last updated 23 Feb 2024

A lot of muscle pain is associated with swelling, The best thing to do to reduce swelling is
R.I.C.E.

See more on treatments at Muscle Strains & Pain

Muscle pain relief creams work through a variety of mechanisms depending on the specific ingredients:

Counterirritants:
These ingredients, like menthol, methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), and camphor, create a burning or cooling sensation on the skin. This sensation distracts your mind from the deeper pain, providing temporary relief.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
Some creams contain NSAIDs like diclofenac or ibuprofen, which work similarly to oral NSAIDs but in a localized area. They reduce inflammation that contributes to pain.

Capsaicin:
This compound found in chili peppers creates a warming sensation and triggers the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. However, it can also cause initial burning discomfort.

Lidocaine: This is a numbing agent that temporarily blocks pain signals from the nerves to the brain, offering targeted relief.

Other ingredients:
Some creams may contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health, but their pain-relieving effects are debated.

It's important to note that:

A few recommended creams:
Notation: 4.7 [amazon rating] - (nnnn) [number of amazon reviews]

See supplements below.

See also 8 Best Muscle Pain Relief Creams, According to Reviewers and Physical Therapists | MensHealth
and The Best Topical Pain Relief Products | healthline


Natural ingredients for topical application and ingestion:

BOSWELLIA, or Indian FRANKINCENSE, is a plant used in ancient medicine for relieving pain and inflammation. Containing anti-inflammatory compounds, this supplement is extremely effective at naturally reducing musculoskeletal pain. The analgesic, aka pain relieving, qualities of Boswellia supplements are especially useful for easing joint pain symptoms.

CBD (Cannabidiol) comes as a tablet that is ingested or cream you apply to the affected area.
It is well known for being one of the best supplements for relieving muscle pain and inflammation. Numerous studies show that CBD activates your body's endocannabinoid system which controls many critical bodily functions such as sleep, pain control, and inflammatory and immune responses.
See CBD | CDC.gov

The human body includes TRPV1 receptors that bind to CBD oils when placed on the skin. Once CBD is absorbed into the skin, your endocannabinoid system sends signals to your body, reducing inflammation and increasing the sensation of pain relief.
CBD oil comes from the leaves, stalks and flowers of both cannabis and hemp plants.

HEMP:
Hemp is a plant in the Cannabis sativa family that is grown for both industrial and consumable use. It is a cannabis plant that contains 0.3 percent or less THC.
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. CBD comes from hemp.
Depending on the way hemp seeds are handled and processed, hemp seed oil may contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD oil.
See Hemp Seed Oil vs. CBD Oil: What’s The Difference? | Forbes Health

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. It is the main ingredient in marijuana that produces the psychoactive effect.

In the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers and prohibited cannabis to be both prohibited under the Controlled Substances Act.

ARNICA A herb contains 150 different bio-active components that powerfully combat joint pain, muscle aches, and inflammation. The powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient in arnica is called helenalin, which if ingested in large amounts can be toxic and dangerous.

MENTHOL AND PEPPERMINT OIL
The cooling action of peppermint is well-known in the herbal world for its icy-hot effect on sore, stiff, and achy muscles. Applied topically, it releases an anti-inflammatory amino acid in the body called substance P. Substance P assists in altering the transmission of pain signals to the brain, thus reducing the perception of pain your body experiences.

Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Sandalwood Oil
effencial oils are extracted from the leaves, seeds, flowers, or fruits of a plant and have been used as natural healers and supplements since the beginning of time. Eucalyptus oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, offering relief for muscle and joint pain. It has been used for centuries to treat arthritis, muscle pain, and wounds.

LIDOCANE
Lidocaine belongs to the family of medicines called local anesthetics. This medicine prevents pain by blocking the signals at the nerve endings in the skin.


Food & Supplements:
CAPSAICIN
Capsaicin is the compound found in chili peppers giving them a hot and spicy taste. Not only can capsaicin kick up the heat in your food, but it also provides a range of medicinal properties for muscle pain and stiffness. Offering pain-relieving properties, capsaicin affects the neurotransmitters that communicate pain signals to the brain thus reducing the perception of pain.

FISH OIL
Fish oils contain powerful omega-3 fatty acids known for a variety of health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids exist throughout the body, but an interesting fact is that your body cannot produce these fatty acids on its own. Hence, obtaining this pertinent vitamin through your food source and supplements is vital.

VITAMIN D:
Vitamin D has potent anti-inflammatory properties and is effencial for maintaining healthy bones and muscles. This vitamin assists your body in absorbing calcium, which is effencial for muscle function.

TUMERIC
Turmeric is one of the healthiest spices and supplements you can add to your daily diet. With a myriad of health benefits, this powerful antioxidant and inflammation reducer is known for decreasing pain and increasing muscle and joint mobility

CHERRY AND POMEGRANATE JUICE Both effective as muscle relaxers, tart cherry, and pomegranate juice have been studied for their anti-inflammatory effects. Packed with potassium, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, pomegranate juice has been linked to increasing blood flow and muscle recovery post-workout, while cherry juice has been proven to decrease muscle breakdown and soreness.

MAGNESIUM
Magnesium plays a major role in muscle function and relaxation. Low levels of this vitamin make you prone to muscle cramps, stiffness, and spasms. This effencial mineral helps your muscles absorb glucose, increasing your blood sugar availability for muscle use and repair.

FRANKINCENSE essential oil (BOSWELLIA) Boswellia, or Indian frankincense, is a plant used in ancient medicine for relieving pain and inflammation. Containing anti-inflammatory compounds, this supplement is extremely effective at naturally reducing musculoskeletal pain. The analgesic, aka pain relieving, qualities of Boswellia supplements are especially useful for easing joint pain symptoms.

Source: See more details at Best Supplements & Oils For Muscle Pain, Stiffness And Inflammation | Botanika

CBD For Athletes: Oils And Creams For Athletic Recovery | Botanika


Links:
Muscle Strains & Pain
Best Supplements & Oils For Muscle Pain, Stiffness And Inflammation | Botanika

Topical Pain Relief: Creams, Gels, and Rubs | WebMD
Role of Topical Pain Creams in Pain Management | NCBI.NIH.gov
Topical Pain Relief: What Is It + How Does It Work?: what-to-expect | Cleveland Clinic