Best Arthritis Pain Relief Medication Gels of 2026

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Arthritis pain can be debilitating and often requires medication to manage the symptoms. One option for relief is using arthritis pain relief medication gels. These gels are designed to be applied topically to the affected area and work by reducing inflammation and pain. They can be especially helpful for those who have trouble taking oral medication or who experience side effects from traditional pain relievers. Some examples of arthritis pain relief medication gels include Voltaren Gel, Biofreeze, and Bengay Ultra Strength Cream. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before using any new medication or treatment for arthritis pain.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel - 3.5 oz/100 g Tubes (Pack of 2) Cover #TOP 1
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel - 3.5 oz/100 g Tubes (Pack of 2)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel Cover #TOP 2
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel Cover #TOP 3
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Arthritis Pain Relief Medication Gels

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

60000000136420
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel - 3.5 oz/100 g Tubes (Pack of 2) Cover
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief with Diclofenac - 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
Effective pain relief
No noticeable odor
Doctor recommended
Helps with arthritis
Reduces inflammation
#TOP 2

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel

60000000120177
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel Cover
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, Diclofenac Sodium, 1% (NSAID), Clinically Proven Powerful Pain Reliever, No Prescription Needed, 1.7oz

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
Fast pain relief
Non-greasy texture
Mild or no odor
Works for different pain types
Easy application
#TOP 3

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel

60000000120282
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel Cover
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, Diclofenac Sodium, 1% (NSAID), Clinically Proven Powerful Pain Reliever with Easy Open Flip Top Cap, No Prescription Needed, 5.3oz

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
Effective pain relief
Long-lasting results
Quick acting
Improves mobility
Easy to apply
#TOP 4

HealthCareAisle Diclofenac Gel for Arthritis Pain Relief

HealthCareAisle Diclofenac Gel for Arthritis Pain Relief Cover
HealthCareAisle Diclofenac Gel, 1%, Arthritis Pain Relief - 150 g tube - Original Prescription Strength (NSAID)

The HealthCareAisle Diclofenac Gel is a clinically proven arthritis pain relief medicine that targets painful inflammation in the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle, and knee. It contains the same active ingredient as Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel and is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). You can apply it up to 4 times a day for up to 21 days, or as directed by your doctor. Follow the package label for directions, warnings, and other important information.

What We Like
Affordable price
Effective pain relief
No strong scent
Spreads easily
Same ingredients as name brand
#TOP 5

Amazon Basic Care Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel

Amazon Basic Care
White
Amazon Basic Care Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel Cover
Amazon Basic Care Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel, Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% (NSAID), 5.29 Oz (150 Grams) (Packaging may vary)

Amazon Basic Care Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel is a product for temporary relief of arthritis pain. It contains diclofenac sodium, an effective NSAID, and is clinically proven to relieve arthritis pain in hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle, and knee. The gel is designed for daily use and can be applied four times a day. It may take up to seven days to work and can be used on no more than two body areas for up to 21 days.

What We Like
Effective pain relief
Affordable price
Alternative to oral NSAIDs
Large tube size
#TOP 6

HealthCareAisle Diclofenac Gel for Arthritis Pain Relief - 100g

HealthCareAisle Diclofenac Gel for Arthritis Pain Relief - 100g Cover
HealthCareAisle Diclofenac Gel, 1%, Arthritis Pain Relief - 100 g tube - Original Prescription Strength (NSAID)

HealthCareAisle Diclofenac Gel is a clinically proven NSAID medication for temporary relief of arthritis pain. Its active ingredient is the same as Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel, and it penetrates the skin to target painful inflammation in various body areas. Users can apply the gel up to 4 times a day for 21 days or as directed by their doctor, but they should avoid using it on more than two body areas simultaneously. For more information, users can check the package label for warnings and directions.

What We Like
Fast pain relief
Unscented formula
Good price
Easy application
Effective for inflammation
#TOP 7

Curist Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1 Percent 150g

WEB01DST150
Curist Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1 Percent 150g Cover
Curist Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1 Percent 150g for Arthritis Pain - Joint Pain Relief for Hand/Foot Pain, Knee/Elbow Pain & Ankle Pain - 1% - 5.29oz

Curist Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1 Percent 150g is a maximum OTC strength arthritis cream gel that penetrates directly at the source of joint pain inflammation relieving discomfort, stiffness, and restores mobility with continued use. It is highly effective on areas such as hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle, and knees. Consistent use of the gel has been medically proven to keep arthritis pain at bay. This joint pain relief cream gel contains 1% diclofenac sodium as the active ingredient which has been shown to provide powerful long-term relief from arthritis pain unlike any other topical treatments that just mask the pain temporarily.

What We Like
Effective pain relief
Affordable price
Non-greasy formula
Mild or no odor
Easy application
#TOP 8

Curist Diclofenac Arthritis Cream Gel 1%

WEB03DST150
Curist Diclofenac Arthritis Cream Gel 1% Cover
Curist Diclofenac Arthritis Cream Gel 1% (3 Tubes of 150g)- Stop Pain in Wrists, Feet, Elbows, & Ankles. Hand Arthritis Pain Relief & Knee Arthritis Pain Relief (3 Pack, 5.29 oz ea.)

The Curist Arthritis Pain Relief is designed to help you manage joint pain effectively. This maximum strength gel penetrates deeply to target inflammation, providing relief from discomfort and restoring mobility with regular use. Unlike other treatments that merely mask the pain, this gel works over time to reduce arthritis pain in areas like your hands, wrists, and knees. You can apply it up to four times a day, and while it may take a few days to see full effects, it offers a non-greasy finish for your convenience.

What We Like
Effective pain relief
Lower cost than name brands
Works as well as name brands
Helpful for joint and body aches
No noticeable odor

GeriCare Arthritis Pain Relief Gel

4E-42FF-708H
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
#TOP 10

HealthCareAisle Diclofenac Gel

HealthCareAisle Diclofenac Gel Cover
HealthCareAisle Diclofenac Gel, 1%, Arthritis Pain Relief - 50 g tube - Original Prescription Strength (NSAID)

HealthCareAisle Arthritis Pain Relief Gel is a clinically proven medication that provides temporary relief for arthritis pain. With its active ingredient, Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1%, it targets painful inflammation in various areas of the body such as the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle, and knee. Comparable to the national brand, this gel can be applied up to 4 times a day for 21 days or as directed by your doctor. Its easy application and fast-acting formula make it a convenient choice for arthritis pain relief. The package label provides important information, warnings, and directions, ensuring safe and effective use. Trust HealthCareAisle Arthritis Pain Relief Gel to help you manage your arthritis pain effectively.

What We Like
Clinically proven arthritis pain relief
Targets painful inflammation in multiple body areas
Comparable to national brand
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What gel can I use for arthritis?

Voltarol gels are medications that can help to relieve joint pain with various causes. Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief Gel can relieve some of the pain linked to mild osteoarthritis of the knees or fingers.

2. Can I buy Voltaren Gel over-the-counter?

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) gel with a proven safety profile for your arthritis pain. Now, you can buy Voltaren over the counter. Formerly a prescription product, it has been trusted by patients and doctors in the U.S. for 10+ years.

3. Is Voltaren Gel just for arthritis?

Like other NSAIDs, Voltaren (diclofenac) works by reducing inflammation in the body. When taken in oral form, it's used to treat pain related to such forms of arthritis as osteoarthrtis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The oral version of this drug is still available only by prescription.

4. Does Voltaren Gel work immediately?

Voltaren gel contains an NSAID medication that is similar to the pain drug ibuprofen. It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation and works best on small joints. Voltaren topical gel is not for immediate relief and may take up to 7 days to work.

Editor's Notes

During our arthritis pain relief medication gel research, we found 24 arthritis pain relief medication gel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 444,548 customer reviews through our big data system to write the arthritis pain relief medication gels list. We found that most customers choose arthritis pain relief medication gels with an average price of $17.32.

The arthritis pain relief medication gels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of arthritis pain relief medication gels, including Voltaren, HealthCareAisle, Curist, GeriCare. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.