A friendly reminder for those who need it: You have less than two months before your FSA money expires. If you’ve been contributing to your account all year, we’ve officially reached the “use it or lose it” time to buy health-focused products with your pre-tax dollars.Luckily, more products than you might expect are FSA-eligible, and there are plenty of practical purchases you can make when it comes to pain relief. Whatever type of pain you’re dealing with, from headaches to arthritis to back pain, there’s probably something on this list you can get major use out of. (Plus, some of these could make for excellent holiday gifts, too.) So why put off spending your FSA money at the risk of losing it, when you could be nabbing an item that provides much-needed relief?Below, check out some FSA-eligible pain relief products you should grab before 2026 rolls around.AmazonAn expert-recommended arthritis pain gelPreviously recommended to HuffPost by a rheumatologist for arthritis pain relief, this topical anti-inflammatory gel provides prescription-strength relief by penetrating deep into the skin. It can help with stiffness, mobility and joint pain, and comes with an easy-open flip cap. The gel has gained a stellar 4.6 stars across more than 13,000 Amazon ratings, with reviewers calling it "miraculous" for how well and quickly it works, and one even writing, "THANK YOU GOD FOR VOLTAREN GEL!!"AmazonThis infrared therapy lamp reviewers called a "life changer"We previously covered this infrared therapy lamp that reviewers call a "life changer" for pain, and that comes with a stand or can be wall-mounted. As mentioned in our previous reporting, red light therapy can increase the production of mitochondria to aid cell repair and function. The lamp is portable and lightweight at 55 ounces (under 4 pounds) and the height is adjustable for the best arrangement in your space. The infrared technology works to loosen up the body and improve circulation. You can choose between a single or double panel.Promising review: "I was dubious when I purchased this initially but was very surprised at how well it works!! Its a small looking light but is Very Strong and covers your whole body if placed properly! I sit on the couch in shorts and a tank top and just keep cycling it on!! I do feel better and more energized also! Liked it so much bought a dual for myself and 2 more singles that I am giving as gifts!!" — krash0809AmazonA soothing joint and muscle therapy creamAnother popular topical pain relief product that HuffPost readers flocked to in our previous coverage is Penetrex, an intensive cream that uses natural ingredients to penetrate the skin and tackle joint and muscle pain. It can be used basically anywhere from the neck down, is safe on sensitive skin and is safe to use every day. Unlike a lot of ointments you may come across, this one is non-sticky, non-greasy and doesn't have a super strong scent. With 4.2 stars across more than 95,000 Amazon ratings, this is officially a tried-and-true winner.AmazonA heat and compression hand massagerFrom carpal tunnel to arthritis, there are tons of conditions a heated hand and wrist massager can come in handy (this is also a great gift idea, if you know someone who struggles with hand and wrist pain). This Bob and Brad massager offers 360-degree heating and three-section air compression for a gentle massage to reduce pain. The massager has three modes and intensity levels, so you can set it to your specifications, and it works on a 15-minute timer with automatic shutoff. The massager is rechargeable with USB-C.Promising review: "I've had arthrits in my hands for the past few years. Acupunture was the main escape but after moving to Nebraska that procedure done properly is hard to find. After about two weeks of non stop pain and stiffness in my hand and wrist I ordered one of these, with lots of sceptism, as a last resort. I used it twice the first evening it was recieved and the next morning had very little pain in my fingers and could actually clench a full fist without pain. Helped my fingers a lot more then my wrist, but didd give my wrist some relief. Very glad with the purchase !" — scotty000FSA StoreA weighted sleep therapy eye maskDealing with pain when you're trying to sleep is the worst, so your FSA dollars can seriously help out by going toward a sleep relief product like this weighted eye mask. Designed with a breathable cotton outside and therapeutic gel beads on the inside, the mask can block out light, provide a cooling sensation (just place it in the freezer) and contour to the shape of your face so there's less pressure on your eyes. $17 is a steal for getting some much-needed shuteye, if you ask us.Promising review: "Soft, cool, and delicate pressure creates a blissful and dark environment to lull you to sleep! I have one for my house and my parent's house. Cannot sleep without it. Wash/care is easy!" — LillyAmazonA knee pillow to support your legs, back and hipsNeed help keeping yourself positioned just right for pain relief when you sleep? Look no further than this FSA-eligible memory foam knee pillow, which can be useful for side, back and stomach sleepers. The pillow can help keep your spine, legs and hips in alignment for better sleep and to improve circulation. The durable memory foam pillow also comes with a breathable cover that you can unzip to easily wash separately.Promising review: "Excellent pillow for support after knee replacement. I used this from day one after my surgery. Everyone was amazed at how straight I was able to get my knee so quickly. All I did was rest my surgical ankle on pillow with my heel of my foot hanging over as I was able to tolerate it. I’m so thankful my surgeon recommended this product." — DebraAmazonA foam roller spine stretcher that doubles as a massagerTo really get the most bang for your FSA buck, you can buy a multifunctional product like this foam roller wheel that can be used on your back as a spine stretcher or as a massage tool on your legs, neck, shoulders and elsewhere. The roller has a built-in spinal channel to keep your spine in alignment as you're using it, and it can support up to 500 pounds. If your muscles are giving you grief, this can help relieve that pressure. Choose between a single or multipacks, as well as different sizes depending on your needs.FSA StoreA memory foam acupressure mat and pillow setYou can use this acupressure set to target pressure points on your body using both the mat and included pillow. While the mat is technically designed for lying down on to help your back, reviewers also mention using it on sore feet, hips, shoulders and more. The set comes in a bag with a carrying handle so you can take it on the go, too.AmazonA hot and cold therapy stuffed animal for your little one's aches and painsIf your child is dealing with stomachaches, fevers or other pain, this furry friend can be a cute and comforting way to soothe them with hot or cold therapy. The hand-washable stuffed animal is made with a cotton blend and a corn-based heating and cooling element that can be put in the microwave or freezer. You can choose between a bear in tons of different colors, or a koala, unicorn, rabbit, monkey or elephant.Promising review: "I purchased three of these for my youngest grandchildren. They all love them. We call them sickie bears. They use them even when they aren’t sick. We pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, and the children love the comforting warmth" — Rene' LightnerFSA StoreThe beloved Tiger Balm that "instantly dulls arthritic joint pain"You're probably familiar with Tiger Balm, the well-known muscle pain ointment made with herbal ingredients. The stuff is even more concentrated in this Ultra-Strength formula, with one reviewer claiming it "instantly dulls arthritic joint pain." Use it on your hands, joints, muscles and more — a little goes a long way, so this should last you a while.FSA StoreA weighted gel headache relief capIf you like the idea of the sleep mask we put earlier on this list but don't want something with straps, you might prefer this weighted gel cap that fits over the top of your head and similarly contours to your face to block out light and relieve migraines. You can stick it in the fridge or microwave for added hot or cold therapy too, depending on your needs. If you often get tension or sinus headaches, this product can come in clutch.AmazonA popular splurgeworthy TheraGun mini massage gunYes, this is on the pricier side, but with a near-perfect 4.7-star rating, the second-generation TheraGun Mini handheld massage gun is "worth every penny," according to reviewers. It comes with three attachments and three speeds, and the lightweight, small design makes it easy to travel with. You can connect the TheraGun to the Therabody app using Bluetooth for routines, recommendations and more to get the fullest use out of the product. Choose from five colors — right now, the green is on sale for the cheapest price.
You Have About 6 Weeks To Get These Pain-Relief Products With Your FSA Money
Use it or lose it before the year ends.








