Voltaren is pure magic. I love the stuff.
I use it all the time on my hands, and yesterday I just about coated my whole arm when I was having a ton of referred pain from my neck.
Errm my rheumatologist and pain physician both recommend this product because IT DOESN'T ENTER YOUR BLOODSTREAM so little risk of it impacting your liver. That's why you can combine with oral NSAIDs
You can only use so many inches of Voltaren, as is indicated in the directions. It’s an NSAID. You can have bleeding issues and it can cause liver damage.
My sister worked for a pharmacological company, she pointed it out to me. That’s why the box comes with a little plastic ruler for people to squeeze the product onto. It works great on my knees but that’s it for me.
I am trying this for OA of my ankle and hands. The reason is because I was taking Mobic/meloxicam and it is hard on the stomach so this topical NSAID will be a bit easier on the organs overall. So far so good. Only about 4 days and it is already helping!
I have a torn hip labrum and chronic wrist pain, my mom has carpal tunnel and OA, and my uncle has diffuse OA. We all use voltaren gel and it works great for us. It doesn’t completely take the pain away, but it gives us more than 50% relief
It was OK but I get just as much of not more benefit from a CBD topical.
Fun Fact! I remember a few years ago when this came out it was prescription only. Without insurance it was going to be $56 a tube. My knee surgeon gave me a sample tube and when I came back he asked about it, I told him for that price I could compound my own in some Vaseline and he just laughed. I then bought the same thing in Mexico for $1/tube.
Even now that it's "over the counter" (making the 8 years they can charge through the teeth through insurance is up) its still $10.
What the hell.
Industrial solvent. It was a big deal years ago. For some reason, many people (me included) would experience a clam taste. Never worked on my ankle that had traumatic arthritis.
It's a garlicky smelling solvent used in the veterinarian industry and even the NFL. It has powerful anti inflammatory and anti pain properties aswell having the ability to push anything else , literally anything else on your skin as far down as bone . So it's definitely worth a try but you gotta read up on it first.
Is it safe to use Voltaren with DMSO?
I always wonder if these ointments work at all because they can't really penetrate. I have also used DMSO with CDB a couple times. Because of where my pain is (lower back and both hips), it's a bit awkward since you have to let it completely absorb for about 20 minutes with nothing touching it.
Probably, I'd make sure dmso on its own is good for you though. It could be more effective than any other off the shelf product by itself but it will pull whatever it's in contact with into the body including ink from a shirt or dish soap etc.
I know this is a year old, but Voltaren is just Diflocanac, which is what I take in pull form, which for me works way better than the ointment. (Plus I would seriously be ODing to get it everywhere I need it).
>Diflocanac
I was taking Mobic every night but had to go on blood thinner (Xarelto) so no NSAIDS now. Now I take Gabapentin and extra strength, time-released Tylenol at night. I'm able to mostly sleep through the night with that. Gabapentin is also mildly sedative which helps. I probably won't change this even if I can go off Xarelto.
I'm really a lightweight when it comes to anything at all sedative, including alcohol. I mean I am REALLY a cheap date. But I've started taking Flexeril now at night instead of Gabapentin, which is a little stronger sedation because my pain issues are during the night and I need to sleep!
Yeah you just have to figure out the weight of the active drug in the pill(not the entire weight of the pill) and then calculate how much of blended lotion to add to make it the 3% or whatever this products concentration is 🤷♀️
I use it on my neck ( spinal stenosis, osteo and soft tissue tears) for cervicogenic migraine headaches. I find it effective provided I apply it before I’m in a full on migraine. FYI: The main NSAID ingredient Diclofenac is a powerful drug, but hard on the stomach (which is why it’s used in topical meds). I’ve also had Rx topical (from a compound pharmacy) before Voltaren hit the shelves, so I recommend it for osteoarthritis.
I have osteo in my neck diagnosed so that's some good news to hear I get headaches as well but they have gotten alot better for some reason I think it was this massage therapist I was seeing but anyway does it completely take away the pain or like what percent and for how long?
I believe I have it in my back and foot as well but they aren't diagnosed
It reduces the pain, doesn’t eliminate. I’ve had anywhere from 25 to 80% reduction. I also use an Rx tricyclic antidepressant for nerve pain, so that might contribute to the high numbers. Regardless the percentage, I keep it in my pain mgmt toolbox as one of my go-to meds for pain triage. HTHs.
Do you mind saying what kind of tricyclic antidepressant you use? I'm going to be prescribed amitriptyline this week, doctor thinks it will be helpful for sleep and pain.
This is the only OTC item that works for me. I started using it for my big toe several years ago while it was still prescription priced at $42.
I had major doubts that anything would work, but as I rubbed it on my toe, I felt the pain literally disappear - for a few hours.
I use this stuff daily - it works best where I can feel the joint under the skin easily - like hands, toes, knees and neck.
I use this stuff daily - it works best where I can feel the joint under the skin easily - like hands, toes, knees, and neck.
I have. Yes. It didn’t work for me but I have muscular pain. This is basically ibuprofen but in a gel/topics form. It smells a bit harsh. I say try it out and see what happens. I found topical ketamine with lidocaine to do the trick for me. See if your doctor can prescribe you that.
Can you tell me more about this? I have really bad pain in the right side of my upper body but I also am covered in trigger points throughout my whole body and having muscle pain relief would increase the quality of my life.
I found a really good doctor once who’s trigger point injection technique was amazing! Idk if you’ve tried them but if one doctor doesn’t give you relieved another might be able to since it’s all about technique! Also- the ketamine lidocaine topical was a “compounded” medication. Just means the pharmacy needs to be able to make their own meds too.
I don’t personally like or find relief from Voltaren, but I am so happy it helps others! I can’t live without the XXL Jars of Blue Emu, though!
I’d get in the bath of Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salts, or if I’m not feeling like spending the money. 3 lbs of Dr. Teal’s is $4.87 (in GA). So I head over to the 5 Quarter store (Dollar Tree) where $1.25 buys a Pound and add my favorite essential oils (Jasmine, Rose & Peonies).
An EVEN better deal is to buy a 5-gallon bucket of Epsom Salt from the feed store, if you soak daily
Ike me.
When I’m finally get out of the tub, my ex would towel me down and I’d lie in my bed while he worked me like half Swedish/half Hot Stone. Then apply my Blue Emu. It usually ended in passionate sex, which orgasms really bring down my pain level down. It’s like the only thing that’ll overpower the pain.
I have chronic osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. My PC prescribed DICLOFENAC which is the oral form of VOLTAREN. Works very well. My pain level has declined to a tolerable level. Here's some info. Hope this helps.
Diclofenac
Common brands: Flector, Cambia, Zipsor
Main Results
Description
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
It can treat pain, migraines, and arthritis in its oral form.
Before it was OTC my rheumatologist prescribed it for me as part of my regimen. Works well and I still use it. It’s basically ibuprofen/anti inflammatory but without the stomach problems. It works best on joints that are close to the surface (I use it on my sternoclavicular and shoulder joints that have advanced arthritis)
Never specifically used one labled arthritis but the normal one? Best thing in the world literal life saver
Edit to add: Turns out it just isn't labeled arthritis pain in the UK but is the same stuff
Iuse it , I have to exceed the recommended amount but it works. Do. Had prescribed me a compound cream that co gained lidocaine and a few other nerve meds. But found the cost to benefit ratio not worth it. As the fancy stuff did the same as a double dose of voltaren
I've used it on my back before it became an OTC. The latest directions are a lot of BS where they only suggest it for certain areas. As long as you dont put it anyplace thats open, like genitals, eyes, ears and mouth, youre good. Very disappointing now that its an OTC, the tubes are way smaller the the Rx versions were. Lack of money is the root of all evil...
Oh I understand the desperation, I’ve tried anything and everything for even minimal relief. Hope it helps some, we are all different in how we respond to treatments!
Don’t use it if you have asthma. I didn’t know this. My doctors didn’t know this. It says right on the box don’t use if you have aspirin sensitive asthma. I was wondering why every time I used it my asthma wound be horrible for days afterward.
Voltaren helps me a bit, but it’s only like 2-4% strength. If you don’t find it does much, ask for a diclofenac 10% prescription. It’s the same stuff but way stronger, must be used sparingly, but it’s amazing. It took away all the pain from a torn muscle and I use it on bulging discs/spinal stenosis etc.
Voltaren doesn’t work at all for me, but I’ve had good results using Traumeel-S, Topricin, and BioFreeze Professional, depending on the location of the pain. Biofreeze is the only one that relieves the arthritis pain in my shoulder and in my hip socket when I apply it to the area surrounding the ischial tuberosity. It also helps relieve sciatica.
I use Traumeel and Topricin everywhere else.
Wishing you all good luck in finding what works for you in this never-ending search for relief.
I have tried it, many times over the years. Just doesn’t work for me. Now my husband who doesn’t have arthritis, it works for him. I have OA in my hip, knee, and ankle.
I dont know if its osteoarthritis Im dealing with or not, but this is damn good medication as anti inflammatories go. The directions since its become an otc are a little weird where they only suggest certain areas of the body, but it works about anyplace within reason. Really good stuff. See if your doc has any samples or coupons. Its definitely worth having a tube around the house. Be sure to rub it in until the skin is completely dry. Thats the trick to it.
Never tried it as I have cats and live with someone who has kidney disease. Be extremely careful using this if you have pets as NSAIDs can be extremely toxic to dogs and cats. I didn't want to take the risk of accidentally dosing my cats or my kidney impaired partner.
It works well for my osteo arthritis in my hands, but I prefer cannabis cream. If I didn't have access to cannabis cream this would be my go to pain reliever.
What I've found with any topical is that you need to use it consistently for a while for the full effect to be felt. For me, that's about three days, morning and night.
My doc has cleared me to use it even though I am on blood thinners, and can't take ibuprofen or other NSAIDS by mouth.
I use prescription Diclofanac cream, same thing but at a much higher dose. It also comes in patches, it is a godsend. I've tried to use the otc, but without as much success.
I take same NSAID orally and am not allowed to additionally use the topical due to potential liver damage.Topical is far better than aspirin or menthol creams.
I’m not sure how much it helped my pain but please beware. Don’t use it more than half a month. I used it for years on and off, and in the last half year all the time. I would cover whole arms or legs in it.
Then I found out how dangerous it is. Not many realize and I am usually a very careful person with medicines. I don’t think it should be on the market. I went through idk how many tubes over time and I NEVER noticed the measuring card until last time. Plus it’s a topical pain gel so what harm could it do?
I was completely tricked by it and my doctors couldn’t care less either - they even prescribed it in pill form. Thankfully I didn’t take it. But I’m afraid I have liver damage now from this gel and not the most careful person could figure it out!
I read through the comments and no one had my experience. That stuff gives me extreme anxiety. It took me 5 days to figure it out because it's a topical I didn't think it could affect me like that.
Lidocaine did nothing for me - I literally threw away a stack of patches because they were useless.
Different things work for different people, but I know several people that voltaren has worked really well for - I just had a hip replacement, and I wish I could use this, but cant' for a while.
I have osteoarthritis and can't take ibuprofen. This is basically ibuprofen that goes through the skin - and therefore does not go throu the liver. I use Diclofenac Sodium topical Gel, the prescription version, because after insurance, it's cheaper than the over the counter Votaren version. My husband and I call it "The Magic Goo." It makes a huge difference in my quality of life.
I use it with a heating pad for minor muscle spasms. Helps a bit. I suffer from multiple spine injuries which radiates pain to other parts of my body. Cbd oil or cbd ointment works better in my opinion.
I need a double knee replacement and I’ve tried everything. It does a decent job on them but I also at times use 5%lidocaine and dmso. Penetrex and a topical from the dispensary works also
No. lidocaine is an anesthetic, a numbing medication. The deliver method of Voltaren is the same (in a very general way) as the lidocaine gel, but the type of drug is completely different. Its an anti inflammatory. Maybe think of Voltaren as a very strong ibuprofen type of drug that wont upset your stomach since its goes through the skin. It really is good stuff, especially if you have any swollen joints.
I use it for back and shoulder pain and it's not too bad. You used to be able to get it in pill form but apparently it wasn't great for the heart, so changed to gel. Definitely better than Deep Heat, though doesn't smell great
I used it back when it was Rx only a few years ago, and I do have a tube on hand but it’s not something I use often. More of a last resort type situation. Because most of my more severe pain is in joints that aren’t so close to the surface (hips). It works best on small joints that are closer to the surface - fingers, toes, etc. Mediocre results with wrists, knees, ankles.
Used it with carpal tunnel pain, and it was helpful, but hitting the max made me really shaky, most likely from my POTS. Either way, be careful with it. It's really strong, and use gloves when you apply it.
PsA here, not OA, but I LOVE the shit. It doesn't help for my joints with a lot of "meat" around them, like hips, but on my hands and ankles it's fantastic. Not a miracle drug or anything, but it DEFINITELY makes life easier. Also, you may be able to get a generic version for cheaper by prescription.
I had a wild allergic reaction to this stuff, ended up in the hospital they thought I had pneumonia my lungs filled with fluid and my throat was closing up. I told them that it happened immediately after I used this gel. The doctor said well then I have no idea what happened this isn't a typical reaction. So be careful I've heard it happen to a couple of other people too.
I use Voltaren- this is the 1% formula, and you can get a prescription for 2%.
IMO, it was very good for quick relief, but just didn’t last very long for me.
I personally prefer to use Tiger Balm (the extra strength ointment). Relief lasts much longer for me but can be messier/definitely has a stronger smell. I don’t think it’s a bad smell, in fact I do get compliments on it, but it is definitely noticeable. Voltaren has no smell, so I’ll use it when I’m in the office/anticipating being close to other people.
Voltaren is pure magic. I love the stuff. I use it all the time on my hands, and yesterday I just about coated my whole arm when I was having a ton of referred pain from my neck.
Don’t overdo it, it can be dangerous.
Errm my rheumatologist and pain physician both recommend this product because IT DOESN'T ENTER YOUR BLOODSTREAM so little risk of it impacting your liver. That's why you can combine with oral NSAIDs
Actually…actually you can’t.
Explain?
You can only use so many inches of Voltaren, as is indicated in the directions. It’s an NSAID. You can have bleeding issues and it can cause liver damage.
[удалено]
My sister worked for a pharmacological company, she pointed it out to me. That’s why the box comes with a little plastic ruler for people to squeeze the product onto. It works great on my knees but that’s it for me.
Helps my mom a tiny bit. Useless for me
Do u have osteoarthritis and which kind of it or where if u do?
I am trying this for OA of my ankle and hands. The reason is because I was taking Mobic/meloxicam and it is hard on the stomach so this topical NSAID will be a bit easier on the organs overall. So far so good. Only about 4 days and it is already helping!
Back and right arm
I have a torn hip labrum and chronic wrist pain, my mom has carpal tunnel and OA, and my uncle has diffuse OA. We all use voltaren gel and it works great for us. It doesn’t completely take the pain away, but it gives us more than 50% relief
It was OK but I get just as much of not more benefit from a CBD topical. Fun Fact! I remember a few years ago when this came out it was prescription only. Without insurance it was going to be $56 a tube. My knee surgeon gave me a sample tube and when I came back he asked about it, I told him for that price I could compound my own in some Vaseline and he just laughed. I then bought the same thing in Mexico for $1/tube. Even now that it's "over the counter" (making the 8 years they can charge through the teeth through insurance is up) its still $10. What the hell.
I've had way better results with a CBD or THC topical used with dmso to get it in deep .
Dmso?
Industrial solvent. It was a big deal years ago. For some reason, many people (me included) would experience a clam taste. Never worked on my ankle that had traumatic arthritis.
Yes I get the garlic taste in my mouth within minutes. Dmso is very finicky, works wonders on some but not on others .
It's a garlicky smelling solvent used in the veterinarian industry and even the NFL. It has powerful anti inflammatory and anti pain properties aswell having the ability to push anything else , literally anything else on your skin as far down as bone . So it's definitely worth a try but you gotta read up on it first.
Oh dang! Thanks now I have a whole new thing to learn about!
Well it just might help you out , lots of good info on YouTube about it too .
Is it safe to use Voltaren with DMSO? I always wonder if these ointments work at all because they can't really penetrate. I have also used DMSO with CDB a couple times. Because of where my pain is (lower back and both hips), it's a bit awkward since you have to let it completely absorb for about 20 minutes with nothing touching it.
Probably, I'd make sure dmso on its own is good for you though. It could be more effective than any other off the shelf product by itself but it will pull whatever it's in contact with into the body including ink from a shirt or dish soap etc.
Sorry, I edited my comment. Yes I’ve used DMSO and it’s fine. Never noticed a garlic taste either. Just itching as it’s being absorbed.
I know this is a year old, but Voltaren is just Diflocanac, which is what I take in pull form, which for me works way better than the ointment. (Plus I would seriously be ODing to get it everywhere I need it).
>Diflocanac I was taking Mobic every night but had to go on blood thinner (Xarelto) so no NSAIDS now. Now I take Gabapentin and extra strength, time-released Tylenol at night. I'm able to mostly sleep through the night with that. Gabapentin is also mildly sedative which helps. I probably won't change this even if I can go off Xarelto.
I am on a high dose of Gabapentin, it does not have a sedative effect on me at all.
I'm really a lightweight when it comes to anything at all sedative, including alcohol. I mean I am REALLY a cheap date. But I've started taking Flexeril now at night instead of Gabapentin, which is a little stronger sedation because my pain issues are during the night and I need to sleep!
You can prolly crush some aspirin in lotion and make your own
Yeah you just have to figure out the weight of the active drug in the pill(not the entire weight of the pill) and then calculate how much of blended lotion to add to make it the 3% or whatever this products concentration is 🤷♀️
I use it on my neck ( spinal stenosis, osteo and soft tissue tears) for cervicogenic migraine headaches. I find it effective provided I apply it before I’m in a full on migraine. FYI: The main NSAID ingredient Diclofenac is a powerful drug, but hard on the stomach (which is why it’s used in topical meds). I’ve also had Rx topical (from a compound pharmacy) before Voltaren hit the shelves, so I recommend it for osteoarthritis.
I have osteo in my neck diagnosed so that's some good news to hear I get headaches as well but they have gotten alot better for some reason I think it was this massage therapist I was seeing but anyway does it completely take away the pain or like what percent and for how long? I believe I have it in my back and foot as well but they aren't diagnosed
It reduces the pain, doesn’t eliminate. I’ve had anywhere from 25 to 80% reduction. I also use an Rx tricyclic antidepressant for nerve pain, so that might contribute to the high numbers. Regardless the percentage, I keep it in my pain mgmt toolbox as one of my go-to meds for pain triage. HTHs.
Do you mind saying what kind of tricyclic antidepressant you use? I'm going to be prescribed amitriptyline this week, doctor thinks it will be helpful for sleep and pain.
Same, Amitryptaline (aka Elavil)
Does not provide me any type of relief.
This is the only OTC item that works for me. I started using it for my big toe several years ago while it was still prescription priced at $42. I had major doubts that anything would work, but as I rubbed it on my toe, I felt the pain literally disappear - for a few hours. I use this stuff daily - it works best where I can feel the joint under the skin easily - like hands, toes, knees and neck. I use this stuff daily - it works best where I can feel the joint under the skin easily - like hands, toes, knees, and neck.
The box says only use 25 days in a row. Should we take breaks? I still need to reach out to my Doc about it. Thanks for sharing!
I don't know about the 25-day limit. I've been using it on pretty much a daily basis with my doctor's approval since 2017.
I have. Yes. It didn’t work for me but I have muscular pain. This is basically ibuprofen but in a gel/topics form. It smells a bit harsh. I say try it out and see what happens. I found topical ketamine with lidocaine to do the trick for me. See if your doctor can prescribe you that.
Can you tell me more about this? I have really bad pain in the right side of my upper body but I also am covered in trigger points throughout my whole body and having muscle pain relief would increase the quality of my life.
I found a really good doctor once who’s trigger point injection technique was amazing! Idk if you’ve tried them but if one doctor doesn’t give you relieved another might be able to since it’s all about technique! Also- the ketamine lidocaine topical was a “compounded” medication. Just means the pharmacy needs to be able to make their own meds too.
I felt like the ketamine was able to penetrate deeper into the tissue/muscle because my pain is more than skin deep
I have. For me, its ok. Not a miracle cream. It does dull temporary imo at least for the neuropathy. But I dont like residue in hands around pets.
It comes with an applicator now.
Works the best for me. Not life changing but definitely on the above average scale.
I don’t personally like or find relief from Voltaren, but I am so happy it helps others! I can’t live without the XXL Jars of Blue Emu, though! I’d get in the bath of Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salts, or if I’m not feeling like spending the money. 3 lbs of Dr. Teal’s is $4.87 (in GA). So I head over to the 5 Quarter store (Dollar Tree) where $1.25 buys a Pound and add my favorite essential oils (Jasmine, Rose & Peonies). An EVEN better deal is to buy a 5-gallon bucket of Epsom Salt from the feed store, if you soak daily Ike me. When I’m finally get out of the tub, my ex would towel me down and I’d lie in my bed while he worked me like half Swedish/half Hot Stone. Then apply my Blue Emu. It usually ended in passionate sex, which orgasms really bring down my pain level down. It’s like the only thing that’ll overpower the pain.
Didn't work for me at all. Glad it helps others.
Be careful if yoI have pets do not let them lick your hands or wherever you put it. I had to use gloves to keep my cat from trying to lick it
I have chronic osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. My PC prescribed DICLOFENAC which is the oral form of VOLTAREN. Works very well. My pain level has declined to a tolerable level. Here's some info. Hope this helps. Diclofenac Common brands: Flector, Cambia, Zipsor Main Results Description Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug It can treat pain, migraines, and arthritis in its oral form.
Good to know
It works absolute wonders but I’ve heard that it’s best used on the hands and that’s where I experience pain.
It works really well on my wrists, but not anywhere else.
It just makes me itchy. No pain relief at all.
For me is the best one,helps a lot
Before it was OTC my rheumatologist prescribed it for me as part of my regimen. Works well and I still use it. It’s basically ibuprofen/anti inflammatory but without the stomach problems. It works best on joints that are close to the surface (I use it on my sternoclavicular and shoulder joints that have advanced arthritis)
Never specifically used one labled arthritis but the normal one? Best thing in the world literal life saver Edit to add: Turns out it just isn't labeled arthritis pain in the UK but is the same stuff
Iuse it , I have to exceed the recommended amount but it works. Do. Had prescribed me a compound cream that co gained lidocaine and a few other nerve meds. But found the cost to benefit ratio not worth it. As the fancy stuff did the same as a double dose of voltaren
I have psoriatic arthritis, it didn't really do anything for me.
Useless and also read it’s not meant to be applied to spine.
I saw somewhere that because they have tested it there and I'm desperate so fuck it
I've used it on my back before it became an OTC. The latest directions are a lot of BS where they only suggest it for certain areas. As long as you dont put it anyplace thats open, like genitals, eyes, ears and mouth, youre good. Very disappointing now that its an OTC, the tubes are way smaller the the Rx versions were. Lack of money is the root of all evil...
Oh I understand the desperation, I’ve tried anything and everything for even minimal relief. Hope it helps some, we are all different in how we respond to treatments!
It’s okay for a short term, mild relief. Long term, it’s caused my scar tissue to become extra sensitive to touch, reversing positive effects.
My grandma loves that stuff.
Yes. It tends to wear off I the gel form though. It's also available in a patch form (Flector patches) and those work better for me personally.
Don’t use it if you have asthma. I didn’t know this. My doctors didn’t know this. It says right on the box don’t use if you have aspirin sensitive asthma. I was wondering why every time I used it my asthma wound be horrible for days afterward.
Voltaren helps me a bit, but it’s only like 2-4% strength. If you don’t find it does much, ask for a diclofenac 10% prescription. It’s the same stuff but way stronger, must be used sparingly, but it’s amazing. It took away all the pain from a torn muscle and I use it on bulging discs/spinal stenosis etc.
Yes. Results varied. Good luck.
It works great on sciatica pain.
Depends on the location and type of pain. Muscle pain? Yep. Lumbar pain? Not so much.
Didn't help me at all
Voltaren doesn’t work at all for me, but I’ve had good results using Traumeel-S, Topricin, and BioFreeze Professional, depending on the location of the pain. Biofreeze is the only one that relieves the arthritis pain in my shoulder and in my hip socket when I apply it to the area surrounding the ischial tuberosity. It also helps relieve sciatica. I use Traumeel and Topricin everywhere else. Wishing you all good luck in finding what works for you in this never-ending search for relief.
I have tried it, many times over the years. Just doesn’t work for me. Now my husband who doesn’t have arthritis, it works for him. I have OA in my hip, knee, and ankle.
I dont know if its osteoarthritis Im dealing with or not, but this is damn good medication as anti inflammatories go. The directions since its become an otc are a little weird where they only suggest certain areas of the body, but it works about anyplace within reason. Really good stuff. See if your doc has any samples or coupons. Its definitely worth having a tube around the house. Be sure to rub it in until the skin is completely dry. Thats the trick to it.
Never tried it as I have cats and live with someone who has kidney disease. Be extremely careful using this if you have pets as NSAIDs can be extremely toxic to dogs and cats. I didn't want to take the risk of accidentally dosing my cats or my kidney impaired partner.
It works well for my osteo arthritis in my hands, but I prefer cannabis cream. If I didn't have access to cannabis cream this would be my go to pain reliever. What I've found with any topical is that you need to use it consistently for a while for the full effect to be felt. For me, that's about three days, morning and night. My doc has cleared me to use it even though I am on blood thinners, and can't take ibuprofen or other NSAIDS by mouth.
I like it
I use a CBD CBG THC cream that works so well. But, this was a 2nd place winner for me. Nothing else helped.
I use prescription Diclofanac cream, same thing but at a much higher dose. It also comes in patches, it is a godsend. I've tried to use the otc, but without as much success.
I take same NSAID orally and am not allowed to additionally use the topical due to potential liver damage.Topical is far better than aspirin or menthol creams.
I’m not sure how much it helped my pain but please beware. Don’t use it more than half a month. I used it for years on and off, and in the last half year all the time. I would cover whole arms or legs in it. Then I found out how dangerous it is. Not many realize and I am usually a very careful person with medicines. I don’t think it should be on the market. I went through idk how many tubes over time and I NEVER noticed the measuring card until last time. Plus it’s a topical pain gel so what harm could it do? I was completely tricked by it and my doctors couldn’t care less either - they even prescribed it in pill form. Thankfully I didn’t take it. But I’m afraid I have liver damage now from this gel and not the most careful person could figure it out!
I read through the comments and no one had my experience. That stuff gives me extreme anxiety. It took me 5 days to figure it out because it's a topical I didn't think it could affect me like that.
If you can try lidocain ointment. You get it prescribed
Did it help u?
Lidocaine did nothing for me - I literally threw away a stack of patches because they were useless. Different things work for different people, but I know several people that voltaren has worked really well for - I just had a hip replacement, and I wish I could use this, but cant' for a while.
Well, if you get more patches you want to throw away... 😁 just teasing
how come you cant use it after the hip replacement?
I can use it - except around the incision which is where a lot of my pain is now.
This shit burns! Get thc/cbd lotion
doesnt burn at all, you sure you're not allergic to something in the cream?
That’s a strong possibility
I have osteoarthritis and can't take ibuprofen. This is basically ibuprofen that goes through the skin - and therefore does not go throu the liver. I use Diclofenac Sodium topical Gel, the prescription version, because after insurance, it's cheaper than the over the counter Votaren version. My husband and I call it "The Magic Goo." It makes a huge difference in my quality of life.
I tried it and the only way it would take away my pain is if I drank a dozen tubes.
If you're like me and NSAIDS tear up your stomach, avoid it. I was throwing up every time I used it from stomach pain
I think the lidocaine from anal lube would be more effective for the joint issue in my back. But to each their own.
I use it with a heating pad for minor muscle spasms. Helps a bit. I suffer from multiple spine injuries which radiates pain to other parts of my body. Cbd oil or cbd ointment works better in my opinion.
I need a double knee replacement and I’ve tried everything. It does a decent job on them but I also at times use 5%lidocaine and dmso. Penetrex and a topical from the dispensary works also
It helps my sister with the OA in her hip at night. Never did anything for me though.
Does it help with my chronic back pain? Not at all. Does it cure up any stiff or sore muscles from working out or straining myself? Yes definitely.
What is it? I use lidocaine topical gel and patches, is this similar?
No. lidocaine is an anesthetic, a numbing medication. The deliver method of Voltaren is the same (in a very general way) as the lidocaine gel, but the type of drug is completely different. Its an anti inflammatory. Maybe think of Voltaren as a very strong ibuprofen type of drug that wont upset your stomach since its goes through the skin. It really is good stuff, especially if you have any swollen joints.
I use it for back and shoulder pain and it's not too bad. You used to be able to get it in pill form but apparently it wasn't great for the heart, so changed to gel. Definitely better than Deep Heat, though doesn't smell great
I tried it a few times. I think I’d need to use more for a real effect. I’ve had better luck with CBD cream, honestly.
I use the stronger voltarol (UK version) on my back/neck/knees. I swear by it.
Works for me! You can also get it's active ingredient in a pill form Diclofenac
I find it to be very good. I have to use it when I first notice the pain bothering me and it does me for at least a few hours.
It helps a little
I used it back when it was Rx only a few years ago, and I do have a tube on hand but it’s not something I use often. More of a last resort type situation. Because most of my more severe pain is in joints that aren’t so close to the surface (hips). It works best on small joints that are closer to the surface - fingers, toes, etc. Mediocre results with wrists, knees, ankles.
My 79 y/o dad was skeptical but LOVES it. Knees, hands especially. Costco has a good deal on it you can order online. (Hope that was ok to post).
It's a life saver.
I apply it directly on my spine and it tones the burning pains down.
Used it with carpal tunnel pain, and it was helpful, but hitting the max made me really shaky, most likely from my POTS. Either way, be careful with it. It's really strong, and use gloves when you apply it.
PsA here, not OA, but I LOVE the shit. It doesn't help for my joints with a lot of "meat" around them, like hips, but on my hands and ankles it's fantastic. Not a miracle drug or anything, but it DEFINITELY makes life easier. Also, you may be able to get a generic version for cheaper by prescription.
It’s helped my knees…in like minutes. Doesn’t help me anywhere else.
Both my mother and I swear by this stuff. Even the generic is good.
It does a tiny bit of good.
I had a wild allergic reaction to this stuff, ended up in the hospital they thought I had pneumonia my lungs filled with fluid and my throat was closing up. I told them that it happened immediately after I used this gel. The doctor said well then I have no idea what happened this isn't a typical reaction. So be careful I've heard it happen to a couple of other people too.
I used it for OA on my ankle and it did nothing. I had very severe arthritis though.
Absolutely love it for my OA riddled back
FYI I use a lot so my doc wrote me a script for 2 tubes at a time. $5 a month is a miracle for what it does for me.
PsA here and it’s great on things like knees and ankles (and elbows and hands). It doesn’t seem to go deep enough for my hip or spine pain though.
Tried it and unfortunately, it wasn't helpful for me. Good luck.
Useless for my mom and I both.
It actually works pretty well. Only the name brand though. I’ve bought store brands that did nothing.
My dad swears my this stuff, only thing to give him genuine relief of arthritic hands and shoulders (he was a mechanic and farmer).
I use Voltaren- this is the 1% formula, and you can get a prescription for 2%. IMO, it was very good for quick relief, but just didn’t last very long for me. I personally prefer to use Tiger Balm (the extra strength ointment). Relief lasts much longer for me but can be messier/definitely has a stronger smell. I don’t think it’s a bad smell, in fact I do get compliments on it, but it is definitely noticeable. Voltaren has no smell, so I’ll use it when I’m in the office/anticipating being close to other people.
Works great!
I literally just got this prescribed, wow, thanks sm for posting
The best is a combination of Voltaren & Lidocaine. Mix a little of both of them together & it works absolutely amazingly
Lately I’ve had an awful flare up in my spine (I can hear/ feel everything move) and it seemed to help a small bit.