In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved several topical products (Voltaren, Solaraze, others) that contain the prescription NSAID diclofenac for the treatment of osteoarthritis in joints close to the skin's surface, such as the hands and knees.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen are the most effective oral medications for osteoarthritis. They should be taken under the guidance of a doctor to ensure safe use.
Voltaren helps alleviate joint pain due to arthritis in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, and knees. Apply Voltaren gel to the skin over the affected part of the body. Do not use on more than two body areas at the same time.
For osteoarthritis of the knees, ankles, or feet using Voltaren® 1% gel: Adults—Apply 4 grams (g) to the affected skin areas four times a day (a total of 16 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.
How long should I use Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel? It is intended to be used 4 times a day, every day. Use up to 21 days unless directed by your doctor.
Diclofenac is the Most Effective NSAID in Reducing Osteoarthritic Pain.
Several nutritional supplements have shown promise for relieving pain, stiffness and other arthritis symptoms. Glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e and curcumin are just some of the natural products researchers have studied for osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Prescription Opioids
In special cases, strong pain drugs such as codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone can help people with OA pain. Due to their side effects, doctors prescribe them only for those with severe pain who can't take NSAIDs or for those waiting for joint replacement.
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.
Heat and cold treatments can help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation. Heat treatments can include taking a long, warm shower or bath in the morning to help ease stiffness and using an electric blanket or moist heating pad to reduce discomfort overnight.
Aspercreme® Arthritis is a new topical gel with diclofenac. This prescription-strength pain reliever is now available over the counter.
Voltaren Emulgel helps with the relief of localized traumatic inflammation and pain such as knee pain. As one of the largest and most complex joints in our body, the knee is prone to damage, particularly in runners, which can lead to knee pain.
Taking magnesium can help to reduce arthritic pain and inflammation. It may be beneficial to take magnesium supplements or eat foods rich in magnesium if you are experiencing arthritic pain.
Such is the case with vitamin D. When you aren't getting enough, you may get pain in your joints. Vitamin D's anti-inflammatory properties help relieve joint pain. Vitamin D also can help manage autoimmune conditions that affect the joints, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type 1 diabetes.
Heat and cold. Use of heat, such as applying heating pads to aching joints, taking hot baths or showers, or immersing painful joints in warm paraffin wax, can help relieve pain temporarily. Be careful not to burn yourself. Use heating pads for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
Symptoms of overdose/swallowing may include: severe stomach pain, change in the amount of urine, slow/shallow breathing.
For example, you should not use Voltaren: If you have any heart issues or are at risk for adverse events such as heart attack and stroke. If you have allergies to this drug or other pain or fever aids such as aspirin. Before or after heart surgery4.
Put 10 drops of the solution at a time on your hand or directly to your knee. Apply the solution evenly on the front, back, and sides of your knee. After using the Pennsaid® solution, wait for at least 30 minutes before showering or bathing. Do not use external heat or dressings to the treated knee.