We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Please note that these aren't medical recommendations. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any kind of treatment.
1. A knee stabilizer band for knee pain relief both in the short term *and* long term, whether you get it from running, hiking, team sports, or jumping up and down every time you hear a Bruno Mars song start playing at a wedding reception.
Promising review: "Oh my god! I have had bad knees for decades and I have tried so many braces but they're hot, they migrate down, and I have to constantly pull them up, so I just don't wear them. But my knees are so bad it's hard to walk sometimes and so I wanted to try something different and this looked really simple, and if it didn't work I wasn't out much money. So I tried it and it's amazing! Instant relief. I even took it off to see if maybe my knees weren't feeling the pain and the pain came back after a moment so I know it was working. Weather really mess with them. Living in the Midwest means spring and fall transitions are awful and the extreme cold and storms wreak havoc on my knees. I shouldn't be this excited about a product but I literally carry this in my purse." —Meghan Dray
Get a set of two from Amazon for $13.88 (available in four colors).
2. A bottle of Dr. Teal's foaming bath with Epsom salt to help ease all post-workout aches and pains, plus all the generalized body nonsense that comes with existing as a human.
Promising review: "This is a very pleasant lavender aroma. It's just the right potency so as not to be overwhelming as you're soaking. The Epsom salts are just what I need after a long day. It really helps my low back pain and is very soothing for tired legs as well. This creates lots of wonderful suds and makes quite the luxurious bath. Even my husband uses it. We've been using Dr. Teal's for many years — this is one of our favorites. We find that we both get a better night's rest as it helps us to relax and unwind from the hectic day. Absolutely recommend!" —Yorkie Mama
Get it from Amazon for $4.87.
3. A stick of Body Glide anti-chafing balm you can apply between your thighs or under your bra to avoid all that skin irritation in ~hot spots~ you get from sweating at the gym or in the heat.
I swear by this to the point where if I can't find it in the morning on a summer run, I just won't go out, LOLOL. My boobs chafe SO BADLY under my sports bra bands, no matter what kind I'm wearing, but putting on a tiny bit of this before I leave works like a charm. Absolutely no more friction and no more going "OW OW OW" in the shower because my literal boob wounds were stinging.
Promising review: "I had a terrible summer in Florida this year with the high temps and humidity and started to chafe every time I wore my sport bra (five times a week) so bad. It was painful and my skin was breaking in places all along my sport bra band. Powder and/or Vaseline did not help. I found this product, and have not had even one episode of chafing once I started using it. It's easy to apply; I just put it anywhere my sports bra band touches, front and back. haven't chafed not one time since I started using it." —Heather
Get it from Amazon for $8.
4. Or a blister-preventing balm that basically magics an extra layer between your skin and your shoe for when you're breaking in new running sneakers, or having some YIKES-level chafe between your toes.
A lot of reviewers also swear by this for breaking in new shoes! Not just sneakers and hiking boots but ~fashion~ boots and sandals and flats as well.
Promising review: "This stuff is awesome. As a serial sweater, I NEED this on my feet before every run, no matter how long or short. It doesn't feel heavy or slimy on my feet upon application and so far my feet have not had any friction or hot spots while running in the summer heat. HIGHLY recommend, especially for anyone who suffers from constant feet blisters." —Rachel
Get it from Amazon for $8.
5. A neuropathy cream made with castor oil, valerian root, peppermint, and cayenne, ginger, and turmeric that may help if you've got localized pain spots to deal with.
Body Essentials Herbal Care is a Colorado-based, woman-owned Etsy shop established in 2015 that specializes in zero-waste hair and skincare.
Promising review: "Heard about this item with reserved hope... It has delivered above and beyond my expectations! Instant relief from burning carpal tunnel and muscle soreness. Will be a repeat buyer." —NS
Get it from Body Essentials Herbal Care on Etsy for $6+ (available in two sizes; psst — this item ships for free!).
6. A hot *and* cold massage therapy ball you can either stick in the freezer or place in hot tap water for five minutes to get instant, targeted relief on post-workout pain — the design makes it especially easy to get your neck, feet, shoulders, knees, and other hard-to-reach places. Plus when you're done I imagine this works great for some wizard cosplay.
Promising review: "I was skeptical at first while using this cold massager. I put it in the freezer for a few hours, then I used it on the sore parts of my body (thighs, legs, calves, feet, upper back). At the time I thought this was a waste of money. Boy was I wrong. The next day each area that I rolled the frozen massager felt better. A must for chronic sore, stiff muscles." —kizzy lee
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
7. Or a Theragun Mini — aka the lil' sib of the big Theragun you've seen before — that uses three different calibrated percussive speeds to get you the ultimate massage for aching and sore muscles. Bonus: Because this one is small, it's super easy to take on the go!
Here's what BuzzFeeder Melanie Aman has to say about it: "Exercising has been a huge boost to my mental health during quarantine, but the DOMS, man — the DOMS hurt like hell!! I'm talking hurts to walk, hurts to lower myself and sit, hurts to stand up, hurts to lift things heavier than a stuffed animal, hurts to exist. I learned early on that this little gadget was suuuuuuuuper helpful in reducing my discomfort and loosening my tight, angry muscles. While jackhammering my calves and thighs is not an incredibly fun experience (TBH it hurts, especially when I'm massaging already sore muscles) but I know the next day I'll wake up with significantly less pain."
Get it from Amazon for $199.99 (available in two colors).
8. A back pain relief gel pack you can wear hot *or* cold that a lot of athletes and reviewers swear by for relief with lower back, sciatic, coccyx, and tailbone pain (plus just plain old "I've been sitting in this chair to WFH all day" pain to boot).
Each of these comes equipped with two gel packs so you can alternate between hot and cold whenever you need!
Promising review: "This was perfect for my sore back. It comes with two inserts. That is nice because I was able to keep one in the fridge and the other to warm up in the microwave. The belt they go in works great for lower back pain. I could wear it at work when my back was bad." —Brandie Collins
Get it from Amazon for $23.99.
9. An easy-to-use posture corrector to encourage you to sit up straighter and use better posture to help prevent neck, back, and shoulder pain that has a habit of creeping up during your workouts when you're accidentally not using proper form.
Promising review: "Once I put it on, I felt the weirdness and discomfort. I immediately went to check myself in front of the mirror. The discomfort was actually from me standing straight with proper posture! I kept it for 20 minutes then took it off. My body wanted to go back to my “normal” slouch, but it actually didn’t feel right This unassuming basic looking thing does work really well. I have been using it for three days now, and it helps remind me of my posture. I workout a lot, and I have noticed less strain and pain doing certain exercises while wearing this. Definitely worth a try!!" —Trish M.
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
10. A wrist compression strap to solve all your gym woes — these protect and stabilize your wrists for all kinds of activities, from yoga and pilates to lifting to plain old typing at the computer all day long. A lotta reviewers with tendonitis and arthritis swear by these for exercise *and* daily activities.
Promising review: "A very durable product and it did help me a lot to get rid or relieve me of my wrist pain. I constantly have pain on my wrist even without lifting anything. After 10 minutes of using the product I felt relief on my wrist and even wore it during my sleep. I used to skip some exercises that I often skip because it give me a lot of pain and pressure on my wrist, but when I started using this product I was able to do them. There is still some tingling sensation but not as bothering or as painful as it used to be." —William
Get a pair from Amazon for $9.99.
11. Or a pair of weightlifting gloves that will not only stabilize the wrists you're flexing enough times to put Hercules to shame, but will also help prevent blisters and chafing from gym equipment. Sorry @ calluses, some of us do not have the patience or willpower to form you!!
Promising review: "I'm a weightlifter and you can find me at the gym at least six times a week. I take my workout seriously, but recently, I have come into problems with some blisters. I have been trying to create calluses on my hands to help when I compete (no gloves allowed), but this has become incredibly painful and I have lost a lot of the skin on my hands. So, I have caved and decided to buy a pair of workout gloves. I was looking for gloves with wrist support since I lift very heavy weights and need the support. These came in a zippered plastic bag and was easy to open. As a small female, I found that these fit my hands very nicely. There aren't any fingertips on the gloves and this is perfect too. Sometimes, with workout gloves, you have to take them off to do certain exercises. I've found that I can leave them on all workout. These are great and perfect for any weightlifter, beginner or pro." —Katie
Get a pair from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in five sizes and ten colors).
12. A neck-and-shoulder relaxer to help soothe that neck stiffness and shoulder tension you get from the stress of a new workout regimen or the stress of *gestures at most things humans have to deal with*. Reviewers also swear by it for neck strain from side sleeping and computer use, and even migraines.
(Psst — you should consult with your doctor before trying anything new involving your neck/back area to make sure it's safe for you!)
For this, instead of like a regular pillow, you're supposed to lay on this in ten-minute intervals; the seller suggests working your way up to it by starting yourself off at five minutes at a time, with a one to three day adjustment period before regular use.
Promising review: "I was diagnosed with neck arthritis and got physical therapy treatment done last year. After the treatment the pain came back and I was struggling to manage the pain with upper body stretches and isometric neck exercises. Cardio workout was making the pain worst. This cervical traction device is a big pain relief. I have been using this device for about 10 days . I have seen a great improvement and can sleep better. Hopefully life will get back to normal soon!!!" —Hershey
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors).
13. A high density round foam roller you can get in various sizes (and color! 🌈) options to best help target the areas where you feel the most stiff after a particular vigorous Leg Day, Arm Day, or Oops I've Destroyed My Entire Human Body On A Rock Climbing Wall Day.
Promising review: "Have back, hip, etc. issues? These rollers will feel like a massage, pushing the lactic acid out, opening the lymph glands, circulating blood to the sensitive areas. Depending on the pressure can feel like a deep tissue massage. Our athlete daughter plays a Division I sport and the whole team uses them before and after training. They are instrumental in recovery. These are nice and firm, roll easily. I purchased both the 2' and 3'. The 2' is good for thighs, calves, upper back, shoulders, arms and it easy to switch from side to side. The 3' covers a whole body roll, side body, two legs at a time thighs to toes, buttocks to heel, length of single leg, or a complete back roll. Will not slip on you and comes in fun colors. Great when you are in front of tv or just during or prior to a meditation session." —CharmedTote
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in four sizes and eight colors).
14. A compression foot sleeve that'll help manage heel pain and plantar fasciitis that you can sneakily wear right under your socks. The compression is so effective that even reviewers with chronic pain swear by them!
Promising review: "I'm a runner and battling my second round with plantar fasciitis in the last 10 years. I own compression stockings that go up to the knee but I really like these sock "sleeves." Much more comfortable and easy to put on and take off. I immediately noticed strong support. The light weight means you can even wear these at night to accelerate the healing process. Go slow with building back up the mileage and good luck, fellow runners." —V. Brancart
Get a pair from Amazon for $14.95 (available in four sizes and nine colors).
15. A hip belt designed for sciatic, pelvic, lower back, and leg pain you can wear during exercise or at rest to help stabilize ye olde sacroiliac joint (aka, the joint in your lower back that causes pain in a lot of these areas when it's inflamed). It's super lightweight and breathable so you can wear it for long periods of time, too.
(Psst — you should consult with your doctor before trying anything new involving your neck/back area to make sure it's safe for you!)
You can extra personalize the fit based on your needs, too, because there's not only the wraparound belt, but a secondary belt installed over it so you can control the compression you need in certain areas.
Promising review: "Support, support and more support!!! It can provide you support from a feeling of tense or unusual discomfort. You almost feel whole again, like that back pain was never there. I definitely wear it around the house and during some workouts too, but for me it is slightly bulky to wear out of the house on errands. I already have some pounds to lose, no need to add to the fluffyness. But really, the moment I put this on as soon as I got it, it was such a sigh of relief that there was something out there that could release some tension while I do chores or workouts around the house." —Daphne Pavlis
Get it from Amazon for $27.89 (available in two colors and three sizes).
16. A bottle of tea tree essential oil that reviewers use for a whole bundle of reasons, including to help soothe red patches, inflammation, and irritation on their skin, including those brought about by exercise (y'all if you have any Feet Problems in particular, be sure to check this out!).
Reviewers also use it to help cleanse buildup on their scalps, prevent dryness, strengthen their nail beds, and just generally ~breathe in~ because it smells so darn relaxing.
Promising review: "This is a very good tea tree oil. I have been using it for my diffuser and to treat my feet. I am an avid runner and biker and this oil helps soothe and treat hotspots on my feet." —Kenneth C. Griffo
Get it fro Amazon for $8.95.
17. A pair of fitness walking poles that will not only help stabilize you and prevent injury aggravation, but are also a much gentler way to get a core and upper body workout without using weights and machines that make your joints go 😬. Plus the length is adjustable, so the whole family can try 'em on for size!
BungyPump is a woman-founded small business that started in Sweden, with the intention to develop an off-season training tool for cross country skiers. The resulting models of the BungyPump come with different levels of resistance based on your fitness and comfort level.
Promising review: "Lifting weights aggravated my tendinitis in the elbows. I added these to my walking routine and it has strengthened my upper arms and even gets me to walk faster. Very happy with this product." —Susan
Get it from The Grommet for $125+ (available with extra resistance weight).
18. A spiky massage ball meant to be a quick-fix solution for plantar fasciitis (aka deeply annoying inner foot pain) but that also works on other muscle groups that might be rebelling out of nowhere.
Promising review: "This spiky massage ball gives me instant relief on several painful parts of my body: neck, shoulders, injured elbow, pecs, etc. I've been using it for five days or so, and am now feeling less pain and more flexible. The Master of Muscle company is TOTALLY dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction. If like me you are using tennis balls to massage and release some tension, pressure, and/or pain, I think you should try this Mauler ball. It is helping exponentially more than the tennis balls I was using." —James P.
Get it from Amazon for $8.97.
19. A set of popular moisture-wicking exercise socks to help prevent blisters during long runs or particularly sweaty cardio seshes where your toes might need some extra protection.
I've had a set of these since April 2020 and not only have they held up for over a year, but they have kept my VERY blister- and chafing-prone feet snug and moisture-wicked since the day I got them. I bought two more packs of them since and they've essentially phased out any of my other socks, because they're extremely comfortable to boot. As a runner who clocks in 40+ miles a week and often in some "yikes!" summer heat, I cannot recommend these socks enough.
Promising review: "Great running socks! I got these for the tab in the back that fits high enough in my running shoes to eliminate blisters. These definitely handle moisture, even in the Florida heat." —Leslie Cornwall
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in four color combos and sizes S–L).
20. A large electric heating pad designed to be extra soft and flexible, so you can cuddle up to its warmth or ease aches and pains no matter where they're popping up on your human form.
This pad has three different heat settings and an auto-shutoff for safety, *plus* is totally machine washable.
Promising review: "After my workout, I look forward to showering and reclining on this awesome heating pad. The fabric is so soft and you don’t hear that crackling from the plastic like in those cheap heat pads. I have already told three other people that they should buy this product. I like that it also shuts off automatically when it has reached its peak temp. I would definitely purchase this again." —willvela
Get it from Amazon for $28.95.
21. Or a ~king size~ heating pad to make all those other little baby ones you were using turn tail and run for the closet. This is excellent for draping over more parts of your body and targeting larger sore areas all at once.
The blanket heats quickly and has six different heat settings to find your perfect fit.
Promising review: "Really good product! Heats fast and safe. You can adjust the heat from level 1 to level 6. The fiber is comfortable. I used it for two purposes. To relieve my shoulder pain. Every day I need to sit in front of the computer for a long time. Sometimes I do some workouts and running. I used it to relieve my muscle soreness. Recommend this product to everyone who needs it!" —Leila
Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in four colors).
22. An acupressure mat and pillow to help relax tension and relieve stress post-workout. The mat and pillow are equipped with over 7,000 (!!) acupressure points, which help release tight muscles. It's a little bit jarring when you first lay on them, but you should feel results within 10 to 30 minutes of laying on the mat.
Promising review: "I am so impressed with this mat! I currently experience complete back soreness/tightness + back pain. My calves will also knot up, not release for days at a time. I’ve been using it for five days now and have experienced so much relief, it’s truly unbelievable! I actually want to ensure I wasn’t giving the mat more credit than it deserved so I almost didn’t use the mat this morning even through I have a painful jolt down the muscles of one side of my back — I decided to use it anyway because I didn’t want the pain to worsen throughout the day. I’m glad I did because I felt instant relief in my back and neck." —tameeka williams
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 10 colors).
23. A plush memory foam mattress topper that helps distribute your weight on your mattress more evenly to reduce pressure on your joints, so you're less likely to wake up all stiff and sore after a day of showing the elliptical who's boss.
Promising review: "So comfortable! I received this a day early and was so happy! I unrolled it on my bed to puff up — and it did so immediately. The topper springs right back into shape as soon as you get off of the spot, and my trial confirmed that is is going to be great for sleep. I do CrossFit so there are times when my muscles ache quite a bit after a workout, so this is topper is going to help a lot with that! My dogs like it too LOL." —Rossi Family
Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in 2- or 3-inch depth and in eight standard bed sizes).
24. A podiatrist-level toenail clipper to quickly and easily take care of thicker toenails, but also those painful ingrown ones that runners are prone to — this will save you a trip to the doctor or salon for some sweeeeet, sweet relief.
Hello, my toenails are problem children for two reasons: One is that they're kinda thick, the other is that I'm a long-distance runner, which doesn't play nice with toenails. I bought this recently and the difference it made immediately was ENORMOUS. Like I usually dread approaching my big toenails because they are so thick, but these painlessly and seamlessly lobbed the tops right off; I was also able to ~gently correct~ a toenail that was starting to get ingrown, and help cut down a dead toenail that needed trimming but would have been painful to approach with a regular clipper.
Promising review: "Used the clippers the day they arrived and very happy! Had my other pair for years. These feel great in the hand and cut through the toe nails very well. Use to be a runner, so toenails are not the healthiest and these did the job well." —Janet
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
25. A uniquely contoured neck-and-shoulder heat/cold wrap so you can not only get the relief you want post-workout, but you don't spend half of your well-deserved Netflix marathon keeping it from playing Slip 'N Slide down your back.
BioMed DB Design is a Washington-based small business established in 2010 that specializes in ergonomically designed hot and cold therapy packs.
For a half hour of heat, you can microwave it for two minutes; for cold therapy, you can leave it in the freezer.
Promising review: "The neck-and-shoulder heater came on time. I love the style of it with the upright collar. Stays warm for a half hour and the main reason I bought it was because it wasn't scented...had a hard time finding a neck warmer that wasn't aromatherapy. Very well made. I toss it in the microwave, throw it over my shoulders, and sit in my recliner and heat up my neck, then do some neck stretches as warm muscles are more flexible. Has been a godsend for my stiff-tight neck muscles, keep up the good work!!!" —Kathy
Get it from BioMed DB Design on Etsy for $29.99.
26. A set of affordable, highly popular (these have over 200,000 5-star reviews!!) waterproof wireless Bluetooth earbuds so you can queue up all your bops and enjoy them *without* all the ear pain — these come with several different sizes of silicone eartips so you can find your comfiest, most secure fit. (Bonus: these are also so waterproof you can swim in them!)
These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for 4+ hours with each full charge). The earbuds also come with different sizes so you can find your perfect fit, and have a built-in mic so you can chat on the phone.
Promising review: "I recently purchased two sets of these earbuds, one for my wife and one for me. We have really enjoyed them. I opted to go with these since they are waterproof and want to try them this summer while I swim laps. These have great sound and best of all no wires. Set up was a snap and, I did not realize but each time you put them back in storage box they charge. I have used them numerous time and they connect every time. I use them while hiking and working outside and I have enjoyed them a great deal. They come with a wide assortment of covers that help to get just the right fit. I would definitely recommend them as I have not been disappointed." —April
Get it from Amazon $29.98+ (available in five colors).
27. A pair of compressive split-toe bunion relief socks with extra cushioning to protect the spot from rubbing against your shoe and making it even *more* of a pain in the foot during your daily walks or hikes.
OS1st is a North Carolina-based, family-owned small business that specializes in diabetic socks and compression sleeves, including the first patented plantar fasciitis sleeve.
Promising review: "These socks are wonderful! They really cushion my bunion area as well as the toes and greatly reduced my pain. I love to go on long walks and these really made it more comfortable for me." —Barb
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three sizes and three colors) or the Grommet for $24.95 (available in five sizes and three colors).
28. A set of cooling towels that get *instantly* chilly when you soak them in water and wring them out — a godsend when you're overheated after an outdoor or gym workout and need a quick way to cool your jets.
It also keeps its chill for hours and will immediately get chilly again when you soak it in water and repeat the process.
Promising review: "Great for a summer workout. I live in Houston and play soccer. These are great for half time to try and keep myself cool. My teammates also like them." —Leanne Field
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $10.99.
29. Plus a nifty ventilated cooling cap with UPF 50 protection you can wear by itself or under a hat or helmet — it cools instantly when you get it wet, settling at 30 degrees below average body temperature in under 30 seconds.
30. A micro-adjustable cold compression sleeve that uses the combined power of cold and individualized pressure to help reduce inflammation to help speed up recovery after you go to clown town during your workouts.
Recoup Fitness is a small business founded by athlete Matt Hyder that specializes in products for post-workout relief and pain management.
Get it from The Grommet for $99.95+ (available in four sizes).
31. A thick, eco-friendly nonslip yoga mat designed with two thickness levels to choose from, so you can get just the right amount of support for sensitive joints like your knees and elbows while you're getting your "om" on.
Promising review: "I use this at home and for yoga classes. It’s really thick, making it comfortable to kneel on, which is really nice for yoga. Been using it for a month now and it hasn’t shown signs of wear. It rolls out easily, and doesn’t curl too much. I also really like the pink and blue color scheme." —Best Cucumber
Get it from Amazon for $29.90 (available in five colors and two thickness levels).
32. A set of ever-handy Nip Strips, adhesive strips you can put on your nipples if they chafe against your bra or shirt (that don't hurt to take off!).
Promising review: "These were a revelation for me. I get VERY sweaty on summer runs (complete shirt and shorts saturation) and that often results in nipple chafing. I've tried bandaids and athletic tape and I sweat them right off. These have held remarkably well for 1.5+ hour runs in July heat and humidity." —lilloquacious
Get a set of 20 pairs from Amazon for $14.99.
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