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Patient Questions  /  Do pain creams work?

Bone Health & Surgery

Do Pain Relief Creams and Gels Actually Work?

Some do, for some kinds of pain. Anti-inflammatory gels, like diclofenac gel, have the best evidence, especially for knee and hand arthritis, and less of the medicine reaches your bloodstream than with pills. Cooling menthol rubs and capsaicin creams help some people. Creams can ease pain, but they don't fix the cause. Ask your pharmacist or doctor which is safe for you.

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What the common types do

  • Anti-inflammatory gels (such as diclofenac). American College of Rheumatology guidelines recommend them for knee arthritis, and they can help hand arthritis and some strains and sprains. They work best on joints close to the skin.
  • Menthol or camphor rubs give a cooling or warming feeling that distracts from pain for a short time.
  • Capsaicin, made from chili peppers, may help some people with knee arthritis. It burns at first and needs to be used regularly for a while to work.
  • Lidocaine creams and patches numb the skin. The evidence for joint and muscle pain is limited.

Using them safely

  • Follow the label, and don't use more than one product on the same spot.
  • Never use a heating pad over a pain rub, and don't wrap the area tightly. This can cause burns.
  • Keep creams off broken skin, eyes and other sensitive areas, and wash your hands after use.
  • Check with your pharmacist or doctor first if you take blood thinners, are allergic to aspirin, have kidney, heart or stomach problems, or are pregnant. Some rubs contain an aspirin-like ingredient.

Where creams fit

Creams can take the edge off so you can move and exercise more comfortably. For most long-lasting joint and muscle pain, staying active and strengthening are what make the bigger difference over time.

When to see a doctor

Stop using the product and get advice if you have:

  • Blistering, burning or a rash where you applied it
  • Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing: call 911
  • Pain that keeps getting worse despite treatment
  • A hot, red, swollen joint, or pain with fever

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist can help you find what is causing your pain and build an exercise plan that makes a lasting difference, so a cream becomes an occasional helper rather than your main treatment.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Osteoarthritis and joint pain →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026