what is the best cream for arthritis in shoulder?

I am afraid that the much advertised topical NSAID creams are of little benefit to arthritis is large joints. They tend to have limited penetration in areas were there is any significant subcutaneous tissue and fat, which really rules out their use over any large joint. They are of some benefit in dealing with pain in small joints such as fingers and toes and can help in acute injuries where active inflammation improves penetration.

Oral NSAIDs are more effective, but do have side effects mainly gastrointestinal, but also potentially cardiac ones as well. Many joint issues can be improved by physio together with simple analgesics and some with local joint injection.

Arthritis is here to stay. You can use something like Arnica, it's a homeopathic cream but like all those creams it's only temporary. My doctor gave me some exercises to do and they actually work. You lay in bed or on the floor on your arm. Use a weight to do arm lifts. By laying on your arm you are supportin your shoulder. It got rid of a lot of the crepitus I have when I move my shoulder (that cracking).