Short answer: There is no single knee pain cream that suits everyone. In the UK, pharmacists commonly suggest anti inflammatory gels for arthritis aches and sprains, heat rubs are designed for stiff muscles, and cooling or magnesium creams are popular for everyday comfort. The NHS also stresses that exercise, weight management and pacing matter as much as anything you rub in. A good knee cream is one you are happy to use regularly, that feels soothing, and that fits alongside what your pharmacist or GP has advised.
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Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people in the UK visit a pharmacy. The shelves are full of gels, balms and creams that all promise to help. This guide sorts them by what they are actually designed to do, so you can choose more confidently.
What causes knee pain?
The NHS lists many causes. The most common in adults are:
- Osteoarthritis, wear in the joint that becomes more common after 50.
- Sprains and strains from twisting or overuse.
- Tendon or bursa irritation around the kneecap, often from kneeling or running.
- Referred pain from the hip or lower back. Sometimes pain around the knee comes from an irritated nerve higher up. See trapped nerve in the lower back.
Where you feel the pain gives useful clues. Pain at the front around the kneecap is often linked to kneeling, stairs or running. A deep, stiff ache that is worse in the morning and eases as you move is typical of osteoarthritis. Burning or tingling that runs down from the thigh may point to a nerve higher up rather than the knee itself.
Knowing which one you have helps you choose. If you are not sure, a pharmacist or GP can help.
Which knee pain creams are available in the UK?
| Type | Examples | Designed for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti inflammatory gels | Ibuprofen gel, diclofenac gel | Arthritis aches, sprains | Medicines: follow label limits, ask a pharmacist about asthma, pregnancy and other medicines |
| Heat rubs | Deep Heat and similar | Stiff, tight muscles | Strong sensation, fades within the hour |
| Strong balms | Tiger Balm and similar | General muscle aches | Camphor can irritate sensitive skin |
| Cooling and magnesium creams | Menthol creams, magnesium creams | Everyday comfort and massage | Usually cosmetic, designed for regular use |
| Capsaicin | Zacin (discontinued) | Previously used for osteoarthritis | No longer supplied in the UK |
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Do anti inflammatory gels work for knee pain?
NHS guidance says anti inflammatory gels can help some people with osteoarthritis of the knee, and they are often suggested before tablets because less of the medicine reaches the rest of the body. They are medicines, so read the leaflet, stick to the maximum amount and check with a pharmacist if you have asthma, are pregnant or take other medicines. They are designed for joint inflammation, and are not designed for nerve type pain, as we explain in Voltarol for nerve pain.
The NICE guideline on osteoarthritis (NG226) recommends a topical option as the first medicine option for knee osteoarthritis, and a 2016 Cochrane review of 39 studies found about 60% of people using topical gels had much reduced pain over 6 to 12 weeks.
What about heat rubs and balms?
Heat rubs and strong balms create a warming or cooling sensation that can distract from an ache and relax tight muscle. Many people like them for a stiff knee in the morning. The effect is usually short, and strong camphor or heat can be harsh if you use it every day. See Tiger Balm for nerve pain for more on how these products work.
Cooling and magnesium creams for everyday knee comfort
A lot of people with long term knee aches want something they can massage in every evening, without worrying about daily limits. Cooling creams with menthol feel refreshing within seconds, and magnesium creams have become popular for general joint and muscle comfort. Our guide to magnesium cream explains why people try it and what to look for.
NuraCalm Total Relief is one of these everyday creams. It combines magnesium chloride with MSM, arnica and vitamin B6, with a light touch of menthol for immediate cooling comfort. Many customers massage it around the knee after a walk or before bed. It is a cosmetic comfort product, not a medicine, and it comes with a 90 day money back guarantee.
How to get the most from a knee cream
- Apply it at the same times each day so it becomes a habit.
- Massage it in slowly around the whole joint, including behind the knee, for a minute or two.
- Use it after gentle exercise or a warm shower, when many people find it most relaxing.
- Only apply to clean, dry, unbroken skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
- Do not mix several medicated gels on the same area without asking a pharmacist.
Give any everyday cream a few weeks of regular use before deciding whether it suits you.
What else helps knee pain at home?
Keep the knee moving
The NHS recommends staying active. Gentle strengthening for the thigh muscles, walking, swimming and cycling can all help support the joint.
Manage your weight
Every extra pound adds load on the knee when you walk and climb stairs. Small changes can make a difference to comfort.
Heat and cold
Many people use cold for a new injury or swelling and heat for stiffness. Wrap packs in a towel and use for about 20 minutes at a time.
Supportive footwear
Cushioned, supportive shoes reduce the jolt through the knee on hard pavements.
When should you see a GP about knee pain?
The NHS suggests seeing a GP if your knee has not improved after a few weeks of self care, or if the pain is stopping you doing normal activities. Get urgent help if you cannot put weight on your leg, your knee is very swollen, hot or red, you have a high temperature, or your knee is badly deformed after an injury.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cream for knee pain in the UK?
It depends on the pain. Anti inflammatory gels are commonly suggested for arthritis and sprains, heat rubs for stiff muscles, and cooling or magnesium creams for everyday comfort. Ask a pharmacist which suits you.
Do knee creams actually work?
NHS guidance notes anti inflammatory gels can help some people with knee osteoarthritis, and many people find cooling or warming creams soothing. Combine them with exercise and weight management.
Can I use a knee cream every day?
Many cosmetic creams are designed for daily use. Medicated gels have daily limits on the label. Always follow the leaflet.
Should I use heat or cold on a painful knee?
Cold is often used for new injuries or swelling, heat for stiffness. Wrap packs in a towel and limit to about 20 minutes.
When should I see a GP about knee pain?
If it has not improved after a few weeks, if it is very swollen, hot or red, if you cannot put weight on it, or if it keeps giving way.
Sources
- NICE NG226: Osteoarthritis in over 16s, recommendations
- Derry S et al. (2016) Topical NSAIDs for chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. NuraCalm Total Relief is a cosmetic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Speak to your GP or pharmacist about ongoing knee pain, and do not stop or change any prescribed treatment without medical advice. Brand names mentioned are trade marks of their respective owners. Speak to your GP or pharmacist before changing or stopping any medication.
See how NuraCalm Total Relief works
Tried everything for tired, aching nerves? See why thousands in the UK keep NuraCalm Total Relief on their bedside table
- Magnesium chloride with MSM and arnica, made for daily use
- A light touch of menthol for an immediate cooling comfort
- 90 day money back guarantee