Frequently Asked Questions About
Arthritis & Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel

Your Arthritis & Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel questions, answered.

  • Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is an OTC, prescription‑strength topical NSAID with diclofenac sodium designed to relieve arthritis joint pain caused by inflammation.3
  • It targets pain at the source by penetrating the skin to help block pain‑signaling chemicals, unlike other topicals that only heat or cool the surface.3
  • Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel is approved for use on specific joints only—hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and feet—and can be used on up to two body areas at a time.
  • Apply Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel four times daily for up to 21 days, with significant pain relief typically felt within 7 days of continuous use.

VOLTAREN ARTHRITIS PAIN GEL

General

  • How do I know if I have arthritis?

    The most common symptoms associated with arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Pain is your body’s warning signal to alert you that something isn’t right. If you suspect that you have arthritis, speak with a doctor to help diagnose your symptoms.

  • What is Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel used for?

    Voltaren Benefits
    • Show Transcript

      Text: What is Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel Used For?

      VO: Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel can be used for temporary relief of arthritis pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles and knees. It was studied in patients with osteoarthritis.

      Text: Osteoarthritis

      VO: Osteoarthritis or OA is the most common form of arthritis and mainly affects cartilage. When you have OA, your cartilage begins to break away and wear away, resulting in joint pain and stiffness.

      Text: Joint Pain

      Text: Stiffness

      VO: OA occurs more frequently when you get older and the pain can gradually worsen over time.

      Text: Use as directed

      VO: Voltaren works similarly to oral NSAIDs like naproxen by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins. It works by penetrating deep through your skin to deliver NSAID medicine and relieve arthritis pain.

      Text: The joy of movement

    Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel can be used for the temporary relief of arthritis pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles and knees to make daily tasks less painful. It was studied in patients with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and mainly affects cartilage.2 When you have OA, your cartilage begins to break down and wear away, resulting in joint pain and stiffness.2 OA occurs more frequently when you get older and the pain can gradually worsen over time.2

    Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel works similarly to oral NSAIDs like naproxen by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.3 It works by penetrating deep through skin to deliver NSAID medicine and help relieve arthritis pain to help you seize the day.

  • What is the active ingredient in Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel?

    The active ingredient in Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is diclofenac sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It falls in the same class as other NSAIDs such as naproxen.

  • How is over-the-counter Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel different from prescription Voltaren Gel?

    Over-the-counter Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is the same strength and formula as the original, full-strength Voltaren Gel, but is available without a prescription.

  • How is Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel different from other over-the-counter topical pain relievers?

    Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is the first full prescription-strength OTC topical NSAID gel for arthritis pain. Not all topicals treat pain the same way. Unlike most topicals, which work by producing a heating or cooling sensation to distract from the pain, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel penetrates deep to help relieve arthritis pain caused by inflammation by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals.3

  • What is the difference between topical and oral diclofenac?

    Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is often used to treat arthritis pain.4 It comes in both topical and oral forms.4

    The FDA approval of Voltaren Arthritis Pain is specifically for the topical gel form. Voltaren Arthritis Pain does not offer an oral diclofenac form.

    Topical NSAIDs, such as Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (diclofenac sodium 1%), should be considered prior to the use of oral NSAIDs, according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Treatment Guidelines.5 The goal for this ACR guideline is for patients to achieve the lowest systemic exposure, which refers to the amount of NSAID medicine circulating in the bloodstream.

    As a topical gel, a smaller amount of diclofenac from Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel reaches the bloodstream compared with the oral form of diclofenac.4,5 In a clinical study, the systemic exposure with Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel was 6%, or 94% less than the systemic exposure with the oral NSAID diclofenac.

    Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is applied directly to the joints and penetrates through the skin on its way to the site of arthritis pain. Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel also gives you greater flexibility in managing your arthritis pain with FDA approval for use up to 21 days, while oral NSAIDs are indicated for use up to 10 days without consulting a doctor.

  • How is Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel different from lidocaine products such as Icy Hot, Aspercreme, or Salonpas?

    How Voltaren Differs from Lidocaine Products
    • Show Transcript

      Text: How is Voltaren Different From Lidocaine Products Such As Icy Hot, Aspercreme, or Salonpas?

      VO: Unlike topical lidocaine products that work by desensitizing the nerves to numb away the pain, Voltaren contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine that treats pain by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.

      Text: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory (NSAID) Medicine

      VO: Additionally, Voltaren is developed specifically to relieve arthritis joint pain. It’s the first full prescription strength OTC topical NSAID treatment for joint pain due to arthritis.

      Text: First full prescription strength

      Text: Use as directed

      Text: The joy of movement

    Unlike topical lidocaine products that work by desensitizing the nerves to numb away the pain, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine that treats pain by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.3 Additionally, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is developed specifically to relieve arthritis joint pain. It’s the first full prescription-strength OTC topical NSAID treatment for joint pain due to arthritis.

  • How is Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel different from products such as Biofreeze, Icy Hot, Salonpas Pain Relieving Gel-Patch HOT, Aspercreme, and Bengay?

    Unlike other topicals that heat or cool the surface of the skin, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine that treats pain by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.3

    Additionally, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is developed specifically to relieve arthritis joint pain. It’s the first full prescription-strength OTC topical NSAID treatment for joint pain due to arthritis.

    Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is FDA-approved to be used daily for up to 21 days in a row, while Salonpas Arthritis Pain Relf is approved for 5 days of use in a row before consulting a doctor.

  • How is Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel different from Aleve?

    Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel works similarly to oral NSAIDs like naproxen by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.3 However, when taking a pill, the medication is distributed to the site of pain through the bloodstream. Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel works by penetrating deep into your skin to deliver medicine at the site of arthritis pain.

    Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is an alternative to oral analgesics such as Aleve. It targets pain directly at its source, delivering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication for powerful arthritis pain relief. It’s the first full prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel now available over the counter. And, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is FDA approved to be used 2x longer than Aleve*

    *21 days vs 10 days for Aleve before consulting a doctor.

  • How is Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel different from Tylenol?

    How Voltaren Differs from Tylenol
    • Show Transcript

      Text: How is Voltaren Different from Tylenol?

      VO: Acetaminophen is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine. It works by elevating the body’s pain threshold, so you feel less pain.

      Text: Use as directed

      VO: Voltaren is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID like naproxen. It works by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.

      Text: NSAID

      Text: Prostaglandins

      VO: Voltaren is an alternative to oral analgesics such as Tylenol and targets pain directly at the source. It’s the first full prescription strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel now available over the counter.

      Text: First full prescription strength

      Text: The joy of movement

    Acetaminophen is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine. It is thought to work by elevating the body’s pain threshold, so you feel less pain.6

    Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.3

    Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is an alternative to oral analgesics such as Tylenol and targets pain directly at the source. It’s the first full prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel now available over the counter. And, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is FDA approved to be used 2x longer than Tylenol at 21 days vs 10 days for Tylenol before consulting a doctor.

    Topical NSAIDS (Voltaren) should be considered prior to acetaminophen, the primary ingredient in Tylenol, for knee osteoarthritis as per the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) OA Treatment Guidelines, a leading professional guideline for treatment of osteoarthritis.

  • What is Voltaren Emulgel™?

    Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is made of a smooth, non-greasy formula that combines a gel and cream (Voltaren Emulgel™) for topical application. This specialized formula helps the active ingredient, diclofenac, penetrate through the skin at the site of pain. Unlike most topicals, which work by producing a heating or cooling sensation to distract from the pain, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel penetrates deep to relieve arthritis pain caused by inflammation.3

  • How will Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel feel on my body?

    When you apply Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel to the skin, it creates a cooling and moisturizing effect.

  • When does Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel start working?

    How Long Does it Take Voltaren to Start Working?
    • Show Transcript

      Text: When Does Voltaren Start Working?

      VO: Voltaren contains an effective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine which is clinically proven to relieve arthritis joint pain. With 4-times-a-day use, you may start to feel relief within a few days. You should feel significant pain relief within 7 days of continuous use.

      Text: Use as directed

      Text: The joy of movement

    In clinical studies, pain was not measured until 7 days of continuous use, at which time significant reductions in pain were observed compared to placebo. You may start to feel relief within a few days. However, you should feel significant pain relief within 7 days of continuous use. With Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel, you’re just 7 days away from a better morning.

  • Where can I buy Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel?

    You can find Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel on our website as well as all major retailers, over-the-counter and online—no prescription is needed. Look for Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel where you purchase your current pain products.

  • Is there a discount for Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel?

    Yes, there is a coupon available for a limited time on our website. You may use it to purchase your next Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel.

  • How is Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel different?

    Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is made of a smooth, non-greasy formula that combines a gel and cream (Voltaren Emulgel™) for topical application. This specialized formula helps the active ingredient, diclofenac, penetrate through the skin at the site of pain. While most other topicals heat or cool the surface of the skin to distract the pain, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel goes further to treat the pain at its source by temporarily blocking the production of pain-signaling chemicals.

  • Does Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel come in a roll-on?

    No, Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel does not a have roll-on sold in the United States and is only available as a topical over-the-counter (OTC) gel.

Usage

Safety

ORDERS AND SHIPPING

Orders and Shipping

  • What payment options can I use?

    When ordering Voltaren products online, you can use the four major credit/debit cards, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, to complete your order. If you are eligible for a coupon, you may use it to purchase your next Voltaren product.

  • When will my order be shipped?

    Most orders will be shipped and delivered within 5-7 business days. There will be exceptions because the Voltaren products ordered online come from selected retailers not the main warehouse. Please check the confirmation email to check the progress of your order.

  • What shipping service is used for orders?

    All Voltaren orders are powered by Shoppable.

Source Citations:
  1. Arthritis. MedLine Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/arthritis.html. Accessed 03/13/2026.
  2. Ossteoarthritis – Symptoms & Causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925. Accessed 03/13/2026.
  3. NSAIDs. Arthritis Foundation. https://www.arthritis.org/drug-guide/nsaids/nsaids. Accessed 03/13/2026.
  4. Diclofenac topical solution compared with oral diclofenac: a pooled safety analysis. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3141832/. Accessed 03/16/2026.
  5. Topical NSAIDs Offer Joint Pain Relief. Arthritis Foundation. https://www.arthritis.org/drug-guide/medication-topics/topical-nsaids-offer-joint-pain-relief. Accessed 03/16/2026.
  6. NSAIDs vs. Acetaminophen: Which Over-the-Counter Medicine Should I Use? Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/acetaminophen-nsaids-over-the-counter-pain-relievers. Accessed 03/16/2026.

 

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel Package
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relieving Gel Package

Use as directed. Voltaren is approved for treatment of arthritis pain.

Feel the Joy of Movement

Don't stop moving through life. Voltaren is a powerful over-the-counter topical that targets arthritis pain directly to deliver clinically proven results.