An arthritis pain relief medication is a pharmaceutical drug used to treat the symptoms of arthritis. It can help to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as providing other benefits such as improving mobility and flexibility. Some of the renowned brands are Voltaren, Mobic, and Aleve.
Choosing the right arthritis pain relief medication is difficult as it depends on various factors such as the type of arthritis you have, your age, and other health conditions you may have. To make it easier to find the exact arthritis pain relief medication you’re looking for, we rounded up the best arthritis pain relief medications on Amazon, according to thousands of customer reviews.
Check out our favorite arthritis pain relief medications in the list below, and keep reading for our buying guide.
Our Editor’s Best Arthritis Pain Relief Medications Reviews
- Arthritis pain relief: Acetaminophen 650mg extended release formula provides fast-acting, long-lasting relief for minor arthritis and joint pain in hands, wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, and feet; effective for up to 8 hours per dose
- Acetaminophen formula: Each caplet contains 650 mg of acetaminophen in an extended-release formula specifically designed for arthritis pain relief; effectively targets joint inflammation and discomfort while also reducing fever when needed
- Bi-layer technology: Pain relief pills feature a dual-layer design—first layer releases fast-acting acetaminophen for quick relief, second layer extends pain relief for up to 8 hours; gentle on the stomach for comfort
- Safe & trusted: Aspirin-free, OTC pain relief pills are suitable for adults 18+; safe when used as directed and gentle on the stomach
- Product details: Each bottle contains 100 extended-release caplets of acetaminophen 650mg; country of origin: USA; pain relief pills are aspirin-free and designed for effective, long-lasting arthritis pain relief
- One 1.7 oz/50 g tube of Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief
- Number 1 Doctor Recommended topical pain relief brand
- Clinically Proven to relieve arthritis pain, improve mobility and reduce stiffness, aches and pains to provide prescription strength arthritis pain relief
- An Alternative to Pills, Voltaren is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel that combines the benefits of an arthritis cream and gel for arthritis pain management
- Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel Penetrates Deep to attack arthritis pain directly at the source of inflammation, treating arthritis pain
- Multi-symptom relief: Maximum Strength Arthriten offers relief from minor arthritis pain, joint pain, muscle aches, and mobility discomfort. For pain relief that single ingredient formulas may not provide, experience the multi-symptom relief of Arthriten.
- Dependable & long-lasting: Arthriten provides hour-after-hour of dependable pain relief from minor arthritis pain symptoms of joint pain, muscle aches & mobility pain. For dependable relief that lasts for up to six hours, choose Maximum Strength Arthriten.
- Easy swallow caps: Maximum Strength Arthriten comes in coated speedcaps for an easy-to-swallow formula. Each 2-caplet dose contains 2 maximum strength pain relievers, plus an ingredient to help them work faster and better.
- Leading producer: Alva-Amco is a leading U.S. Producer of specialty non-prescription pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and skin care products. Alva-Amco has a history of product innovation, quality & consumer satisfaction in over the counter products.
- HEMP SEED OIL: our Hempvana Arthritis Pain Gel is enriched with ultra-moisturizing Hemp Seed Oil
- ULTRA-STRENGTH: to give you powerful relief from inflammation, swelling, and stiffness caused by arthritis
- TARGET THE PAIN: our Ultra-Strength Relief Gel targets pain right where it hurts, like your hands, fingers, and wrists. Plus other arthritic joints
- UNIQUE FORMULA: made with 100% pure cold-pressed hemp seed oil and FDA-listed pain-fighting menthol for active pain relief
- NON-GREASY: Unlike other ointments that leave a greasy mess, Hempvana is non-greasy and absorbs quickly
- Two 3.5 oz/100 g tubes of Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief- Easy flip cap that can be opened with your palm, fingers, or even with just one hand; packaging may vary
- Number 1 Doctor Recommended topical pain relief brand
- Clinically Proven to relieve arthritis pain, improve mobility and reduce stiffness, aches and pains to provide prescription strength arthritis pain relief
- An Alternative to Pills, Voltaren is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel that combines the benefits of an arthritis cream and gel for arthritis pain management*
- Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel Penetrates Deep to attack arthritis pain directly at the source of inflammation, treating arthritis pain
- Giftable 2-Ounce Size – Ideal Stocking Stuffer & Trusted Daily Relief for Back, Neck, Knee, Shoulder & Hand Discomfort – Non-NSAID Formula. Penetrex provides targeted support for common problem areas including lower back, stiff neck, achy knees, shoulder tension, and hand soreness. Formulated without NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for those seeking natural alternatives to oral medications or medicated patches for routine joint and muscle strain.
- Professional-Grade Ingredients: Arnica, MSM, Vitamin B6 & Boswellia for Enhanced Support. Enhanced with clinically-studied botanicals and nutrients recognized for their soothing properties. Arnica montana has been used traditionally for centuries, while MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), Vitamin B6, and Boswellia Serrata work synergistically to support muscles and joints experiencing occasional discomfort from exercise, repetitive motion, or daily activity.
- Fast-Absorbing, Non-Greasy Cream – No Menthol Smell, Won't Stain Clothing. Lightweight, fast-penetrating formula absorbs quickly into skin without leaving oily residue, sticky feeling, or transferring to clothes or bed sheets. Unlike menthol-based products with strong medicinal odors, Penetrex is fragrance-free with no overpowering scent, making it ideal for use anytime – at work, before bed, or during your daily routine.
- Ideal for Active Adults, Athletes & Those Managing Chronic Tension – Safe for Long-Term Use. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts dealing with post-workout soreness, office workers with repetitive strain, aging adults experiencing stiffness, or anyone managing ongoing discomfort in joints and muscles. Gentle enough for consistent daily application without the concerns associated with prolonged NSAID use.
- Trusted by Over 2 Million Users and Made in USA with Quality Standards You Can Count On. With a loyal customer base spanning over a decade, Penetrex has become a household name for natural topical support. Manufactured in the USA following strict quality standards, and suitable for those seeking vegan-friendly, paraben-free formulations.
- Arthritis pain relief medicine: Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1% is clinically proven to relieve arthritis pain
- Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1% is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that provides temporary relief of arthritis pain by penetrating the skin to target painful inflammation in the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle and knee
- Comparable to the national brand: Has the same active ingredient in Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel* (Based on "Nair B, Taylor-Gjevre R. A Review of Topical Diclofenac Use in Musculoskeletal Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2010 Jun 11;3(6):1892-1908")
- Apply 4 times per day for up to 21 days to temporarily relieve arthritis pain or as directed by your doctor; do not use on more than 2 body areas at the same time; See package label for warnings, directions and other important information; use only as directed
- HSA or FSA Eligible
- Arthritis pain relief medicine: Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1% is clinically proven to relieve arthritis pain
- Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel 1% is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that provides temporary relief of arthritis pain by penetrating the skin to target painful inflammation in the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle and knee
- Comparable to the national brand: Has the same active ingredient in Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel* (Based on "Nair B, Taylor-Gjevre R. A Review of Topical Diclofenac Use in Musculoskeletal Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2010 Jun 11;3(6):1892-1908")
- Apply 4 times per day for up to 21 days to temporarily relieve arthritis pain or as directed by your doctor; do not use on more than 2 body areas at the same time; See package label for warnings, directions and other important information; use only as directed
- HSA or FSA Eligible
- One 5.3 oz/150 g tube of Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for Powerful Topical Arthritis Pain Relief- Easy flip cap that can be opened with your palm, fingers, or even with just one hand; packaging may vary
- Number 1 Doctor Recommended topical pain relief brand
- Clinically Proven to relieve arthritis pain, improve mobility and reduce stiffness, aches and pains to provide prescription strength arthritis pain relief
- An Alternative to Pills, Voltaren is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel that combines the benefits of an arthritis cream and gel for arthritis pain management
- Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel Penetrates Deep to attack arthritis pain directly at the source of inflammation, treating arthritis pain
- Up to 12-Hours of Uninterrupted Pain Relief: Aleve Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer Gelcaps provide long-lasting arthritis pain relief, as well as relief from muscular aches, backache, menstrual cramps, headache, toothache, and the common cold
- Easy Open Arthritis Cap: Specially designed arthritis bottle features an easy to open, cushionedcovered cap and contoured bottle for better control when your arthritis acts up. Package is not child-resistant
- Fever Reducer: Temporarily reduces fever for adults and children aged 12 and up
- Targeted Pain Relief: naproxen sodium relieves minor pain from arthritis
- Effective Pain Reliever: In a study, proven as effective and longer lasting than a common Rx pain reliever. Ask a doctor if Aleve is right for you
Best Arthritis Pain Relief Medications Buying Guide
Before choosing the best arthritis pain relief medications you should consider following options:
1. Aspirin and Other Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, chemicals your body makes to cause inflammation.
These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), and many others.
Aspirin is often used for its cardioprotective effects and to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
The most common side effect of NSAIDs is upset stomach and/or gastrointestinal bleeding.
NSAIDs are often used for the treatment of mild to moderate arthritis pain. They are also used for the treatment of aches and pains associated with other disorders such as muscle strains and back pain.
NSAIDs are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause kidney damage and liver damage when taken for a prolonged period of time.
2. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system.
They are not recommended for long-term use because they can cause serious side effects, including high blood pressure and increased susceptibility to infection.
Corticosteroids are often used for the treatment of severe arthritis pain. They are also used for the treatment of other disorders where inflammation is a cause of significant pain, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, and others.
3. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents That Block COX-2: Celecoxib (Celebrex) and others belong to this group. These are used for the treatment of mild to moderate arthritis pain. The most common side effects are nausea, upset stomach, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
4. Oral Steroidal Drugs: Cortisone is one example of an oral steroid. These are used for the treatment of severe arthritis pain.
Side effects include adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, muscle weakness and thinning, glaucoma, and others.
5. Opioid Drugs: Opioids block the transmission of pain signals in the nervous system. They include hydrocodone ( Vicodin, Lortab), oxycodone (Percocet), morphine (Kadian), codeine, fentanyl (Duragesic), and others.
Common side effects of opioids include nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and addiction.
6. Topical Drugs: These reduce inflammation by cooling, drying, and reducing swelling.
Common side effects include skin irritation and burning sensation. These are often used for the treatment of back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.
7. Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. These are often used for the treatment of back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Side effects include infection, disc swelling, and worsening of back pain.
8. Opioid Injections: These reduce pain signals by blocking the transmission of pain signals in the nervous system. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and addiction.
9. Opioid Patches: These reduce pain signals by blocking the transmission of pain signals in the nervous system. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and addiction.
10. Opioid Patches with Combination NSAID and Opioid: One example of this combination is triclofed t gel. Common side
What else you should know about arthritis pain relief medications
1. What are the best arthritis pain relief medications?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best arthritis pain relief medication for a particular individual may vary depending on the individual’s specific situation and health condition. However, some common arthritis pain relief medications include over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, prescription NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), and biologic agents.
2. What are the side effects of arthritis pain relief medications?
The side effects of arthritis pain relief medications can vary depending on the medication. Some common side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and dizziness.
3. How do arthritis pain relief medications work?
The most common arthritis pain relief medications are anti-inflammatory drugs, which work by reducing inflammation in the joints.
4. What are the risks of taking arthritis pain relief medications?
There are a number of risks associated with taking arthritis pain relief medications, including gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, kidney damage, and liver damage.
5. Are there any natural arthritis pain relief medications?
There are a number of natural arthritis pain relief medications available. Some of these include omega-3 supplements, turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best arthritis pain relief medications. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best arthritis pain relief medications will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.