Gels and creams for muscle and joint pain fall into two groups that work by completely different mechanisms. Knowing which you have determines both what it can do and what it risks.
- Anti-inflammatory gels, containing a medicine such as diclofenac or ibuprofen. These genuinely reduce inflammation in the tissue underneath, and count as an NSAID.
- Warming or cooling rubs, containing menthol, camphor or methyl salicylate. These produce a sensation that distracts from pain rather than treating the cause. See muscle rub side effects.
For localised joint pain, an anti-inflammatory gel is often the safer choice than tablets, because far less reaches the bloodstream. That makes it particularly worth asking about for older adults, or anyone with stomach, kidney or heart concerns who cannot take oral anti-inflammatories.
Common side effects of this pharmacy medicine or category
- Redness, itching, dryness or a rash where applied
- Burning or stinging on application
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight on treated skin
- Occasionally digestive effects with anti-inflammatory gels, mainly with large amounts over wide areas
Practical points: apply thinly, wash your hands afterwards unless treating them, avoid broken or infected skin, keep it away from eyes and mouth, do not cover with a dressing unless told to, and keep treated skin out of strong sun.
Interactions and duplicate-ingredient risks
An anti-inflammatory gel counts towards your NSAID total. Do not use it alongside anti-inflammatory tablets, or alongside a combination painkiller containing one, without checking. See NSAID side effects.
Warming rubs containing methyl salicylate are aspirin-related and absorbed through skin, so mention them if you take a blood thinner.
Paracetamol works differently and can usually be used alongside either type, but confirm with a pharmacist.
Children, pregnancy, older adults and chronic medicine cautions
- Pregnancy. Anti-inflammatories including topical ones are generally avoided, particularly later. Ask first.
- Children. Many of these products are not suitable. Check by age.
- Asthma, if anti-inflammatories have ever triggered wheeze.
- Reduced skin sensation, where a warming rub can burn before it is felt.
Warning signs and overdose concerns
Wash it off and seek advice for blistering, skin that looks burned, or pain that intensifies rather than easing.
Get emergency help for difficulty breathing, wheeze, or swelling of the face, lips or throat.
See a doctor if pain follows an injury, comes with swelling or inability to bear weight, involves numbness or weakness, or has not improved in the time the label allows. A gel treats pain at the surface; it does not fix a torn muscle or a joint problem underneath.
Questions to ask a pharmacist before using it
- Is this an anti-inflammatory gel or a warming rub?
- Would a gel be safer for me than tablets?
- Am I already taking an anti-inflammatory?
- How much should I use and how often?
- How long before I should see a doctor instead?
Related OTC and medicine-safety guides
- OTC medicine side effects
- Over-the-counter medicine interactions
- When to see a doctor about an OTC medicine
- How to read over-the-counter medicine labels
- Report an OTC medicine side effect
See also Voltaren gel and topical medicine side effects.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical diagnosis, prescription, or professional advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist regarding any medicine or health concern.