 [ Symptoms ] what topical analgesics are used to treat osteoarthritis [ Disease ] topical analgesics are creams ointments and balms that are rubbed onto the skin where you have joint pain most are available without a prescription and use one or more of the following to help control pain capsaicin – a natural pain blocker found in cayenne peppers counterirritants – menthol oil of wintergreen camphor eucalyptus oil turpentine oil dihydrochloride and methlnicotinate all distract your body from pain salicylates – also found in many oral pain relievers these work by blocking hormone like substances in your body that add to pain one topical analgesic voltaren gel is available only by prescription