Can Voltaren Gel Help Relieve Joint Pain?

With so many options available, it can be hard to figure out which pain relief gel or cream may work the best. You might stand in the store, staring at the seemingly endless rows of boxes lining the shelves, thinking, “Which one should I buy?” Among the array of choices, one may stand out — Voltaren gel (diclofenac gel). 

Previously available by prescription only, Voltaren gel was FDA approved for over-the-counter (OTC) sale in 2020. But just because something’s available OTC doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for everyone to use. Let’s discuss.

What is Voltaren gel?

Voltaren gel is an OTC pain-relieving gel that works to reduce joint pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA) in adults. Many people call Voltaren gel by its brand name. But it’s also known by its generic name, diclofenac sodium gel. Voltaren gel is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be applied directly to the skin (topically) on and around painful joints.

Promotion disclosure

Voltaren Gel (Diclofenac Sodium)

Avg retail price

$24.49(Save 51.49%)

GoodRx discount

$11.88

Compare all prices

Like other NSAIDs, Voltaren gel blocks an enzyme (protein) called cyclooxygenase (COX). COX helps the body make hormones called prostaglandins when we’re sick or injured. By blocking COX, NSAIDs lower the amount of prostaglandins produced. This helps reduce pain and inflammation.

What is Voltaren gel used for?

Voltaren gel is FDA approved for the relief of joint pain caused by OA. OA is a common type of arthritis that affects the joints. According to the CDC, over 32 million adults in the U.S. have this condition. OA causes the cartilage that helps joints move smoothly to break down and wear away. This can cause pain when moving and joint stiffness (especially in the morning).

Where is it safe to use Voltaren gel?

Voltaren gel is safe to apply to the skin and is for external use only. It can be applied to clean, dry skin but shouldn’t be used in areas where there are cuts, infections, or rashes. Voltaren gel shouldn’t be used in the eyes, nose, or mouth.

It’s approved to temporarily relieve OA pain in the following areas:

• Hand

• Wrist

• Elbow

• Foot

• Ankle

• Knee

Voltaren gel can be applied up to 4 times a day. But you shouldn’t apply it to more than 2 painful joints at one time. You also shouldn’t use it for more than 21 days. If you feel you still need it after that, it’s time to check with a healthcare provider. 

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. Speak with your healthcare provider before applying this medication to areas other than what’s listed above.

How to measure and apply Voltaren gel

Measuring a dose of Voltaren gel can be a little tricky, especially if you’ve never used it before. Every container of Voltaren gel and its generic versions comes with a handy dosing card. On it, you’ll see one or two rectangles with two doses marked next to them: 2 gm and 4 gm.

Once you have your tube and the dosing card, follows these 8 steps:

1. Wash and dry your hands.

2. Evenly squeeze out a ribbon of gel inside the rectangle on the card.

3. Fill up the rectangle on the dosing card to either the 2 gm or 4 gm marking.

4. Apply the gel to the affected joint(s). You can use the dosing card to apply it.

5. Use your hands to gently rub the gel in.

6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 if you’re applying Voltaren gel to another joint.

7. Rinse any gel residue off the dosing card and dry it. Store it with your tube of gel for next time.

8. Wash and dry your hands, unless you applied Voltaren gel to your hand joints.

Side effects of Voltaren gel

Since Voltaren gel is applied directly to the skin, very little is absorbed in the body compared to oral forms of diclofenac (Cambia, Cataflam). This can help limit side effects.

Possible skin-related side effects of Voltaren gel include:

• Blisters

• Dryness

• Irritation

• Itching

• Rash

• Skin reddening

Because it’s an NSAID, Voltaren has a boxed warning (the FDA’s most serious warning) about the risk of severe stomach and intestinal side effects, such as ulcers and bleeding. It also has a boxed warning for a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.

Other serious side effects of Voltaren gel and oral diclofenac tablets include:

• High blood pressure

• Fluid retention (body swelling)

• Kidney damage

• Liver damage

• Serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome

• Severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis

Because very little medication reaches the bloodstream with Voltaren gel, it’s expected that the risk of these side effects is low. But if you have a history of heart or kidney problems, discuss Voltaren gel with your healthcare provider before using it.

How long does Voltaren gel stay in your system?

It may take up to 7 days to feel the full effects of Voltaren gel. The medication typically reaches its highest level in the body roughly 10 to 14 hours after applying it.

Diclofenac sodium (the medication in Voltaren gel) can stay in the body for nearly 3 weeks. But keep in mind that this timeframe is based on studies of oral diclofenac. Since very little diclofenac reaches your bloodstream with Voltaren gel, this time could be shorter. But when listing your medications, you should include Voltaren gel if you’ve used it within the last 3 weeks — just to be safe.

Who should not use Voltaren gel?

While Voltaren gel may be safe and effective for some people, it’s not for everyone. You should speak to a healthcare provider before using Voltaren gel if you have certain health conditions, such as:

• Heart disease 

• High blood pressure

• Recent or upcoming coronary artery bypass graft, a type of heart surgery

• History of allergies to other pain relievers or fever reducers, including aspirin

• Pregnancy

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• A history of stomach ulcers or bleeding

You also shouldn’t use Voltaren gel to treat strains, sprains, or sports injuries without a healthcare provider’s OK. More research is needed to see if Voltaren gel works for these injuries.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Elizabeth Cambria, PharmD

Elizabeth Cambria is a licensed, registered pharmacist, and certified pharmacist immunizer in the state of Pennsylvania. She graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts