what does voltaren do

Voltaren is a pain‑relief and anti‑inflammatory medicine that works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and swelling. It’s most commonly used for arthritis and joint or muscle pain.

What Voltaren actually does

Voltaren contains diclofenac , a nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) that:

• Reduces inflammation in joints and tissues by blocking COX enzymes, which lowers prostaglandins (the chemicals that drive pain and swelling).

• Eases pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, sprains, and muscle strains (tablets and some gels).

• When used as a gel, targets pain locally at the joint with less medicine getting into the bloodstream than a pill.

Forms of Voltaren and uses

Different forms of Voltaren are used in slightly different ways:

• Topical gel (like Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel): for joint pain from osteoarthritis in hands, knees, ankles, feet, wrists, and elbows.

• Tablets/capsules: for various types of arthritis, back pain, muscle sprains and strains, and other inflammatory pain conditions.

• It is not meant for all pain types (for example, standard arthritis gel isn’t usually recommended for sprains/strains in some countries; labels differ, so instructions matter).

How it works in the body

Once diclofenac is applied or taken:

• It blocks the COX‑1 and COX‑2 enzymes, leading to fewer prostaglandins, which lowers pain signals and inflammation in the affected area.

• This can reduce joint stiffness, swelling, and tenderness, making movement easier, especially in chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.

Important cautions and side effects

Voltaren is effective but not risk‑free, especially in pill form:

• Common issues: stomach upset, heartburn, skin irritation or rash where the gel is applied.

• More serious risks (mainly with long‑term or high‑dose use by mouth): stomach ulcers/bleeding, kidney problems, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke in some people.

• The gel should not be used on open wounds, eyes, or large areas of damaged skin, and there are limits on how many joints and how many days in a row you can use it.

When to talk to a doctor

Seek medical advice before or during Voltaren use if:

• You have heart disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, are pregnant, or take blood thinners or other NSAIDs.

• Pain lasts more than about 21 days when using the gel, or longer than directed on the package, or suddenly worsens.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.