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Comparison guide

Lidocaine Patches for Sports Recovery

Patches marketed for muscle soreness after exercise.

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Lidocaine Patches for Sports Recovery

Topical anesthetics can change pain perception but don't change tissue healing. Patches marketed for muscle soreness after exercise are below. RICE protocols and clinician evaluation of any acute injury still apply.

Salonpas — Salonpas Temporary Pain Relieving Flex Patch with Lidocaine 4%, 7 ct (Pack of 2)

Image: Salonpas / Hisamitsu

Salonpas

Salonpas Temporary Pain Relieving Flex Patch with Lidocaine 4%, 7 ct (Pack of 2)

Salonpas Flex Patch in a 14-count two-pack bundle.

1k+ reviews on Amazon

  • Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
  • Flex patch — stretchable thin fabric; 3.94" x 2.75"
  • 14 patches total (2 packs of 7)
  • Up to 8 hours of wear per patch

This bundle pairs two packs of seven Salonpas Flex Patches — 14 patches total. The Flex format uses a stretchable thin fabric at 3.94" x 2.75", smaller than the standard Salonpas gel-patch and designed to conform to contoured areas of the body. Wear time is up to 8 hours per the label. Lidocaine 4%, maximum OTC strength. The two-pack pricing can offer a better per-patch rate than the single 7-count box for regular users.

Label says: “For temporary relief of pain.”

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Icy Hot — Icy Hot Lidocaine Pain Relief Patches, Max Strength Lidocaine 4% and Menthol 1%, 5 ct.

Image: Icy Hot

Icy Hot

Icy Hot Lidocaine Pain Relief Patches, Max Strength Lidocaine 4% and Menthol 1%, 5 ct.

Icy Hot's dual-action lidocaine plus menthol cooling patch.

10k+ reviews on Amazon

  • Actives: Lidocaine 4% + Menthol 1%
  • Combines topical anesthetic with cooling sensation
  • Up to 8 hours of wear per patch
  • 5 patches per box; flexible fabric

Icy Hot's lidocaine patch adds menthol 1% to the lidocaine 4% formula, producing both a topical anesthetic effect and a cooling sensation. If you prefer a patch that combines numbing with the menthol experience familiar from other Icy Hot products, this is the Icy Hot entry point. Flexible fabric, wear time up to 8 hours per the label. Five patches per box. Patch size is not specified on the listing. The label covers temporary relief of minor pain.

Label says: “For temporary relief of minor pain.”

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Icy Hot — ICY HOT Lidocaine Patch Plus Menthol 5 ea (Pack of 3)

Image: Icy Hot

Icy Hot

ICY HOT Lidocaine Patch Plus Menthol 5 ea (Pack of 3)

Icy Hot lidocaine plus menthol patch in a 15-count three-pack.

5k+ reviews on Amazon

  • Actives: Lidocaine 4% + Menthol 1%
  • 15 patches total (3 packs of 5)
  • Up to 8 hours of wear per patch
  • Flexible fabric; combines numbing and cooling

Three boxes of five Icy Hot lidocaine-plus-menthol patches — 15 patches total. The same dual-active formula as the single-box listing: lidocaine 4% for topical numbing and menthol 1% for cooling sensation. Flexible fabric backing. Wear time is up to 8 hours per the label. The three-pack reduces the per-patch cost compared with buying single boxes. Patch size is not specified on the listing. The label covers temporary relief of minor pain.

Label says: “For temporary relief of minor pain.”

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Sumifun — Sumifun 4% Lidocaine Patches Plus 1% Menthol — 30 Counts Maximum Strength OTC Pain Relief Patches

Image: Sumifun

Sumifun

Sumifun 4% Lidocaine Patches Plus 1% Menthol — 30 Counts Maximum Strength OTC Pain Relief Patches

Sumifun dual-active patch — lidocaine 4% plus menthol 1%, 30 count.

1k+ reviews on Amazon

  • Actives: Lidocaine 4% + Menthol 1%
  • Patch size: 3.9" x 5.5"; 30 patches per box
  • Combines topical anesthetic with cooling sensation
  • Up to 8 hours of wear per patch

Sumifun's menthol variant adds menthol 1% to the lidocaine 4% formula. The combination delivers a cooling sensation alongside the topical anesthetic. Patch size is the same 3.9" x 5.5" as other Sumifun patches. Wear time is up to 8 hours per the label. Thirty patches per box. The label covers minor aches and pains of muscles and joints. If you're a Sumifun buyer who wants the menthol cooling experience, this is the only Sumifun listing in this catalog with that dual formula.

Label says: “For temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.”

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Curist — Curist Super Stick Lidocaine Patches Topical Pain Relief — 20 Patches (1 Pack, 3x5, 4% Lidocaine)

Image: Curist

Curist

Curist Super Stick Lidocaine Patches Topical Pain Relief — 20 Patches (1 Pack, 3x5, 4% Lidocaine)

Curist Super Stick — reinforced adhesive for active use, 20 count.

1k+ reviews on Amazon

  • Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
  • Extra-strong adhesive formulation
  • Patch size: 3" x 5"; 20 patches per pack
  • Up to 8 hours of wear per patch

Curist's "Super Stick" variant is distinguished by an extra-strong adhesive formulation compared with the standard Curist patch. If adhesion is a concern — for example, if you move a lot during the day or if standard patches tend to lift at the edges — this listing is the one to compare. Patch size is 3" x 5", 20 patches per pack, wear time up to 8 hours per the label. Lidocaine 4%, maximum OTC strength. Label covers minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.

Label says: “For temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.”

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Re-Lieved — Re-Lieved 4% Lidocaine Patches Maximum Strength — Aluminum-Free, Water Resistant, USA Made, 3x6 Inches (20 Count)

Image: Re-Lieved

Re-Lieved

Re-Lieved 4% Lidocaine Patches Maximum Strength — Aluminum-Free, Water Resistant, USA Made, 3x6 Inches (20 Count)

Re-Lieved aluminum-free, water-resistant, USA-made patch — 20 count.

5k+ reviews on Amazon

  • Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
  • Aluminum-free; water resistant; made in the USA
  • Patch size: 3" x 6"; 20 patches per box
  • Up to 12 hours of wear per patch

Re-Lieved leads with three specific differentiators: aluminum-free formulation, water-resistant adhesive, and U.S. manufacture. The 3" x 6" size is slightly taller than the 3" x 5" Curist patches in the same general format. Wear time is up to 12 hours per the label — longer than most non-Aspercreme patches in this catalog. Twenty patches per box. Lidocaine 4%, maximum OTC strength. Label covers minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.

Label says: “For temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.”

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Re-Lieved — Re-Lieved 4% Lidocaine Patches Maximum Strength — Aluminum-Free, Water Resistant, USA Made, 3x6 Inches (10 Count)

Image: Re-Lieved

Re-Lieved

Re-Lieved 4% Lidocaine Patches Maximum Strength — Aluminum-Free, Water Resistant, USA Made, 3x6 Inches (10 Count)

Re-Lieved aluminum-free, water-resistant, USA-made patch — 10 count.

1k+ reviews on Amazon

  • Active: Lidocaine 4% (maximum OTC strength)
  • Aluminum-free; water resistant; made in the USA
  • Patch size: 3" x 6"; 10 patches per box
  • Up to 12 hours of wear per patch

The 10-count Re-Lieved box carries the same formula as the 20-count: aluminum-free, water-resistant, made in the U.S., and 3" x 6" in size. Wear time is up to 12 hours per the label. Lidocaine 4%, maximum OTC strength. If you want to try the Re-Lieved format before buying the larger box, this 10-count is the lower-commitment option. Label covers minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.

Label says: “For temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.”

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Re-Lieved — Re-Lieved 4% Lidocaine & 1% Menthol Pain Relief Patches — Maximum Strength, Aluminum-Free, Made in USA, 20 PCS

Image: Re-Lieved

Re-Lieved

Re-Lieved 4% Lidocaine & 1% Menthol Pain Relief Patches — Maximum Strength, Aluminum-Free, Made in USA, 20 PCS

Re-Lieved lidocaine plus menthol — aluminum-free, USA-made, 20 count.

1k+ reviews on Amazon

  • Actives: Lidocaine 4% + Menthol 1%
  • Aluminum-free; water resistant; made in the USA
  • Patch size: 3" x 6"; 20 patches per box
  • Up to 12 hours of wear per patch

Re-Lieved's menthol variant adds menthol 1% to the lidocaine 4% formula while keeping the same aluminum-free, water-resistant, U.S.-made attributes of the original. Patch size is 3" x 6", wear time up to 12 hours per the label. Twenty patches per box. If you want the Re-Lieved water-resistant and aluminum-free profile combined with a cooling menthol sensation, this is the one. Label covers minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.

Label says: “For temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.”

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HealthWise — HealthWise 4% Lidocaine + 1% Menthol Pain Relief Patch — Maximum OTC Strength, 15-Count, 3.93" x 5.51"

HealthWise

HealthWise 4% Lidocaine + 1% Menthol Pain Relief Patch — Maximum OTC Strength, 15-Count, 3.93" x 5.51"

HealthWise dual-active patch — lidocaine 4% plus menthol 1%, 15 count.

1k+ reviews on Amazon

  • Actives: Lidocaine 4% + Menthol 1%
  • Patch size: 3.93" x 5.51"; 15 patches per box
  • Up to 12 hours of wear per patch
  • Label covers arthritis, backaches, strains, sprains, and bruises

HealthWise's menthol variant adds menthol 1% to the lidocaine 4% formula. The 3.93" x 5.51" patch size and up to 12-hour wear time carry over from the standard HealthWise line. Fifteen patches per box. The label covers arthritis, simple backaches, strains, sprains, and bruises — a broader indication than many OTC patches. If you want the HealthWise patch profile plus the cooling sensation of menthol, this is the only HealthWise listing here with the dual formula.

Label says: “For temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backaches, strains, sprains and bruises.”

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TIDL — TIDL Recovery Patches, 20 Count, Maximum Strength for Targeted Back Pain, Joint & Muscle Pain Relief

TIDL

TIDL Recovery Patches, 20 Count, Maximum Strength for Targeted Back Pain, Joint & Muscle Pain Relief

TIDL Recovery dual-active patch with plant-based supporting ingredients.

1k+ reviews on Amazon

  • Actives: Lidocaine 4% + Menthol (concentration not specified on listing)
  • Non-stick adhesive for easy removal; plant-based supporting ingredients
  • 20 patches per box
  • Up to 8 hours of wear per patch

TIDL's Recovery Patch combines lidocaine 4% with menthol and adds plant-based supporting ingredients to the formula — a positioning choice that distinguishes TIDL from purely pharmaceutical-ingredient competitors. The non-stick adhesive design is highlighted for ease of application and removal. Twenty patches per box, wear time up to 8 hours per the label. Patch size is not confirmed on the listing. Label covers temporary relief of minor pain. Menthol concentration is not specified on this listing.

Label says: “For temporary relief of minor pain.”

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TIDL — TIDL Extended Relief Pain Patch with Lidocaine and Menthol — Maximum Strength Topical Pain Relief (5 Patches)

TIDL

TIDL Extended Relief Pain Patch with Lidocaine and Menthol — Maximum Strength Topical Pain Relief (5 Patches)

TIDL Extended Relief — lidocaine 4% plus menthol 3% with botanical extras.

1k+ reviews on Amazon

  • Actives: Lidocaine 4% + Menthol 3% (higher menthol than most dual-active options)
  • Additional plant-based ingredients: chili extract, wintergreen oil
  • 5 patches per box
  • Maximum wear time not stated on the label per available data

TIDL's Extended Relief patch uses a higher menthol concentration than most dual-active patches in this catalog: menthol 3% alongside lidocaine 4%. It also includes chili extract and wintergreen oil as additional plant-based ingredients. Five patches per box. The label does not state a specific maximum wear time — the listing references "extended" wear, but a numeric cap is not confirmed in the source data. Patch size is not confirmed on this listing. Label covers temporary relief of minor pain.

Label says: “For temporary relief of minor pain.”

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Related Guides

Read the Sports Recovery Guide

Manufacturer-labeled uses, the evidence picture, and when to talk to a clinician.

Open the Guide