Best Arthritis Pain Relief Medications for Anti-Inflammatory of 2025

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation. These medications work by reducing inflammation, which in turn reduces pain and swelling. Common anti-inflammatory medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. These medications are available over-the-counter or in prescription strength. Corticosteroids are another type of anti-inflammatory medication that may be prescribed by a doctor to relieve arthritis symptoms. These medications work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any new medications to ensure they are safe and effective for the individual.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Motrin Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, 3.53 Oz Cover #TOP 1
Motrin Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, 3.53 Oz
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Amazon Basic Care Arthritis Gel Cover #TOP 2
Amazon Basic Care Arthritis Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Motrin Arthritis Pain Relief Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1% Cover #TOP 3
Motrin Arthritis Pain Relief Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1%
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Top 10 Arthritis Pain Relief Medications for Anti-Inflammatory

Motrin Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, 3.53 Oz

Motrin Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, 3.53 Oz Cover
TENA Motrin Arthritis Pain Relief Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1%, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Cream for Pain in Hands, Wrists, Elbows, Knees, Feet & Ankles, NSAID Gel, 3.53 Oz

Motrin Arthritis Pain Relief Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1% is a fragrance-free anti-inflammatory cream that relieves arthritis pain and reduces inflammation, stiffness, and improves mobility in hands, wrists, elbows, knees, feet, and ankles. One tube of 3.53 oz contains 1% diclofenac sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It may take up to 7 days for pain relief, and can be used up to 4 times a day, with 2 grams for each upper body area, and 4 grams for each lower body area.

What We Like
Relieves arthritis pain and inflammation in multiple body areas
Fragrance-free
Improves mobility and reduces joint stiffness
#TOP 2

Amazon Basic Care Arthritis Gel

Amazon Basic Care
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Amazon Basic Care Arthritis Gel Cover
Amazon Basic Care Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel, Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1 Percent, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug , 100 Grams, 3.53 ounce (Pack of 1) (Packaging may vary)

Amazon Arthritis Pain Gel is designed to help you manage arthritis pain effectively. It features diclofenac sodium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which provides temporary relief for pain in your hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, and knees. Using this gel daily can keep you active and comfortable, as it is clinically proven to alleviate arthritis discomfort. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain, making daily tasks easier for you. Simply apply the gel up to four times a day for optimal results, ensuring you can stay on the move.

What We Like
Effective pain relief
Clinically proven formula
Easy to apply
Anti-inflammatory properties

Motrin Arthritis Pain Relief Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1%

Motrin Arthritis Pain Relief Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1% Cover
motrin Arthritis Pain Relief Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1%, Anti-Inflammatory Cream for Arthritis Pain in Hands, Wrists, Elbows, Knees, Feet & Ankles, NSAID Pain Relief Gel, 1.76 Oz

Motrin Arthritis Gel is a topical gel made with 1% diclofenac sodium that relieves arthritis pain and inflammation in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, feet, and ankles. It improves mobility and reduces joint stiffness. The fragrance-free gel comes in a 1.76-ounce tube, and it can be applied directly to the affected area. Use 2 grams of gel for each upper body area and 4 grams for each lower body area. The gel is not for immediate relief and may take up to 7 days for effective pain relief. You can use it up to 4 times per day, but do not use it on more than 2 body areas at the same time.

What We Like
Fragrance-free
Improves mobility
Reduces joint stiffness
#TOP 4

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel - 3.5 oz/100 g Tubes (Pack of 2)

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Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel - 3.5 oz/100 g Tubes (Pack of 2) Cover
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief - NEW Easy Open Cap - 100 g x 2

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is a doctor-recommended, clinically proven solution that offers powerful topical pain relief for arthritis sufferers. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel penetrates deep to treat arthritis pain at the source of inflammation, improving mobility and reducing stiffness, aches, and pains. With two 3.5 oz/100 g tubes, Voltaren provides an alternative to pills, combining the benefits of an arthritis cream and gel for arthritis pain management.

What We Like
Provides powerful topical pain relief for arthritis sufferers
Clinically proven to relieve arthritis pain, improve mobility and reduce stiffness, aches, and pains
Penetrates deep to treat arthritis pain at the source of inflammation
#TOP 5

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel

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Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel Cover
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief - NEW Easy Open Cap - 150 g

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is a non-prescription, clinically proven topical pain relief gel that is the number 1 doctor recommended brand for arthritis pain relief. The 5.29 oz/150 g tube offers prescription strength arthritis pain relief by reducing stiffness, aches and pains and improving mobility. It uses diclofenac sodium topical gel to penetrate deep and attack arthritis pain directly at the source of inflammation, making it an alternative to pills and a combination of arthritis cream and gel for arthritis pain management.

What We Like
Non-prescription and clinically proven to be effective
Number 1 doctor recommended brand for arthritis pain relief
Reduces stiffness, aches and pains and improves mobility
An alternative to pills that combines the benefits of an arthritis cream and gel for arthritis pain management
Penetrates deep and attacks arthritis pain directly at the source of inflammation, treating arthritis pain rather than just masking it
#TOP 6

Aspercreme Arthritis Pain Relief Gel

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Aspercreme Arthritis Pain Relief Gel Cover
Aspercreme Arthritis Pain Relief Gel for Arthritis & Joint Pain, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Topical Gel with Max-Strength Diclofenac Sodium, 100 g

Aspercreme Pain Relief Gel is designed to help you manage arthritis and joint pain effectively. This clinically proven gel contains 1% diclofenac, a powerful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that targets pain directly at the source, helping reduce inflammation and improve your mobility. You can enjoy the convenience of over-the-counter availability, meaning you can access prescription-strength relief without needing a doctor’s visit. Plus, the travel-size tube makes it easy to take your pain relief wherever you go, ensuring you're always prepared when discomfort strikes.

What We Like
Clinically proven effectiveness
Powerful anti-inflammatory action
No prescription required
Portable travel-size tube
#TOP 7

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel

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Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel Cover
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief, No Prescription Needed - 1.7 oz/50 g Tube

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is a doctor recommended topical pain relief brand that provides prescription strength arthritis pain relief. It is clinically proven to relieve arthritis pain, improve mobility and reduce stiffness, aches and pains. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel penetrates deep to attack arthritis pain directly and treats arthritis pain rather than just masking it. It comes in a tube with an easy twist cap and includes a dosing card for proper dosage. The gel is paraben and dye-free, non-greasy and clean scented, and can be applied on up to two joints at the same time for hand pain, wrist pain, elbow pain, ankle pain, foot pain, or knee pain relief.

What We Like
Doctor recommended
Clinically proven to relieve arthritis pain, improve mobility and reduce stiffness, aches and pains
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel penetrates deep to attack arthritis pain directly and treats arthritis pain rather than just masking it
Paraben and dye-free, non-greasy and clean scented gel
Can be applied on up to two joints at the same time for hand pain, wrist pain, elbow pain, ankle pain, foot pain, or knee pain relief
#TOP 8

Aspercreme Arthritis Pain Relief Gel

Aspercreme Arthritis Pain Relief Gel Cover
Aspercreme Arthritis Pain Relief Gel for Arthritis & Joint Pain, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Topical Gel with Max-Strength Diclofenac Sodium, 50 g

Aspercreme Arthritis Pain Relief Gel is a clinically proven, full prescription strength, over-the-counter topical NSAID treatment for arthritis joint pain. It contains diclofenac, which is effective in relieving joint pain and improving mobility. Unlike pills, this gel is applied directly to the joint, providing a convenient and targeted relief for arthritis pain.

What We Like
Contains clinically proven diclofenac for effective arthritis pain relief
Full prescription strength over-the-counter treatment
Convenient and targeted application directly to the joint
#TOP 9

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel - Amazon Exclusive

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4.23 Ounce
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel - Amazon Exclusive Cover
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief - NEW Easy Open Cap - 100 g Tube And 20 g Travel Size Tube

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is a doctor recommended nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel that provides powerful topical arthritis pain relief. This Amazon exclusive product includes one 3.5 oz/100 g tube and one 0.71 oz/20 g travel size tube. The clinically proven formula relieves arthritis pain, improves mobility, and reduces stiffness, aches, and pains to provide prescription strength arthritis pain relief. The gel penetrates deep to attack arthritis pain directly at the source of inflammation, treating arthritis pain rather than just masking it.

What We Like
Doctor recommended
Clinically proven to relieve arthritis pain and improve mobility
Combines the benefits of an arthritis cream and gel for arthritis pain management
#TOP 10

GeriCare Arthritis Pain Relief Gel

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GeriCare Arthritis Pain Relief Gel Cover
Topical Arthritis Pain Relief Gel Diclofenac Sodium 1% (NSAID) by GeriCare- Hand Wrist Elbow Foot Ankle Knee Extra-Strength Arthritis Pain Reliever- Anti-inflammatory Arthritis Pain Treatment- 3.53oz

The GeriCare Pain Relief Gel is an effective solution for arthritis pain. It contains Diclofenac Sodium 1% and provides advanced pain relief for people of any age. Unlike other creams that only mask the pain, this gel penetrates deep into the site of pain, treating it directly. It may take up to a week to unleash its long-lasting effect, but once it does, it keeps arthritis pain at bay for prolonged relief. In addition to relieving pain, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce joint stiffness. The gel can be applied to any achy part of the body, providing targeted pain relief. With GeriCare's seal of excellence and 30 years of experience, you can trust this gel for your arthritis pain relief needs.

What We Like
Advanced pain relief
Targets pain at site
Anti-inflammatory properties
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best painkiller for inflammatory arthritis?

NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.

2. What is the safest anti-inflammatory drug for arthritis?

For example, celecoxib is considered safe for long-term arthritis pain. It does less damage to the stomach than other NAIDs.

3. What is the most commonly prescribed medication for arthritis?

NSAIDS, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are commonly prescribed for arthritis pain and other symptoms....Names of some common drugs in this class, which are all given by injection, include:. Humira (adalimumab)Enbrel (etanercept)Orencia (abatacept)Rituxan (rituximab)Remicade (infliximab)

4. Which is prescribed to treat pain in patients with arthritis?

NSAIDs and Acetaminophen Non-opioid analgesics used to treat arthritis and musculoskeletal pain include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. NSAIDs are designed to reduce inflammation and relieve mild to moderate pain.

Editor's Notes

During our arthritis pain relief medication for anti-inflammatory research, we found 24 arthritis pain relief medication for anti-inflammatory products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 392,233 customer reviews through our big data system to write the arthritis pain relief medications for anti-inflammatory list. We found that most customers choose arthritis pain relief medications for anti-inflammatory with an average price of $16.95.

The arthritis pain relief medications for anti-inflammatory are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of arthritis pain relief medications for anti-inflammatory, including Motrin, TENA, Voltaren, Aspercreme, GeriCare. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.