Though extremely common amongst athletes and exercise fanatics, muscle and joint pain, inflammation and stiffness are all ailments that can affect the broader population no matter their level of activity.
One in six people in the UK live with the pain, fatigue, immobility and reduced dexterity caused by arthritis, according to Versus Arthritis. Meanwhile, according to the NHS, over 20 million people in the UK – approximately one third of the population, suffer from some kind of musculoskeletal condition such as arthritis or back pain.
If you find yourself suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain, your first port of call should always be your local GP. From there, you can either devise a treatment plan together, or a seek a referral to a specialist in the field such as a physiotherapist. Then, with the help of your doctor or consultant physiotherapist, and depending on the type and scale of your injury, you might be recommended an anti-inflammatory gel to use for a limited period alongside helpful exercises to relieve pain.
We spoke to Consultant Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Florence Penny, founder of Kensington-based Flow Physio London, for some insight into how anti-inflammatory gels work and exactly how we should be using them.
What are anti-inflammatory gels and how do they work?
Anti-inflammatory gels are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) topical formulations that contain active ingredients designed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Often used to help relieve pain caused by acute injury rather than on a long-term basis, they offer several potential benefits, including:
- Pain relief: Anti-inflammatory gels can help alleviate pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, muscle strains, and joint injuries.
- Reduced inflammation: These gels contain anti-inflammatory agents that can help reduce inflammation in localised areas. By inhibiting the production or action of inflammatory substances like prostaglandins, they help control swelling, redness, and heat associated with inflammatory conditions.
- Targeted application: Gels can be applied directly to the affected area, allowing for localised treatment. This allows for a more direct approach than taking oral medications, and also results in fewer side effects.
- Improved joint mobility: By reducing inflammation and pain, anti-inflammatory gels can improve joint mobility and range of motion. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as arthritis, where stiffness and limited mobility are common.
What is the active ingredient in anti-inflammatory gels?
The active ingredient in anti-inflammatory gels is either your classic ibuprofen, or a diclofenac – another common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Both NSAIDs work by blocking specific inflammation-causing enzymes to provide overall pain relief.
What can anti-inflammatory gels be used for?
Anti-inflammatory gels are most commonly used to help alleviate knee pain, arthritis-induced injury or inflammation, lower back pain and sciatica.
How often can one apply anti-inflammatory gel and is it possible to use too much?
It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance regarding the use of anti-inflammatory gels or any other medication. Continued use can result in side effects such as the thinning of the skin, so one should always follow packet instructions with regards to how much of the gel you should be using, and how often – especially as formulations and active ingredients can differ across brands.
Additionally, physiotherapists usually refer to treatments such as anti-inflammatory gels as treating the ‘secondary’ issue at hand. I would recommend anti-inflammatory gels in conjunction with physiotherapy sessions to help solve the primary, biomechanical issue. You can seek a physiotherapy referral via your NHS GP or self-refer privately.
Is it ok to take anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen while using anti-inflammatory gels?
I wouldn’t recommend taking Ibuprofen when using anti-inflammatory gels.
Which over-the-counter anti-inflammatory gels would you recommend?
I’d recommend both the classic Voltarol, as well as Boot’s own-brand nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) for treating joint pain caused by arthritis. The medication in Voltarol Gel in a diclofenac, which is not formulated to provide immediate relief and make take up to seven days to work properly.
With Florence’s expert advice in mind, keep scrolling for a round-up for the best anti-inflammatory gels available over the counter.
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Voltarol Max Strength Pain Relief 2.32% Gel 30g
The active ingredient in Voltarol gel is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) known as diclofenac. While available over the counter, due to its potent nature you might be contacted by a Boots pharmacist to determine whether this medication is suitable for you. Likewise, if you choose to buy Voltarol in-store, you will likely be asked a few short questions before being sold the product.
Formulated to provide up to 12 hours of relief, simply apply a pea-sized amount of gel directly to the area you wish to treat. Unless recommended by a doctor, you should not use this product for more than 14 days.
Buy now £8.20, Boots
Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% Gel - 40g
This non-steroidal anti-inflammatory is essentially Nurofen in gel form, providing precision, topical relief for joint and muscle pain caused by backache, rheumatism, sprains, strains, sports injuries, as well as arthritic joint pains. The active ingredient is 10 per cent ibuprofen, which provides fast and strong relief.
Buy now £6.29, Boots
Jointace Vitabiotics Gel, 75 ml
This anti-inflammatory gel is powered by glucosamine sourced from organic chitin. A natural compound found in cartilage, glucosamine helps to strengthen bones – making this gel a particularly great option for those with arthritis or osteoporosis. Complete with soothing aromatherapy oils including cooling menthol, this gel is designed to relax the body as well as the mind.
Buy now £7.26, Amazon
Deep Relief Anti-Inflammatory Gel 100g
Highly rated amongst Boots customers, Deep Relief Anti-Inflammatory Gel employs both 5 per cent ibuprofen and 3 per cent levomenthol as its active ingredients. The former works to alleviate pain by reducing inflammation, while the latter provides a cooling effect for even deeper relief.
Buy now £8.40, Boots
Natural alternatives to NSAIDs
Cannobotech Unwind Muscle Rub
This 50ml bottle is filled to the brim with a masterful blend of high-quality functional mushrooms and CBD oils which deliver holistic pain relief while giving your entire immune system a boost.
This not only aids in your post-workout recovery but helps to improve your stamina for better performance during physical activity. Enjoy the cooling sensation that occurs when using this muscle rub, and lean into the relaxing relief it provides.
Get 20 per cent off with the code UNWIND.
Buy now £62.00, Cannobotech
Neal’s Yard Arnica Salve 45g
Most of us are familiar with the soothing, bruise-fighting properties of arnica cream thanks to years of applying the substance to cuts, scrapes and bruises gained from the playground. This skin salve from Neal’s Yard is the perfect soothing, natural alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory gels and creams and has a wonderfully soft, balmy consistency.
Buy now £12.00, Neal’s Yard
Balm Bundle + CBD Heating & Cooling
The healing abilities of CBD oils and topical treatments are endless. Though CBD oils are often used by both athletes and chronic pain sufferers alike, this is the first recovery-accelerating CBD duo we’ve ever come across.
The pre-workout cooling balm helps to minimise the damage caused by workouts by constricting the blood vessels and minimising inflammation, while the post-workout warming balm brings additional blood to the affected area to aid recovery.
Buy now £55.99, Mission C
Holland & Barrett CBD Muscle Balm Extra 50ml
Made from 100 per cent natural CBD-rich hemp extract, this balm from Holland & Barrett has a two-in-one effect that begins by warming-up the affected area to increase circulation, before cooling down to help your muscles relax.
Buy now £19.99, Holland & Barrett
