Joint Pain Cream for Arthritis
Topical options for stiff, sore joints, chosen by your prescriber.
For pain in the knees, hands or other joints near the skin’s surface, topical medicine can be an alternative or addition to tablets. Here is how topical anti-inflammatory and compounded options work, and who should be careful.
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- Best suited to
- Joints close to the skin: knees, hands, elbows, ankles.
- Key caution
- Do not combine topical and oral anti-inflammatories without asking a pharmacist.
- Who prescribes
- Your family doctor, nurse practitioner, rheumatologist or pain specialist.
Why use a joint pain cream?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis (see Arthritis Society Canada). It causes pain, stiffness and swelling, usually worse after rest or at the end of the day. Clinical guidelines for osteoarthritis of the knee and hand often list topical anti-inflammatory medicines as an early option, because less of the drug is absorbed into the blood than with tablets, which can mean fewer stomach, kidney and heart concerns.
Topical products are not a cure, and they do not replace exercise, weight management where relevant, and physiotherapy, which have the strongest evidence for long-term benefit. They can help you stay active while you do those things.
Commercial and compounded options
Commercial gels and creams containing an anti-inflammatory drug are available, some without a prescription. A pharmacist can help you choose one and use it correctly.
Prescribers sometimes ask for a compounded preparation when they want a different strength, a combination of ingredients, or a base that suits sensitive skin or a particular joint. Examples of what prescribers may include are anti-inflammatory, numbing or warming ingredients; the choice is theirs. How well different bases carry ingredients through the skin varies, and some claims made for specific bases are not well supported by research, so we explain honestly what is known. Compounded preparations have not been evaluated by Health Canada in the way approved products have.
We prepare each one in our Level C compounding room using pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and a documented batch record. Read more on our pain management compounding page.
Be careful and ask first if you have an allergy to aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, asthma triggered by them, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, are on a blood thinner, or are pregnant. A topical anti-inflammatory is not risk-free for everyone.
Using topical products safely
- Use the amount on the label or the measuring card, on the joint only. More does not work faster.
- Wash hands after applying unless the hand is the treated joint.
- Do not apply to broken, irritated or sunburned skin, and avoid eyes and mucous membranes.
- Avoid heat pads and tight wraps over the area unless your prescriber says it is fine.
- Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Pets may lick treated skin.
- Tell us about oral anti-inflammatory medicines you take so we can check the total.
When joint pain needs a closer look
See a prescriber promptly for a hot, red, swollen joint, fever, sudden inability to bear weight, pain after a fall, or pain that wakes you at night and is getting worse. Those can be signs of infection, gout, injury or inflammatory arthritis, which need assessment rather than a cream.
Related Compounding Services
These pages explain related services we offer.
How It Works
Start with your prescriber
Your prescriber can fax (647) 351-2323 or send an e-prescription. You can also text a photo of your prescription to (647) 348-2323, or tap Request.
We review and prepare
A pharmacist reviews the prescription, confirms cost and coverage with you, then prepares it. Questions go to your prescriber, not to guesswork.
Free delivery or pickup
Most compounds are ready within 24–48 hours. Pick up at 2240 Lake Shore Blvd W #107 or get free delivery across the GTA.
Questions about joint pain cream? Talk to a pharmacist
Our pharmacists can answer questions about joint pain cream, review your current medications and coordinate with your prescriber.
Call (647) 348-2323, text a photo of your prescription, or start a request, and we will help you understand your options for joint pain cream.
Arthritis Cream FAQ
Do topical arthritis creams work?
For osteoarthritis of the knee and hand, guidelines often list topical anti-inflammatories as an early option. Benefit varies between people, and results may take a week or two.
Can I use a cream and take tablets together?
Sometimes, but combining topical and oral anti-inflammatories adds up. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber first.
Are compounded pain creams better than store-bought ones?
Not automatically. They can help when a commercial product does not fit, for example in strength or base, and they have not been evaluated by Health Canada in the same way.
Do I need a prescription?
Many topical anti-inflammatories are available without one. Compounded preparations need a prescription.
Is it safe with a blood thinner?
Some people on blood thinners should avoid or limit topical anti-inflammatories. Please ask us first.
How long does a compounded cream take to prepare?
Most compounds are ready within 24–48 hours.
Is it covered by insurance?
Some private plans cover some compounded prescriptions. We check first and give a cost estimate.
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2240 Lake Shore Blvd W #107, Etobicoke, ON M8V 0B1
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