Best topical relief remedies for muscular discomfort and sports injuries, and a soothing eczema cream.
Regardless of age, most of us at some time experience injury, discomfort, and skin concerns.
If you have chronic conditions, repetitive use and sports related injuries, symptoms from “overdoing”, suffer occasional muscle and joint aches, or are looking for something to soothe eczema, an effective over the counter remedy is worth its weight in gold.
Mountain Ice makes some of my favorite topical relief products. For those not comfortable with the idea of customized essential oil topicals, Mountain Ice products are a great option. They’re effective, affordable, available, and recommended by many physical therapists and specialists.
Here’s why I like their products.
Mountain Ice is produced by Mountainside Medical Equipment, a USA based veteran owned, USFDA certified company.
They practice GMP (good manufacturing practice) meeting high standards in manufacturing, processing, packaging, and storage. The topicals are gluten free, celiac safe, and vegan. There is no animal testing. They are clean products and free of harmful chemical ingredients.
This review covers Mountain Ice’s Eczema Cream, Sports Recovery and Muscle Therapy Gel, and Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel. I’ll also cover how to apply them safely, where they can be purchased, and cost.
Mountain Ice Eczema Cream product details and review.
Mountain Ice Eczema Cream’s mission is to rebuild the skin’s barrier and improve moisture retention. It’s recommended for aging, dry, and sensitive skin.
This product contains aloe vera, collagen, colloidal oatmeal, hyaluronic acid, kiwi seed oil, oregano, tea tree oil, turmeric, vitamins A and E, and zinc oxide.
It also contains the patented technologies SK-Influx V MB and Soline BIO. For more details, on this technology, click here.
According to the product information, using this cream over time may improve skin dryness, irritation, blotchiness, and redness.¹
I don’t have eczema but know many who have used this product and swear by it. When I tested the cream, it was easy to apply, quickly absorbed, smooth, and long lasting. I noticed a barely detectable scent and no sticky residue. My skin felt silky soft and glowing.
Mountain Ice Sports Recovery and Muscle Therapy Gel product details and review.
The Sports Recovery Muscle Pain Relief Gel can be applied before activity as a preventive or to an injured area.
Using this product may relieve joint and muscle discomfort, prevent muscle damage, promote healing, decrease swelling and inflammation, increase flexibility, prevent spasms, and improve circulation.²
This ingredient combination is a bit different than the pain relief gel noted below. It contains aloe vera, arnica montana, boswellia, camphor, eucalyptus leaf, ginseng, green tea extract, L-arginine, licorice root, menthol, turmeric, and vitamin E.
Here’s something to keep in mind when considering arnica containing topicals.
WebMD notes that products containing arnica should not be taken internally or applied to damaged skin or open wounds. This does not apply to the diluted oral homeopathic products taken as directed. Arnica may cause a reaction in those allergic to ragweed and other members of the plant family Asteraceae/Compositae. WebMD also notes that Arnica may slow blood clotting and may cause increased bruising and bleeding so should be used cautiously with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.⁴
For more information on Arnica from WebMD, click here.
I found that the Sports Recovery Gel was thick enough not to run, easy to apply, quickly absorbed, and long lasting. It had a mild to barely detectable scent and effectively relieved muscular and joint discomfort.
Some note the sports gel as more effective than the pain relief gel and vice versa.
For the best of both, one can combine a small amount of each mixed together before applying.
Mountain Ice Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel product details and review.
Mountain Ice Pain Relief Gel is a topical analgesic (relieves or lessens pain) and is recommended for general aches/pains and other discomforts.
It may be helpful with arthritis including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, restless leg syndrome, acute/chronic and post-operative pain, and muscle strains and sprains.³
It contains aloe vera, arnica montana, camphor, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, Ilex paraguariesis leaf, menthol, MSM, tea tree oil, turmeric, and vitamin E.
Since this product contains arnica, consider the information on arnica previously noted in the Sports Recovery Gel section.
The combination of these ingredients may improve discomfort, lessen inflammation, increase circulation, and promote muscle and joint healing.
I found it effective for arthritic hand, neck, and joint discomfort. This gel is also thick enough not to run, applies easily and is quickly absorbed with no sticky residue. It has a stronger detectable scent initially which dulls over time.
How to apply Mountain Ice products safely.
Here are a few tips for safe application especially for the sport and pain gels.
- Take care when applying and avoid using near the eye and surrounding area. Like many menthol, camphor, and tea tree containing products, accidental contact or fume exposure will make the eyes water and may cause irritation.
- Wash hands thoroughly after applying to avoid accidental contact or wear disposable gloves.
- It’s not recommended to apply a heating pad on top of this product as it may irritate or burn the skin.
- Avoid using the pain and sports topicals on broken skin to avoid irritation.
- Everyone responds differently to a product so a patch test is a good idea for those with sensitive skin.
- If you have underlying medical conditions, allergies, young or very old, pregnant, taking medications, or have other concerns, please check with your provider before adding new products.
Where to purchase Mountain Ice products and cost.
Mountain Ice brand pain relief and sports recovery gels/roll-ons, and eczema cream can be purchased at health/natural food stores, many PT/OT offices, some chain pharmacies, and on-line. I haven’t found it locally at my grocers. Prices will vary.
The company web site offers detailed product information, reward opportunities for loyalty members, and sample packets (7 count/6 gram) ranging from $6.95 each. They are usually $23.00 per large tube but may run a bit higher. There are smaller roll-on versions as well priced a bit lower.
As with everything, over the years the prices have risen. To make it more budget friendly, the company site offers discounts and coupon codes periodically. Even without the discount, it’s money well spent. A little goes a long way so the tubes last for a good amount of time.
If Mountain Ice doesn’t work for you, Biofreeze, a similar gel product, may be another option. It’s available in most retail stores and chain pharmacies and a popular product with good ratings.
Click here for the Biofreeze website for more product details, if interested.
I found it cooling and initially effective, but short lasting and too aromatic.
A quick fix is usually short lived, and healing takes time. These products may offer immediate relief, no relief, or require some time to complete their assignment. Everyone is different, but overall Mountain Ice products seem effective for most.
If you are new to exercise and have underlying conditions or limitations, please seek the guidance or approval of your current provider, specialist, or a qualified trainer.
Please take care to avoid creating new or aggravating old/current injuries. As with any injury, or underlying condition, if you have concerns, please seek medical attention.
For my list of retailers who offer these products and more, click on Reputable Retailers.
Click here for more of my product reviews, if interested.
If you found this information helpful, please share with others. Comments are always welcome, and I would love to hear from you!
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Wishing you continued wellness.
Kimberly I
Updated January 2024 by Kimberly Iacoponi
Note: Any product mentioned is one I use and find effective. I currently don’t receive revenue for any product recommendations or reviews, but if this changes, it will be noted.
The information provided is for educational and reference purposes only. It is not approved or intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or illness, suggest a specific treatment, or to be used as the replacement for or substitution of treatment by a qualified medical professional.
Sources
- Mountain Ice. (n.d.). Eczema Cream. Mountain Ice. https://www.mountain-ice.com/collections/skin
- Mountain Ice. (n.d.). Sports Recovery Muscle Pain Relief Gel. Mountain Ice. https://www.mountain-ice.com/collections/muscle-recovery-gel
- Mountain Ice. (n.d.). Pain Relief Gels. Mountain Ice. https://www.mountain-ice.com/collections/arthritis-joint-and-nerve-pain-relief
- WebMD. (n.d.). Arnica-Uses, Side Effects, and More. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-721/arnica
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