I really don't think the aspirin analog is necessary for most of us, PNers. It is for aching muscles and/or tendonitis/arthritis.

I use Salonpas for my arthritis in my feet, and I don't see it impacting my PN much. But it is good for the sesamoid inflammation I am prone to getting. Also the tendonitis I have in my surgical foot instep.

I think the CVS lotion is fine...the goal is to deliver magnesium instead of using oral supplements. And also location, to the extremities where circulation may be poor.

BTW, I had to pick up my thyroid RX yesterday, and they got in 12 more bottles of the lotion. Must have been "out of stock". Since hubby saw 8 bottles there when he picked up the first one for me, I suspect a trainer or someone from the upscale gym nearby maybe bought them all ?

I think the only way to know for sure about the difference between the two similar products is to use them both. Either one on the left and the other on the right, or sequentially. I'd start without the aspirin analog one, and then do the Epsom It...after. Methyl Salicylate is in Ben Gay and other rubs similar.

I've been doing my right arm, which is my shingles arm, and it is working well for the terrible aching I get when sleeping on it.

I am pleased with the CVS product so far... it is nice, no weird odor to have to endure in bed, and not expensive. It was 5.99 on their website this week, with 5.95 shipping. If you buy like 3 bottles, ahead, there can be quite a savings. I almost did that in fact. But I have also seen that site change prices quickly too.
I've seen 7.99 and 9.99 there too.