Topical Analgesics in Sports: A Survey of Usage Patterns and Perceptions Among Adults Engaging in Exercise in Singapore

Topical analgesics are increasingly recognised as an essential part of treatment for painful musculoskeletal conditions, valued for their localised effectiveness and safer profile compared to systemic options. Recent evidence suggests that the effects of topical analgesics go beyond simply alleviating pain from sports injuries; they also enhance sports performance immediately after application. We conducted a local survey of 141 adults engaging in exercise to gain insight into the use patterns and perceptions of topical analgesics; 102 reported using over-the-counter topical analgesics. Fisher–Freeman–Halton analyses confirmed that usage habits were similar between younger (21–30 years) and older (≥31 years) age groups, as well as between those exercising more frequently (≥3 times per week) and less frequently (once or twice per week). Participants typically employed topical analgesics to alleviate muscle aches, pain, or soreness (n = 92, 90.2%), relieve joint pain or discomfort (n = 57, 55.9%), and/or reduce muscle stiffness (n = 39, 38.2%). Most applied them at home as needed (n = 71, 69.6%), with some participants using them after exercise (n = 60, 58.8%). Regarding the frequency of topical analgesic use, most participants used analgesics fewer than five times a year (n = 54, 52.9%). Over half of the participants viewed topical analgesics as effective or very effective. To conclude, our survey revealed that adults engaging in exercise commonly used topical analgesics to relieve musculoskeletal pain or discomfort as needed.