Best Arthritis Pain Relief Medications for Muscle Pain 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.

There are a variety of arthritis pain relief medications available to help alleviate muscle pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce inflammation and pain, while acetaminophen can help with pain but not inflammation. Topical creams and gels containing menthol, capsaicin, or salicylates can also provide temporary relief. Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine or tizanidine can help ease muscle spasms. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication and to follow the dosage instructions carefully.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Boiron Arnicare Arthritis Cream - 2.5 oz Cover #TOP 1
Boiron Arnicare Arthritis Cream - 2.5 oz
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Hempvana Arthritis Relief Gel Cover #TOP 2
Hempvana Arthritis Relief Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Icy Hot Small Pain Relief Patches (5 Count) Cover #TOP 3
Icy Hot Small Pain Relief Patches (5 Count)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 9 Arthritis Pain Relief Medications for Muscle Pain

Boiron Arnicare Arthritis Cream - 2.5 oz

2261311
White
Boiron Arnicare Arthritis Cream - 2.5 oz Cover
Boiron Arnicare Arthritis Cream for Pain Relief of Knees, Hands, Wrists, Elbows, Joints & Muscles – Quickly Absorbed & Fragrance-Free – 2.5 oz

Boiron Arnicare Arthritis Cream provides effective relief from minor arthritis pain, stiffness, and soreness. It is suitable for use on all joints and absorbs quickly into the skin, making it ideal for flare-ups. Unlike other creams, it contains no camphor, menthol, or other ingredients that cause burning or stinging, and has a light, non-greasy texture. As it is fragrance-free and does not contain parabens or dyes, it has no strong medicinal smell.

What We Like
Effective pain relief
Improves sleep quality
No lingering odor
Non-sticky formula
Does not stain clothes
#TOP 2

Hempvana Arthritis Relief Gel

14596
Arthritis
4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Hempvana Arthritis Relief Gel Cover
Hempvana Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, Ultra-Strength for Arthritis in Muscles & Joints. Enriched with Hemp Seed Oil, AS SEEN ON TV. Non-Greasy. Targeted Long-Lasting Relief. Works Fast, 4 Oz.

Hempvana Arthritis Gel is a maximum strength formula designed to target and relieve pain fast. Made with 100% pure, cold-pressed hempseed oil, this gel provides cooling pain relief for joint and muscle pain associated with arthritis. The FDA-listed pain-fighting menthol offers active pain relief, while the inclusion of soothing Aloe enhances the overall soothing effect. With the added benefits of Arnica, Turmeric, and Camphor, this gel is great for relieving pain in various areas such as hands, knees, neck, elbows, shoulders, wrists, and feet. Experience fast and effective pain relief with Hempvana Arthritis Gel.

What We Like
Effective pain relief
Non-greasy formula
No strong odor
Fast-acting results
Long-lasting effects
#TOP 3

Icy Hot Small Pain Relief Patches (5 Count)

616169
5 Count (Pack of 1)
Icy Hot Small Pain Relief Patches (5 Count) Cover
Icy Hot Original Pain Relief Patch, Medium Size Fabric Patches for Arm, Neck and Leg with Menthol 5%, Ice and Heat Contrast Therapy for Backaches, Joints, Muscle Strains and Arthritis, 5 ct.

The Icy Hot Original Small Pain Relief Patches (5 Count) provide powerful targeted relief for arms, neck, legs, and small areas. These patches temporarily relieve minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains, sprains, and bruises. They provide fast relief and can be worn up to 8 hours, and are easy to apply and comfortably stay in place for hours. It is the America's #1 topical pain relief brand among OTC topical analgesics.

What We Like
Provides targeted relief for arms, neck, legs, and small areas
Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains
Can be worn up to 8 hours

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 5

Advil Liqui-Gels 120 Count (2 Pack)

855643
Advil Liqui-Gels 120 Count (2 Pack) Cover
Advil Liqui-Gels (2pk, 120 Count)

If you’re looking for fast and effective pain relief, Advil Liqui-Gels are a great choice. This product is recommended by doctors to help ease common aches like headaches, back pain, muscle soreness, arthritis discomfort, and even symptoms from the common cold. The fast-acting formula means you don’t have to wait long to feel better, letting you get back to your day quickly. As one of the leading over-the-counter pain relievers, Advil Liqui-Gels offer trusted relief when you need it most, making it a convenient option to keep on hand for various types of pain.

What We Like
Doctor recommended
Fast-acting relief
Multi-purpose pain relief
Trusted OTC brand
#TOP 6

GeriCare Topical Arthritis Pain Relief Gel

0N-BA55-U3C2
GeriCare Topical Arthritis Pain Relief Gel Cover
GeriCare Topical Arthritis Pain Relief Gel Diclofenac Sodium 1% (NSAID) Hand Wrist Elbow Foot Ankle Knee Extra-Strength Pain Reliever- Anti-inflammatory Arthritis Pain Treatment, 3.53oz (2 Pack)

GeriCare Topical Arthritis Pain Relief Gel is an extra-strength pain reliever that helps reduce joint stiffness and inflammation. This topical NSAID Diclofenac targets pain at the site of application and provides long-lasting relief from arthritis pain in any part of the body. The gel penetrates deep into the skin to treat the pain rather than masking it, and it may take up to a week to fully unleash its effects. GeriCare has 30 years of experience in creating high-quality supplements and medical supplies.

What We Like
Effective solution against arthritis pain
Provides anti-inflammatory and anti-stiffness action
Targets pain at the site of application for real results
#TOP 7

Two Old Goats Extra Strength Arthritis Formula

AEL-6oz
Blue
6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Two Old Goats Extra Strength Arthritis Formula Cover
Two Old Goats "Extra Strength Arthritis Formula (6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1))

Two Old Goats Arthritis Relief is a US-made lotion designed to provide fast relief for joint pain. When you apply it, you can expect it to start working within minutes, helping to ease discomfort quickly. It's not just for arthritis—you can also use it on sore muscles after exercise, making it a versatile option for pain relief. Plus, this lotion helps reduce inflammation caused by gout or injuries, so you feel better faster. On top of pain relief, it nourishes your skin with essential oils, keeping it moisturized and healthy while you treat your aches.

What We Like
Fast-acting pain relief
Soothes sore muscles
Reduces inflammation
Moisturizes skin
Made in USA
#TOP 8

Chattem Arthritis Pain Relief Cream

Chattem
PPAX1210285
Chattem Arthritis Pain Relief Cream Cover
Arthritis Hot Pain Relief Creme 3 oz (Pack of 2)

Chattem Pain Relief Cream is designed to provide quick relief from arthritis pain and discomfort. This heating rub works fast to soothe stiff joints and sore muscles, making daily activities easier for you. The long-lasting effects mean you can enjoy relief throughout your day without frequent reapplication. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or just occasional stiffness, this cream offers a convenient solution to help you feel more comfortable and active.

What We Like
Quick relief from pain
Effective for sore muscles
Long-lasting effects
Convenient application
#TOP 9

Capzix Capsaicin 0.1% Pain Relief Cream 2 OZ

CAPZIX CREAM
7284731620
Capzix Capsaicin 0.1% Pain Relief Cream 2 OZ Cover
Capzix Cream for Pain Relief 2 OZ Capsaicin .1% High Potency/ Maximum Strength

The Capzix Pain Relief Cream is designed to help you manage tough pain with its high-strength formula. It offers a warming sensation that soothes sore joints and muscles, making it ideal if you suffer from arthritis, back pain, strains, or sprains. The cream contains 0.1% Capsaicin, a natural ingredient from chili peppers, which works by gently blocking pain signals to your brain. This means you can feel relief right where you need it. Plus, the cream is odor-free and non-greasy, so you can apply it without worrying about any strong smells or sticky residue.

What We Like
Maximum strength formula
Effective for arthritis and muscle pain
Contains natural Capsaicin
Odor-free and non-greasy
Made in the USA
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best medicine for muscle and joint pain?

If you get sore muscles once in a while, you can take acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen to help ease the discomfort.

2. What is the most effective medicine for muscle pain?

Muscle ache or pulled/strained muscle. Ibuprofen typically works better for this kind of pain relief, due to the anti-inflammatory effects.

Editor's Notes

During our arthritis pain relief medication for muscle pain research, we found 24 arthritis pain relief medication for muscle pain products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 88,923 customer reviews through our big data system to write the arthritis pain relief medications for muscle pain list. We found that most customers choose arthritis pain relief medications for muscle pain with an average price of $17.24.

The arthritis pain relief medications for muscle pain are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of arthritis pain relief medications for muscle pain, including Boiron, Hempvana, Icy Hot, GeriCare, Advil. 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.