Skip to main content

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel User Reviews & Ratings

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 255 reviews on Drugs.com. 64% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 22% reported a negative experience.

Write a review

Reviews for Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel

  • Ell...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • June 15, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I have been using the gel for many years, off and on, for pain. I always purchased it in Europe. So happy to see that it is available over the counter in the US now. I have never had any side effects. I highly recommend this product for pain. I am 78 years old."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
138 Report
  • Chr...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 4, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I have osteoarthritis in both knees but periodically my right knee flares up and a Baker's cyst forms behind the knee. I have been using the Voltaren Gel for 4 days now and I can definitely see the inflammation has gone down, and the stiffness is 80% gone. I was hoping to avoid a steroid shot, which is what I usually have to have in such instances. I think this has gotten me past that need, so I am very thankful, and I recommend the product. Costco now carries the product in a 3-tube package."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
115 Report
  • Sor...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 6, 2020

For Pain "I have chronic intractable pain caused by a car accident 50 years ago. 40 years later: fused/plated/screws/rods/nuts/bolts from C2-C7. Also L-spine issues, shoulder tears, arthritis, muscle spasms, lots of nerve damage. 30 years ago I learned oral anti-inflammatory medications were not my friends. When Voltaren gel was new, I tried it a couple of times but found no relief. I recently decided to try Voltaren gel again. BIG MISTAKE ON MY PART! Following the directions, I applied a pea-sized amount in a very small area. 3 days & 6 applications later, my stomach began to burn. It continued up my esophagus to mouth, lips & tongue. It was agony! I caution others with sensitivities or allergies to NSAIDs to think twice before using this medication. It took a full four weeks for the burning to stop. I can't help but be concerned as this medication goes OTC. If I could give a negative number for Voltaren gel, I would. If I could assign the actual number of days used, I would."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
112 Report
  • PJa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 13, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I cannot take oral anti-inflammatories due to overuse when younger. Recently, my osteoarthritis in my right knee became so severe that I couldn't put any weight on it. The pain was incredible. Within hours of applying this gel, the pain and swelling decreased significantly. BUT... 10 days later, I developed an insane headache, high blood pressure spiked, digestive problems, etc. The pharmacist said 'no side effects'. I went from applying it throughout the day to only when I absolutely have to. Just saying... Be cautious if you've had issues with oral anti-inflammatories, as the topical diclofenac is absorbed and yes, there can be side effects that affect your whole body."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
109 Report
  • Kat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 8, 2020

For Pain "Cinda Marie Helen Miller, retired RN, I'm so with you on the 'drat' 'opioid crisis'. It hit a few years ago when I needed help most. Had a hip replaced, with complications. Nerve damage in foot and calf that will last forever. Been on pain meds/gabapentin ever since; maybe 8 years. I've been demeaned by the process of 'pain clinics', counting pills, etc. My daughter has let me try her Voltaren. Going out tomorrow to buy my own. Lower back is gone at age 75, plus the nerve damage. Don't feel I can count on medical community taking care of my pain. If it weren't for the occasional urine test I would try products sold by Cannabis shops. Pain is pain. Life shouldn't be this way at age 75."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
94 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Bar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 22, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "My daughter was given this gel for her leg pain, but it had an adverse reaction for her. It burns her and she refuses to use it, so she gave me a tube for my arthritis in both my knees, my hip, back, and ankles. WOW! This is a dream come true. It seems to work immediately for me, and putting it on right before bed allows me to sleep all night because I have slight to no pain. I wake up, use it, and then my day goes by MUCH better. I'm going to try to remember to actually take it to work with me so I can apply it there. I keep forgetting. Praise God for allowing me to try this gel. I was leery at first but tried it anyway. I am TRULY amazed and will buy more and more and more. Thank you for this amazing discovery."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
164 Report
  • Uri...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 8, 2020

For Pain "I have been in 6 major car crashes, standing still, none my fault, including a Mack truck. Aside from numerous surgeries, cages, rods, screws etc from my shoulder, neck & back, I have developed severe fibromyalgia (told due to multiple trauma). Living in Florida, the changes in barometric pressure affect my body. Within 2 days of Voltaren gel, a great majority of the fibro pain is so improved. No longer feel like I’m walking on black & blues, which is what my legs feel like. Cambia (migraines) and diclofenac are also life-saving medicines for me. I feel blessed. Thank you."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
82 Report
  • Ear...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 25, 2013

For Pain "I have peripheral nerve damage that caused drop foot and horrible neuropathy. For years, I have suffered tingling and burning pain on my left ankle and foot, and the back of my thigh felt badly sunburned. I have seen many doctors, including a pain management doctor who prescribed narcotic pain medication. None of these meds took away the burning nerve pain in my foot, and the side effects interfered with my ability to concentrate at work. My family doctor prescribed Lyrica, and it helped a lot, but I still had constant pain. She prescribed Voltaren gel for me to try, and the results are nothing short of a miracle. After only two doses, my foot felt better than it ever has since my injury in 1997. The awful constant burning sensation is gone!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
161 Report
  • Tin...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 29, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "Voltaren really helped for me. I have osteoarthritis and a lot of swelling in my left knee. I’ve been using it for three days, and the swelling is down, and the pain is almost gone, even though it said you need to use it for a week to see results. I have a bone spur, and it feels so much better. I’m able to move around like I haven’t been able to in a long time."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
73 Report
  • Dee...
  • May 19, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I have every kind of arthritis! I find Voltaren Gel fantastic! I’ve tried everything, on my 2nd tube! I wish it would come in a bigger bottle, and a pump bottle versus the tube! Cream goes quick, I paid $12.99, go throw some coupons at us! Overall very pleased!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
73 Report
  • Mac...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 24, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "Broke a big toe in high school and had surgery to remove a bone spur from this same toe 20 years ago. Three nights ago, the occasional pain I felt in the toe was non-stop shooting pain. The orthopedist I saw yesterday took X-rays and said I had severe osteoarthritis in the first joint - not the big joint at the base of the toe. He said the long-term fix is fusing that joint. He also said the joint is too small to inject. He prescribed diclofenac (brand name Voltaren) gel. Yes, gel. You rub it on and around the joint with pain 3-4 times a day. It’s really made a difference - I slept 7 hours solid last night. Still have pains but they are about 50% less severe."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
75 Report
  • Val...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 26, 2012

For Osteoarthritis "I have had right hip pain for two years everyday all day, hurts worse when I sit down at work, then get up from my desk and try to walk. I had started to limp. I tried Naproxen, Celebrex, Lodine, Cymbalta, and Tramadol, but nothing took the pain away. I had an MRI and went to see a spine doctor, no one could tell me why I had the pain. Upon walking into a physical therapy office, the receptionist told me about Voltaren gel. I had my doctor prescribe it, and after the third day, I realized the pain was not as bad, and by the fifth day, it was barely noticeable. This is a miracle. I use a small amount of gel in the morning and maybe another small amount before I go to bed."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
146 Report
  • Jen...
  • April 25, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I use Voltaren for a painful knee. After applying it daily by hand, I began to notice an amazing improvement in my arthritic hands, the fingers of which were misshapen. They began to straighten! Thank you for my almost perfect 80-year-old hands!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
81 Report
  • Sop...
  • June 6, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "Voltaren Gel was prescribed years ago when it was a prescription, and I did feel pain relief in my knee, but my stomach hurt a lot from it. I tried it now that it is over the counter, and there is a little help with my knee, but major all-day migraine and sweats from using it."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
68 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 18, 2012

For Osteoarthritis "I'm basically a very hard sell when it comes to taking ANY medicines, but pain is a great motivator. Oral NSAIDs have given me some minor distress in the past. A friend turned me on to Voltaren Gel. I used it on my knees, neck, and lower back. This is as close to a miracle as I have experienced in my 50 years of arthritis-producing activities. The best part is that dosing is applied directly and only to the problem areas, so consequently much less ends up in your system overall than if taken orally. Win. Win."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
143 Report
  • whi...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 22, 2017

For Osteoarthritis "I have arthritis in my ankles, knees, sacroiliac area, and hip. I also have fibromyalgia. It hurts so much I can barely move. Whenever I have pain, I use Voltaren Gel. This stuff is a lifesaver. It helps me regain my joint flexibility, and I can move and walk around again. Also, I am not crying out in pain. My life was horrible before Voltaren Gel. Now, I have a normal life again and can manage my symptoms."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
97 Report
  • For...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 20, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "As a former athlete, I am now suffering from osteoarthritis pain and stiffness due to multiple injuries and trauma caused by playing football. My shoulder pain is so bad that some days I can't lift them high enough to wash my hair or put on my coat. My physician sent me for an MRI, and the results show there is very little cartilage left, basically 'bone on bone'. I am in my early 50s and am trying to hold off getting replacements for a few years. I take Percocet when needed, Cymbalta, and recently started using Voltaren gel. Initially, I applied 4g on my entire shoulder area, and within 15 minutes, it began working, as I started to not notice as much pain. The pain relief only lasts 2-3 hours, and the prescription needs to be written to reflect 4g four times a day."

Was this helpful?YesNo
124 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 8, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I have been using Voltaren for some time now and it brings me immediate relief. My muscles seem to be affected by the arthritis I have, and the Voltaren helps those muscles to relax and not knot up on me. I love the stuff!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
116 Report
  • Jud...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 22, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I use Voltaren gel for my arthritis. However, I also have fibromyalgia and use it where I have the most pain, primarily the nerve 'bundles' in my neck and upper back. I have a pain in my shin that wakes me up at night, and have rubbed Voltaren on that area and it gives me 100% relief. I've also rubbed it on my jaw in an area where I have a back tooth that is inflamed. And it also relieves the pain. I am so happy with this medication...thank you Novartis."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
108 Report
  • pin...
  • August 7, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "I have arthritis in my neck, back, and knees. I also have chronic pain from repeated abdominal surgeries. I have muscular pain too. Voltaren Emulgel is amazing. My son played hockey to a Jr A level and had to quit due to chronic knee pain from arthritis (he is only 23) and it has helped us both a great deal. We have had no side effects and we use it for major flare-ups as it is not intended for long-term daily use. We each get a big tube, even though some might find it pricey, you don't have to use a lot, it lasts a long time. The relief it provides is priceless. You should not take it with oral anti-inflammatories and ask a doctor before use if you have any medical conditions and/or take medications (even natural remedies). Great product."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
110 Report
  • Dan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 19, 2014

For Pain "Used to treat severe back pain with spasms. Gave me good pain relief but didn't help quiet spasms. Very pleased to find a pain reliever other than narcotics that helped reduce my lower back, neck, and leg pain."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
97 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 17, 2014

For Pain "I was diagnosed with neuropathy in my right knee down to my foot. This pain started when I was pregnant with my first son 23 years ago. It has gotten worse over the years. To make matters worse, I tore ligaments in my ankle from a fall at work. Finally, after worker's comp., only with my ankle, I was referred to a neurologist. They did many tests and indicated that it was a sensory nerve injury. He gave me a sample of this gel and told me to apply it 4x a day. It worked wonders. Pain was gone! I hope it continues to work this well in the future."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
94 Report
  • Liz...
  • July 21, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I am so excited to find a website with comments confirming what I've suspected - Voltaren gel is a miracle! I've tried everything for a whiplash injury - physical therapists, joint injections, steroid injections, chiropractors, NSAID pills - but did not find my solution until this gel. I put it on my neck at night and wake in the morning gloriously pain-free."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
93 Report
  • Bob...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 8, 2019

For Pain "An important warning: two people switching from ibuprofen or other medications that cause stomach bleeding. I found out that Voltaren gel does this too. Even though it is a topical lotion, it will still give you serious stomach problems. I found this out the hard way after ditching ibuprofen and other pain relievers, and my blood loss came back just as severe once I started the gel. And I had to go on Nexium and iron supplements. I just did not assume this would be the case since it is a gel, but if you look it up, you will see that in fact, it can be just as dangerous. It works really well, no doubt. I was using too much of the extra strength to make up for stopping Aleve and Advil. I think if you use smaller doses in a concentrated area, it would still be better than those, however. It started with stomach discomfort and diarrhea, a slow process. But nonetheless, I was back where I had been before with a burnt stomach lining from too much ibuprofen."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
56 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 8, 2013

For Pain "I have had horrible shooting pain in my face and head from Trigeminal neuralgia. I was written a script by my doctor who said to try it on the temple and jaw to stop the pain. Lo and behold, within minutes the pain stopped! This is honestly one of the best medications out there, it's amazing to have relief so quickly!"

Was this helpful?YesNo
99 Report
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.