Understanding Pain Relief: What is Analgesic Ointment Used For?

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2020, an estimated 54 million adults in the US reported experiencing chronic pain [1.7.2, 1.7.4]. For many, a key question is, what is analgesic ointment used for? These topical medications are applied to the skin for localized relief from various types of pain [1.5.1, 1.6.2].

Quick Summary

Analgesic ointments are medications applied directly to the skin to relieve localized pain from conditions like muscle aches, strains, arthritis, and nerve pain [1.2.1, 1.5.1, 1.5.4]. They work via various mechanisms, offering a targeted alternative to oral medications [1.6.2].

Key Points

Primary Use: Analgesic ointments are used for localized relief of minor aches and pains in muscles and joints, such as from arthritis, backaches, and sprains [1.2.1, 1.2.4].
Main Types: The main categories include counterirritants (menthol, camphor), NSAIDs (diclofenac), capsaicin, and local anesthetics (lidocaine) [1.2.1, 1.4.1].
Mechanism Varies: They work in different ways, from creating distracting hot/cold sensations to reducing inflammation or numbing the area [1.9.2, 1.4.5].
Targeted Relief: A key benefit is providing targeted relief at the site of pain, with fewer systemic side effects than oral medications [1.6.2, 1.6.3].
Specific Conditions: They are effective for pain in joints close to the skin like knees and hands, as well as for certain types of nerve pain [1.6.4, 1.5.4].
Safety Precautions: Never apply to broken or irritated skin, avoid contact with eyes, and do not use with heating pads [1.8.4].
Effectiveness Varies: The effectiveness can vary by ingredient and condition; topical NSAIDs like diclofenac have strong evidence for arthritis, while capsaicin is used for neuropathic pain [1.5.2, 1.5.4].

Introduction to Topical Analgesics

Topical analgesic ointments are medications applied directly to the skin to provide localized pain relief [1.3.5]. They are a popular choice for managing both acute pain, such as from sprains and muscle strains, and chronic pain, like that from osteoarthritis or neuropathy [1.5.4]. Unlike oral medications that circulate throughout the body, topical analgesics concentrate their effect at the site of pain, which can lead to fewer systemic side effects and drug interactions [1.6.2]. This makes them a particularly useful option for older adults or those with certain chronic conditions [1.6.2, 1.6.4]. These products come in various forms, including creams, gels, ointments, sprays, and patches [1.2.1].

How Do Analgesic Ointments Work?

Analgesic ointments relieve pain through several distinct mechanisms, depending on their active ingredients. They are absorbed through the skin to act on the tissues beneath [1.2.5].

Counterirritation: Ingredients like menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate create a sensation of cooling or heating on the skin [1.2.4]. This sensation distracts from the deeper pain in muscles and joints, essentially producing a less severe pain to counter a more intense one [1.2.1, 1.4.1].
Reducing Inflammation (NSAIDs): Topical Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac, ketoprofen, and ibuprofen work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes [1.4.1, 1.5.4]. This reduces the production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that cause pain and inflammation at the site of injury [1.2.1, 1.4.2]. Unlike counterirritants that just mask pain, topical NSAIDs treat the inflammation causing the pain [1.9.2].
Depleting Substance P (Capsaicin): Capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, is used for pain relief, especially nerve pain [1.10.1]. It initially causes a burning sensation by stimulating nerve receptors but, with repeated use, it depleles the nerves' supply of "substance P," a chemical that transmits pain signals to the brain. This desensitizes the nerve endings, leading to pain relief [1.4.3, 1.4.5]. It may take up to two weeks of regular use for capsaicin to become fully effective [1.2.1].
Numbing (Anesthetics): Local anesthetics like lidocaine block nerve signals in the skin, producing a local numbing sensation that reduces pain [1.2.1, 1.11.2]. They are often used for minor cuts, burns, insect bites, and certain types of nerve pain like postherpetic neuralgia [1.11.1, 1.11.2].

Common Conditions Treated with Analgesic Ointments

Topical analgesics are used to treat a wide array of painful conditions affecting joints and muscles close to the skin's surface [1.5.1].

Common Uses:

Acute Musculoskeletal Pain: This includes minor muscle aches, backaches, strains, sprains, and bruises [1.5.1, 1.5.4]. Topical NSAIDs like diclofenac and ketoprofen have shown good evidence of effectiveness for these conditions [1.5.2, 1.5.4].
Chronic Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis): Analgesic ointments are frequently used for osteoarthritis pain, especially in the hands, knees, elbows, and ankles [1.6.4]. Topical diclofenac is FDA-approved for arthritis pain and has been shown to be effective [1.2.1, 1.5.2].
Neuropathic (Nerve) Pain: Certain ointments can help with nerve-related pain. High-concentration capsaicin is used for postherpetic neuralgia (pain after shingles) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy [1.10.1, 1.5.4]. Lidocaine patches are also used to treat postherpetic neuralgia [1.5.3, 1.11.2].

Comparison of Analgesic Ointment Types


Type	Active Ingredients	Mechanism of Action	Best For	Example Brands
Counterirritants	Menthol, Camphor, Methyl Salicylate	Creates a heating or cooling sensation to distract from pain [1.4.1].	Minor muscle/joint aches, strains [1.2.4].	Bengay, Icy Hot, Tiger Balm [1.2.1, 1.3.4].
NSAIDs	Diclofenac, Ketoprofen, Ibuprofen	Reduces inflammation by blocking COX enzymes [1.4.1].	Arthritis, sprains, strains (inflammation-related pain) [1.5.2, 1.6.4].	Voltaren Gel, Fastum Gel [1.2.1, 1.3.2].
Capsaicin	Capsaicin	Depletes substance P from nerve endings, reducing pain signals over time [1.4.5].	Nerve pain (neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia), arthritis [1.5.4, 1.10.1].	Capzasin, Zostrix [1.2.1].
Anesthetics	Lidocaine	Numbs the area by blocking local nerve signals [1.2.1].	Minor cuts, burns, insect bites, nerve pain [1.11.1, 1.11.2].	Aspercreme with Lidocaine, Salonpas Lidocaine Patch [1.2.1].

Safe and Effective Application

To maximize benefits and minimize risks, it's crucial to use analgesic ointments correctly [1.8.4].

Read the Label: Always follow the product's directions carefully regarding dose and frequency [1.8.4]. For some products like Voltaren Gel, a dosing card is included to measure the correct amount [1.8.1].
Apply to Clean, Intact Skin: Only apply the ointment to clean, dry skin that is free from cuts, wounds, rashes, or irritation [1.5.5, 1.8.4].
Wash Hands: Wash your hands with soap and water before and after application to avoid spreading the product to your eyes, mouth, or other sensitive areas [1.8.1, 1.8.4]. Consider wearing gloves, especially when applying capsaicin [1.2.1].
Avoid Heat and Bandages: Do not apply a heating pad over the treated area or wrap it with a tight bandage, as this can increase absorption and the risk of side effects like burns [1.8.3, 1.8.4].
Be Patient: Some analgesics, particularly capsaicin and diclofenac, may take several days to a couple of weeks to provide significant relief [1.2.1, 1.10.1].

Conclusion

Analgesic ointments are a valuable tool for managing localized pain from a variety of muscle, joint, and nerve conditions [1.5.1, 1.5.4]. By understanding the different types available—from counterirritants that distract from pain to NSAIDs that fight inflammation—users can choose a product tailored to their specific needs. Their primary advantage lies in providing targeted relief with a lower risk of systemic side effects compared to oral painkillers [1.6.2]. For safe and effective use, it is essential to follow the application instructions and consult a healthcare professional if pain persists or worsens [1.8.3].

For more information on nonprescription medicines, you can visit the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Some analgesic ointments, like those with menthol, provide immediate relief by creating a cooling or warming sensation [1.4.3]. Others, such as those containing diclofenac or capsaicin, may take up to a week or more of consistent use to show their full effect [1.2.1].

Yes, certain types are used for nerve pain. High-concentration capsaicin and lidocaine patches are specifically used for neuropathic pain conditions like postherpetic neuralgia (shingles pain) and diabetic neuropathy [1.5.4, 1.10.1].

Many analgesic creams are intended for regular daily use, especially for chronic conditions like arthritis. However, you should always follow the package directions and not use it for longer than recommended (often 7 days for acute issues) without consulting a doctor [1.8.3, 1.10.1].

An NSAID cream, like diclofenac, works by reducing inflammation to treat the source of the pain [1.9.2]. A counterirritant cream, with ingredients like menthol or camphor, works by creating a surface sensation (like cooling or heat) that distracts you from the pain [1.9.2].

Products with menthol typically provide a cooling sensation, while those with capsaicin or methyl salicylate create warmth [1.2.4, 1.4.3]. The choice is often based on personal preference, as both work by distracting from the underlying pain.

You should not cover the area with a tight bandage or use a heating pad after applying an analgesic ointment. This can trap heat and increase absorption of the medication, raising the risk of skin irritation or burns [1.8.4].

The most common side effects are local skin reactions, such as redness, itching, or a burning sensation at the application site [1.5.4, 1.6.1]. Systemic side effects are much less common than with oral pain medications [1.6.2].