about Aspercreme.
- Bengay: The Classic Rub for Muscle Aches
Understand how active ingredients like menthol and methyl salicylate create a soothing sensation to relieve minor aches and pains. Find out if it's the right solution for your muscle soreness. Read about Bengay.
- Biofreeze: The "Menthol-Only" Cooling Guide
Learn how "Menthol-Only" formulas use cold therapy (cryotherapy) to provide powerful relief by overwhelming pain signals. See if this aspirin-free option is right for you. Learn more about Biofreeze.
- Voltaren: What to Know About Topical NSAIDs
Go beyond a distraction and target the source of your pain. Explore how diclofenac gel works to reduce inflammation in joints and muscles. Understand the guide to Voltaren.
- Thera-Gesic: A Powerful, Penetrating Relief
Discover how this strong formula with menthol and methyl salicylate can provide deep, penetrating relief from muscle pain and stiffness. Learn about Thera-Gesic.
- Zostrix: The Capsaicin Cream for Nerve Pain
For pain that doesn't respond to traditional rubs, see how capsaicin works to block pain signals. Find out if it’s an effective option for nerve pain. Explore Zostrix.
Find Fast, Effective Relief
Choosing the right topical medication is crucial for effective pain relief. Our curated selection of products can help you find what you need to alleviate discomfort and get back to your day.
GoodSense Arthritis Relief Cream - 3 oz | Compare to Aspercreme
$6.99
GoodSense Arthritis Relief Cream - 3 oz | Compare to Aspercreme® Targeted, odorless relief for joints and muscles. GoodSense Arthritis Relief Cream is a premium...… read more
GoodSense Pain Relief Patch Lidocaine 4% - 5 Patches | Compare to Aspercreme Patch
$7.99
GoodSense Lidocaine 4% Pain Relief Patch (5 Patches) | Compare to Aspercreme® Patch The GoodSense Lidocaine 4% Pain Relief Patch is a premium generic alternative...… read more
Oncor Lidocaine Cream 4% - 1.05 oz | Aspercreme
$11.99
Oncor Lidocaine 4% Cream – 1.05 oz Tube | Compare to Aspercreme® The Oncor Lidocaine 4% Cream is a reliable generic alternative to Aspercreme®, delivering...… read more
GoodSense Muscle Rub Cream - 4 oz | Compare to Bengay Ultra
$6.99
GoodSense® Muscle Rub Ultra Strength Cream - 4 oz Compare to the active ingredients in BENGAY® Ultra Strength GoodSense Muscle Rub Ultra Strength Cream delivers...… read more
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream - 3 oz | Bengay
$6.99
Rugby Muscle Rub Cream – 3 oz | Compare to Bengay Rugby Muscle Rub Cream (3 oz) is a greaseless, fast-absorbing topical analgesic that provides...… read more
GoodSense Arthritis Pain Diclofenac Sodium 1% Gel - 3.53 oz | Compare to Voltaren
$12.99
GoodSense Arthritis Pain Diclofenac Sodium 1% Gel – 3.53 oz | Compare to Voltaren Get effective arthritis pain relief with GoodSense Diclofenac Sodium 1% Gel....… read more
Rugby Pain Relieving Cream – 3 oz | Compare to Thera-Gesic
$6.99
Rugby Pain Relieving Cream – 3 oz | Maximum Strength | Compare to Thera-Gesic Experience fast-acting relief with Rugby Pain Relieving Cream — the trusted...… read more
Rugby Arthritis Pain Relieving Cream - 2 oz | Zostrix HP
$6.99
Rugby Arthritis Pain Relieving Cream – 0.075% Capsaicin (2 oz) | Compare to Zostrix HP® Looking for a stronger alternative to Zostrix®? Rugby Arthritis Pain...… read more
Rugby Capsaicin Cream 0.025% - 2 oz | Zostrix
$6.99
Rugby Capsaicin Cream 0.025% – 2 oz | Compare to Zostrix® Zostrix vs Rugby Capsaicin Cream is a common search for affordable topical pain relief....… read more
Shop All Pain Relief Creams
Whether you need a topical anti-inflammatory or a soothing muscle rub, we have the right pain relief creams for you. Explore our full range of products in the category.
About Xeteor
xeteor.com, founded in Las Vegas in 2018, is a trusted online guide and curated retailer for generic over-the-counter (OTC) medications. We operate like a family-owned business, thoughtfully selecting and offering a portfolio of brands that includes premium generics like GoodSense and Foster & Thrive, as well as trusted options such as Major Pharmaceuticals, Rugby Laboratories, Oncor Pharmaceuticals, and CareSens. Recognized as a Top Rated seller on Trustpilot, Google, eBay, Amazon, and Walmart, we're a trusted authority focused on building brand trust and earning consumer loyalty. Our mission is to empower you with reliable products and educational content, all backed by a U.S.-based team that offers real human support and secure, senior-preferred payment options.
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or treatment.
FAQs
How do topical pain creams work?
Topical pain creams work in a few different ways. Some, like those with menthol or capsaicin, create a sensation (like cooling or warmth) on the skin that distracts from the pain. Others, like topical NSAID gels, absorb into the skin to reduce inflammation at the source of the pain.
What is the difference between an anti-inflammatory cream and an analgesic cream?
An anti-inflammatory cream, like Voltaren, works by directly reducing inflammation in the muscles and joints. An analgesic cream, like Aspercreme, provides pain relief by numbing the area or creating a distracting sensation.
Can I use these creams for nerve pain?
Some topical creams, particularly those containing capsaicin (like Zostrix), are specifically used to treat nerve pain by desensitizing the nerves over time. Most other pain creams are more effective for muscle and joint pain.
How often can I apply a pain relief cream?
This depends on the active ingredients. You should always follow the directions on the product's packaging. Generally, most creams can be applied 3 to 4 times a day, but some ingredients have specific usage limits.
When should I see a doctor?
You should consult a doctor if your pain is severe, does not improve with over-the-counter creams, or if your pain is accompanied by fever, swelling, or redness.