If you’re struggling Kendra Mar with sore muscles and joints, there are a lot of products out there that promise to ease the pain and stiffness. From menthol to eucalyptus oil to capsaicin, there are tons of over-the-counter creams that can help you get back to your normal activities. But not all of them are created equal. Some have ingredients that penetrate the skin and enter your body to relieve pain, while others work on a different level by creating a hot or cool sensation to distract from painful areas of the body.

Cream for muscle and joint pain often contains ingredients like menthol, methyl salicylate, camphor, and eucalyptus oil. These ingredients belong to a class of treatment called counterirritants, which create feelings of warmth or cold that compete with pain signals and block them from reaching the brain. This provides quick relief from discomfort and helps your body regain its ability to function normally.

Creams for Arthritis Relief: Alleviating Pain and Improving Mobility

Another common ingredient in muscle rubs is lidocaine, a drug that acts as a numbing agent. This ingredient numbs the skin, which can dull your sense of touch and reduce inflammation and swelling. This is a great option for people who have a hard time with medication or just want something that doesn’t have a strong scent. This product combines max strength lidocaine with a botanical blend to desensitize aggravated nerves and help reduce inflammation and swelling of the joints and muscles. The clear, odorless cream is easy to apply and does not stain the skin.