How to Use Voltaren to Relieve Pain and Inflammation: A Complete Guide

Content

• Introduction
• Why Do We Feel Pain?
• What Is Voltaren?
• How Does Voltaren Work?
• When Should Voltaren Be Used?
• How to Use Voltaren Properly?
• What Is the Optimal Dose of Voltaren?
• Are There Any Side Effects of Voltaren?
• Can Voltaren Interact with Other Medications?
• When Should You Contact a Doctor While Using Voltaren?
• Who Should Avoid Using Voltaren?
• Conclusion

Introduction

Muscle and joint pain and inflammation are among the most common health problems people of all ages may face due to physical strain, prolonged sitting, sports injuries, or chronic conditions such as arthritis. With the fast pace of daily life, many individuals seek an effective treatment that offers quick relief and restores their ability to move comfortably.

Despite the availability of many pain medications, it is essential to understand how each medication works, its correct uses, and the precautions required before taking it. Among these medications, Voltaren is one of the most commonly used and medically approved options for treating pain and inflammation. Understanding how to use it correctly is an important step in achieving the best therapeutic result and avoiding unwanted side effects.

Learning how Voltaren works, the appropriate treatment duration, the correct dosage, and the suitable patient group—alongside knowing when the medication should be avoided—helps ensure safer and more effective treatment outcomes.
This article provides clear and comprehensive answers to the most important questions about Voltaren to help you decide whether it is appropriate for your condition.

Why Do We Feel Pain?

The body contains sensory nerve cells known as pain receptors, responsible for detecting any damage in tissues or cells. When an injury or inflammation occurs, these receptors send signals through the spinal cord to the brain, where they are interpreted as pain. This mechanism serves as a protective response, alerting the body to a problem that needs medical attention.

Pain varies in intensity and duration depending on the injury and its location. It may be acute, such as after surgery or major trauma, or mild to moderate, such as menstrual pain, toothache from cavities, muscle and joint pain, headaches, or general body aches due to colds. In such cases, a doctor may recommend pain relievers like Voltaren to reduce discomfort and improve daily activity.

What Is Voltaren?

Voltaren is one of the most widely used medications to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It contains the active ingredient diclofenac sodium, a member of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) known for effectively targeting inflammation and pain.

Voltaren is used to treat various conditions, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Acute gout
• Migraine attacks
• Muscle and joint pain
• Tendon and ligament inflammation
• Sprains and muscle strains
• Pain associated with fractures
• Pain after minor surgeries such as dental or orthopedic procedures

Voltaren is available in multiple forms: tablets, topical gel, and suppositories, allowing doctors to choose the most suitable form and dose for each patient.

How Does Voltaren Work?

Voltaren contains diclofenac sodium, which belongs to the NSAIDs group commonly used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever.

When the body is exposed to injury or inflammation, it releases chemicals called prostaglandins, which are responsible for redness, swelling, pain, and heat in the affected area.

These prostaglandins are produced through enzymes known as COX-1 and COX-2.

Voltaren works by blocking these enzymes, which reduces prostaglandin production and leads to:

• Reduced pain
• Reduced inflammation
• Lowered fever

This makes Voltaren effective for arthritis, muscle pain, migraines, and pain resulting from injuries or inflammation.

When Should Voltaren Be Used?

Voltaren is used when pain is linked to inflammation or swelling, or when quick relief is needed. It is commonly prescribed in cases such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and acute gout
• Muscle and tendon pain from strain, sprains, tendonitis, or sports injuries
• Acute pain such as back, neck, or shoulder pain
• Migraine attacks
• Post-surgical pain (dental, orthopedic, and minor surgeries)
• Pain associated with fractures
• Fever caused by inflammation

How to Use Voltaren Properly

• Follow the form prescribed by your doctor: tablets, topical gel, or suppositories.
• Tablets should be taken after food and swallowed whole with water.
• Voltaren gel is for external use only; apply it to the affected area and massage gently.
• Avoid applying the gel to open wounds, irritated skin, or near the eyes and mouth.
• Do not use more than one form of Voltaren on the same day unless advised by your doctor.
• Do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dose.
• Do not use Voltaren for long periods without medical supervision.
• Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
• Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe stomach pain, rash, breathing difficulties, or swelling.

What Is the Optimal Dose of Voltaren?

The proper dose of Voltaren is determined by the doctor based on age, health condition, pain severity, and the type of dosage form. Doctors typically prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest period to minimize side effects.

Are There Any Side Effects of Voltaren?

• Skin irritation or redness.
• Topical Voltaren reduces the risk of some side effects—such as cardiovascular or gastrointestinal issues—compared to oral NSAIDs.

Can Voltaren Interact With Other Medications?

• Anticoagulants: Avoid using diclofenac with blood thinners, as this may increase the risk of bleeding.

When Should You Contact a Doctor While Using Voltaren?

• Severe or persistent stomach pain
• Vomiting blood or black stool
• Sudden swelling in the legs or face
• Severe rash or allergy symptoms
• Difficulty breathing or chest tightness
• Pain that does not improve
• High fever
• Any unusual symptoms in people with heart, kidney, or liver disease
• If you are taking other medications that may interact with Voltaren

Who Should Avoid Using Voltaren?

• Asthma
• Active gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers
• Use during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
• Moderate to severe kidney impairment
• Severe liver failure or active liver disease
• Elderly patients due to higher risk of side effects
  

Conclusion

Voltaren is a highly effective medication for relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and lowering fever. It is used in various conditions that affect daily comfort and mobility. However, correct usage, adherence to the recommended doses, and understanding when it should be avoided are essential to ensure safety and effectiveness. If symptoms do not improve or unusual signs appear, consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment. Always remember that even commonly used medications require responsible and supervised use.