Often, when acute pain occurs, including chronic pain, many people, without thinking, reach for a gel or pain-relieving cream.
But what is the difference between them? And which form of the same drug is more effective?
Pharmacists say that different variations of the same drug differ in the speed of action.

Gels, as a rule, do not contain oil components, mainly water.
For this reason, such products penetrate the skin quite quickly.
Accordingly, gels can help well with acute pain and bruises.
As for the cream, in addition to water components, it also contains oils.
In this form, the product stays on the skin longer, which means it is moisturized more effectively.
Experts recommend using such remedies for chronic pain in the knees, joints, and lower back.
In other words: it is better to use the gel when you want to achieve a quick effect.
The cream is optimal for providing delicate care and a longer lasting effect.
There are also ointments. They are fatter than creams and stay on the skin longer. They are good for chronic pain.