It starts with a simple movement.
Maybe you are kneeling in the garden, reaching for that stubborn weed wrapped around your prized tomatoes.
Or perhaps you are lifting a grandchild high into the air, hearing that infectious giggle that makes your heart swell.
It could even be something as ordinary as reaching for a coffee mug on the top shelf.
The activity is different, but the result can be the same: a sharp twinge in the knee, a dull ache in the lower back, or a stiff shoulder that refuses to cooperate.
Occasional joint and muscle discomfort can become part of everyday life, especially as people get older or when previous injuries, arthritis, or other conditions affect movement.
But pain does not have to mean giving up the activities you enjoy.
And when pain relief is needed, the choice of how a medication is delivered can matter.
For people who experience stomach problems with oral pain medicines, topical treatments may offer another option for certain types of localized pain.
Some topical pain relievers—particularly topical NSAIDs—produce much lower systemic exposure than their oral counterparts and may cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects. [PubMed]
That does not mean every topical product is automatically safer or completely free of systemic effects. The active ingredient, formulation, amount used, and application instructions all matter.
Let’s explore why topical pain relief may be safer for your stomach and what you should know before choosing a topical option.
The Problem with “Swallowing” Your Pain Relief
For many types of joint and muscle pain, oral pain relievers are a familiar option.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce pain and inflammation by affecting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and the production of prostaglandins. [PubMed]
The important difference is that an oral medicine produces systemic exposure.
After you swallow a tablet, the active ingredient is absorbed and distributed through the bloodstream rather than remaining confined to the painful joint or muscle.
Some prostaglandins help protect the gastrointestinal tract by supporting the stomach’s mucosal barrier and other protective mechanisms.
Because NSAIDs interfere with prostaglandin production, oral NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems, including ulcers and GI bleeding, particularly in people with certain risk factors. [PubMed]
This does not mean everyone who takes an oral NSAID will develop stomach problems.
Risk depends on factors such as the particular NSAID, dose and duration of use, age, previous ulcer or GI-bleeding history, and other medicines being taken. [PubMed]
For someone who experiences stomach discomfort or has risk factors for NSAID-related gastrointestinal complications, the route of administration can therefore be an important consideration.
The Localized Approach: How Topical Pain Relief Works
This is where the science of topical pain relief becomes particularly relevant.
Unlike an oral pain reliever, which is absorbed through the digestive system and distributed throughout the body, a topical cream, gel, liquid, or patch is applied directly to the skin over or near the area of discomfort.
Depending on the active ingredient and formulation, the product may act locally while some of the medication is also absorbed into the bloodstream. [PubMed]
This difference in how the medication is delivered can reduce systemic exposure for some topical pain relievers, which may help explain why certain topical treatments cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects than comparable oral NSAIDs. [PubMed]
The First-Pass Effect
One potential advantage of topical medication is that it does not need to pass through the gastrointestinal tract before entering the bloodstream.
When an oral medicine is swallowed, it is absorbed through the digestive system and passes through the liver before reaching the general circulation. This is known as first-pass metabolism.
Topical medicines follow a different route. The active ingredient is applied to the skin and may act locally, while some of the drug can also enter the bloodstream.
Because systemic exposure can be substantially lower with some topical medicines, they may cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects than comparable oral NSAIDs. [PubMed]
The amount that reaches the bloodstream is not the same for every topical product. It depends on the active ingredient, formulation, amount applied, application area, frequency of use, and other factors.
For example, the prescribing information for diclofenac sodium topical gel reports systemic exposure averaging about 6% of oral diclofenac exposure under a specific recommended-use regimen. That figure should not be generalized to every topical pain reliever. [DailyMed]
Key Benefits of a More Localized Approach
1. A More Localized Option
Think of topical treatment as a more localized approach than taking an oral medicine.
When you apply a topical pain reliever to the area of discomfort, the active ingredient is delivered through the skin at the application site.
Depending on the ingredient and formulation, some of the medication may also enter the bloodstream, but systemic exposure can be lower than with comparable oral treatments. [Topical NSAID Guidelines]
This can make topical treatment particularly useful when the pain is localized and the product is appropriate for the affected area.
2. Potentially Lower Systemic Exposure
One important advantage of some topical pain relievers is that they can produce lower systemic exposure than comparable oral medicines.
This may reduce the likelihood of certain systemic adverse effects, including gastrointestinal problems associated with oral NSAIDs. [Topical NSAID Guidelines]
However, topical treatment does not eliminate systemic absorption or drug interactions. [Topical NSAID Guidelines]
If you take prescription medicines—particularly blood thinners, blood-pressure medicines, or other pain relievers—check the product label and ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional whether the topical treatment is appropriate for you.
3. Follow the Product’s Directions
A topical product should not automatically be considered safer simply because it is applied to the skin.
Safety depends on the active ingredient, formulation, amount applied, frequency of use, application area, and the individual’s health situation. [Topical NSAID Guidelines]
Follow the product’s directions and maximum recommended frequency.
If pain persists, worsens, or keeps returning, seek medical advice rather than simply increasing or extending topical treatment on your own.
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job
Not all topical pain relievers work in the same way. The active ingredient matters because different products are designed for different types of pain.
Counterirritants (menthol and camphor).
These ingredients can produce cooling or other sensory sensations that may temporarily change how pain is perceived.
Menthol and camphor are used as external analgesic ingredients in topical products, including counterirritant formulations. [FDA OTC Monograph M017]
Topical NSAIDs (such as diclofenac):.
These medications provide anti-inflammatory pain relief at the application site while generally producing lower systemic exposure than oral NSAIDs.
Research suggests topical NSAIDs can provide comparable pain relief for some musculoskeletal conditions with fewer gastrointestinal adverse events than oral NSAIDs, although local skin reactions can occur. [PubMed]
Lidocaine.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that temporarily reduces pain signaling in the treated area. It is used for certain forms of localized nerve pain rather than as a general anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis or muscle soreness. [PubMed]
The best option depends on the type of pain, the location, the active ingredient, and the product’s directions. A topical product should not be chosen simply because it has more ingredients or sounds stronger.
Always read the label. Different topical products contain different active ingredients, concentrations, dosing instructions, and warnings.
Actionable Tips for Using Topical Pain Relief
Using a topical pain reliever correctly matters just as much as choosing the right active ingredient. Because products differ in formulation and dosing instructions, always start with the product label.
1. Clean and dry the area.
Many topical pain relievers are intended to be applied to clean, dry skin.
Follow the product label for specific application instructions, and avoid applying the product to wounds, broken skin, or irritated areas unless the label specifically says otherwise. [FDA OTC Monograph M017]
2. Use the amount directed on the label.
More product does not necessarily mean better pain relief.
Apply the recommended amount and frequency listed on the product label rather than increasing the dose on your own. If the label instructs you to gently rub the product into the skin, follow those directions.
3. Wash your hands after application.
Unless you are treating your hands, wash them after applying a topical pain reliever.
This helps prevent accidentally transferring the product to your eyes, mouth, or other sensitive areas.
4. Be cautious with external heat.
Do not place a heating pad, hot water bottle, or other external heat source over a topical pain-relief product unless the product label specifically permits it.
Heat can increase skin irritation and may affect how some topical medicines behave. Follow the product’s specific warnings rather than assuming that all topical products can be safely combined with heat. [Product labeling]
5. Pay attention to your skin.
If you have sensitive skin or a history of reactions to topical products, check the label carefully and consider asking a pharmacist or healthcare professional whether the product is appropriate for you.
Stop using the product if significant irritation, rash, or another concerning reaction develops.
6. Don’t assume topical means risk-free.
Some topical medicines can still be absorbed into the bloodstream, and different active ingredients have different safety considerations.
Use the product only as directed and seek medical advice if pain persists, worsens, or keeps returning.
One Topical Option to Consider
For people who prefer a menthol- and camphor-based topical option, Arctic Blast is one product to consider for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of the muscles and joints. [DailyMed — Arctic Blast]
Arctic Blast is an OTC topical analgesic containing menthol 10% and synthetic camphor 3% as its active ingredients.
Menthol can produce a cooling sensation through effects on sensory receptors, while camphor is used as an external analgesic ingredient.
These mechanisms are different from the anti-inflammatory action of topical NSAIDs such as diclofenac. [DailyMed — Arctic Blast] [FDA OTC Monograph M017]
Because Arctic Blast is intended for temporary symptom relief, it should not be presented as a treatment that reverses arthritis or addresses every underlying cause of joint pain.
What to Know Before Using It
Follow the product label rather than assuming that all topical pain relievers have the same instructions.
For Arctic Blast, the label directs adults to apply the product to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily. [DailyMed — Arctic Blast]
The label also states that the product is for external use only, should not be applied to wounds or damaged skin, should be kept away from the eyes, and should not be tightly bandaged.
It also carries a flammability warning and advises stopping use and asking a doctor if the condition worsens or symptoms persist for more than 7 days. [DailyMed — Arctic Blast]
If you are taking medications, using other topical pain relievers, or are unsure whether a particular topical product is appropriate for you, consider asking a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Interested in Trying a Menthol- and Camphor-Based Option?
If you’re looking for a topical product for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint aches, Arctic Blast is one option you can compare with other topical pain-relief products.
Before using any topical analgesic, check the active ingredients, intended use, application instructions, and safety warnings to make sure the product fits your needs.
Conclusion: A Practical Approach to Arthritis Relief
Managing chronic joint pain is rarely about finding one “magic” solution.
For osteoarthritis, exercise and self-management strategies are among the better-supported approaches, while treatment choices should also take into account the location and severity of pain, individual health factors, and personal preferences. [ACR/Arthritis Foundation Guideline]
For localized aches, topical analgesics can also be considered as a symptom-relief option.
Evidence is particularly supportive of topical NSAIDs for certain conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, although different topical ingredients work in different ways. [ACR/Arthritis Foundation Guideline]
Arctic Blast, for example, contains menthol 10% and synthetic camphor 3% and is labeled for the temporary relief of minor muscle and joint aches, including arthritis and simple backache. [DailyMed — Arctic Blast]
It is a topical analgesic intended for temporary symptom relief, not a treatment for the underlying cause of arthritis.
The goal is not to replace appropriate medical care with a single product.
It is to build a practical, informed approach that helps you manage symptoms while choosing treatments and lifestyle strategies that have a reasonable evidence base.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is topical pain relief safer for the stomach than ibuprofen?
For some topical pain relievers, particularly topical NSAIDs, the risk of gastrointestinal side effects may be lower than with comparable oral NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. [PubMed]
Topical medicines are applied through the skin rather than absorbed through the digestive tract, and some formulations produce substantially lower systemic exposure than their oral counterparts. [PubMed]
However, topical treatment does not eliminate systemic absorption or gastrointestinal risk.
The level of systemic exposure depends on the active ingredient, formulation, amount used, application area, and frequency of use.
Research comparing topical and oral NSAIDs has found similar pain-relief effects in some musculoskeletal conditions, with fewer gastrointestinal adverse events reported with topical treatment. [PubMed]
If you have a history of peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or other risk factors for NSAID-related complications, talk with a healthcare professional before choosing either an oral or topical NSAID.
2. Can I use a topical pain reliever for deep joint pain like arthritis?
Topical pain relievers can be useful for some localized joint and muscle pain, but their suitability depends on the active ingredient, formulation, and location of the pain.
Evidence for topical NSAIDs is strongest for conditions such as knee and hand osteoarthritis, where clinical guidelines support their use. [ACR/Arthritis Foundation Guideline]
Pain originating from a deeper joint, such as the hip, may be less suitable for topical treatment because the medication has to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues to reach the relevant area.
Clinical guidelines note that the depth of the hip joint makes topical NSAIDs unlikely to provide meaningful benefit. [ACR/Arthritis Foundation Guideline]
If you have persistent or significant pain from a deep joint such as the hip, it is better to discuss treatment options with a healthcare professional rather than assuming that a topical product will be sufficient.
3. How often can I reapply topical pain relief?
It depends on the specific product, active ingredient, formulation, and label instructions. Do not assume that all topical pain relievers can be reapplied at the same frequency.
For example, the current Arctic Blast label directs adults to apply the product to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily.
Other topical pain-relief products may have different application amounts, frequencies, or wear times. [DailyMed — Arctic Blast]
Always follow the product’s Directions and do not exceed the recommended amount or frequency.
If you find yourself needing to reapply a product more often because the pain is not improving, seek medical advice rather than increasing the frequency on your own.
Explore a Topical Option
If occasional localized joint or muscle discomfort is part of your day, you may want to compare topical pain-relief options by their active ingredients, intended use, and safety directions.
Arctic Blast is one menthol- and camphor-based OTC topical analgesic option labeled for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint aches, including simple backache.
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