Do not apply to an open skin wound, or on areas of infection, rash, burn, or peeling skin. Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or expose it to heat from a hot tub, heating pad, or sauna. Heat or bandaging can increase the amount of diclofenac you absorb through your skin.
You can use Voltaren on minor injuries, aches and pains as well joint pain. It is great for knee pain relief, shoulder pain relief, wrist pain relief, back pain, other muscle pain relief and joint pain relief, as well.
Why can't I use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel for shoulders, hips, etc.? Voltaren has not been studied for the relief of arthritis pain in the shoulders, hips, and back.
For superficial joints – like hands, wrists and even knees – it can be very effective. However, the joints of the cervical spine in the neck, and most of the shoulder joint, are deeper than the Voltaren can penetrate. Voltaren is not appreciably absorbed into the blood, so all of its actions are local.
Apply the medicine very carefully to clean, dry skin, and avoid getting any in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not apply this medicine to areas with broken skin or open wounds, infection, or severely peeling skin. Apply enough medicine each time to cover the entire affected area.
Older adults may be at greater risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, and stroke while using this drug.
Roach: Since topical applications of creams like Voltaren or Aspercream are absorbed into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body, and do not go directly to the site of pain, is there an advantage to using them over oral NSAIDs?
Now, you may be asking, “Why can't I use Voltaren gel on my back or shoulder?” This is because it hasn't been well-studied on these body areas. More research is needed to see if Voltaren gel is safe and effective for these uses.
Voltaren Emulgel helps with the relief of localized traumatic inflammation and pain such as neck pain. Neck pain can be the result of stress, tension and poor posture and tends to affect us more as we age.
The best product for shoulder pain relief is Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel. It is an effective topical analgesic that helps alleviate pain from rotator cuff injuries, as well as other muscle and joint pain. It contains menthol, a natural analgesic, and is easy to apply.
Voltaren Emulgel helps with the relief of localized traumatic inflammation and pain such as back pain. Back pain, especially lower back pain, is one of the most common causes of body pain.
Voltaren Emulgel can be used for the relief of body pain, inflammation and swelling in: Soft-tissue injuries: trauma of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints, due to sprains, strains, bruises and backache (e.g. in sports injuries); Localised forms of soft tissue rheumatism including tendonitis and bursitis.
Lidoderm is used to relieve nerve pain after shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia). Voltaren Gel is used to treat pain of osteoarthritis of joints that are amenable to topical treatment, such as the hands and knees. Lidoderm and Voltaren Gel belong to different drug classes.
For osteoarthritis of the hands, elbows, or wrists using Voltaren® 1% gel: Adults—Apply 2 grams (g) to the affected skin areas four times a day (a total of 8 g each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 g per day over all affected joints. Use the enclosed dosing card to measure the appropriate dose.
Since prepatellar bursitis is quite superficial, topical NSAIDs such as diclofenac topical gel (Voltaren Gel) can be very effective, with minimal systemic side effects.
Some products that may interact with this drug are: aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as benazepril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan), cidofovir, corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone, prednisone), lithium, methotrexate, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide).
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs unless your doctor tells you to. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms.
Some neck pain may be due to inflammation in the discs of the spine and the surrounding nerves and joints. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alleviate pain by reducing inflammation. NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, all of which are available over-the-counter.
Neck and shoulder tension
Tiger Balm may help reduce neck and shoulder pain.
Since the medication in diclofenac topical may be absorbed from the skin, combining it with ibuprofen may increase the risk and/or severity of side effects reported with this class of drugs, including stomach ulcer, fluid retention, high blood pressure, bleeding, and liver or kidney problems.
It's safe to take diclofenac with paracetamol or codeine. Do not take diclofenac with similar painkillers, like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, without talking to a doctor. Diclofenac, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen all belong to the same group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Voltaren gel is usually applied four times a day. You might get some relief quickly (within half an hour), but if often takes a few days of use for the full benefits to kick in. Make sure you wash your hands before and after using the product, says Dr.
“NSAIDs, including Voltaren Gel, can lead to the onset of new hypertension or worsening of preexisting hypertension, either of which may contribute to the increased incidence of cardiovascular events…Blood pressure should be monitored closely during the initiation of therapy with Voltaren Gel and throughout the course ...
This medication can cause serious ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. It can happen with no warning. Smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your care team right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.