How long does Voltaren gel take to work?

The label says it may take up to 7 days for arthritis pain; stop if there is no relief in 7 days.

Can I use Voltaren for a sprain or back pain?

The label says it is not for strains, sprains, bruises or sports injuries, and lists only hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle and knee.

How much Voltaren gel should I use?

2 grams per upper body area and 4 grams per lower body area, 4 times a day, using the dosing card.

Can I use Voltaren gel with ibuprofen?

Ask a doctor first; the label says the bleeding risk is higher with other NSAIDs.

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Voltaren gel (diclofenac 1%)

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.

Quick answerVoltaren Arthritis Pain is diclofenac sodium 1% gel, an NSAID you rub on the skin. The FDA approved it for nonprescription use on February 14, 2020, for temporary relief of arthritis pain. The label limits it to arthritis pain in the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle or knee, and says it is not for strains, sprains, bruises or sports injuries. Use it 4 times a day with the enclosed dosing card: 2 grams for each upper body area and 4 grams for each lower body area, on no more than 2 body areas at once. It may take up to 7 days to work; stop if there is no relief by then.

Our picks at a glance

Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel (diclofenac 1%). Best for: Arthritis pain in hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles or knees. See options on Amazon
Store-brand diclofenac sodium gel 1%. Best for: A fragrance-free option. See options on Amazon

Compare the picks and what to watch out for

Voltaren vs store-brand diclofenac gel

Detail	Voltaren Arthritis Pain	Walgreens diclofenac sodium gel 1%
Active ingredient	Diclofenac sodium 1% (equal to 0.93% diclofenac)	Diclofenac sodium 1%
Use	Arthritis pain only, in hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle or knee	Same uses
Fragrance	Lists fragrance among inactive ingredients	No fragrance listed among inactive ingredients

Details are from each product's DailyMed label. Both contain isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil and propylene glycol among their inactive ingredients.

How to apply it

Measure with the dosing card. For each upper body area (hand, wrist or elbow), squeeze out 2.25 inches (2 grams). For each lower body area (foot, ankle or knee), squeeze out 4.5 inches (4 grams).
Four times a day, every day, as the label directs.
No more than 2 body areas at the same time.
Clean, dry, unbroken skin only: no cuts, open wounds, infections or rashes.
No heat or bandages. Do not apply with external heat such as a heating pad, and do not bandage the treated area.
Keep it away from eyes, nose and mouth; if eye contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.

How long it takes and how long to use it

The label says this product may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain and is not for immediate relief. If you have no pain relief in 7 days, stop use. Use it for up to 21 days unless directed by your doctor, and stop and ask a doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 21 days.

Because it is labeled only for arthritis, it is the wrong choice for a fresh sprain or sports injury; the label says it has not been shown to work for those. For those, see our muscle rub cream guide or lidocaine patches guide.

Warnings: it is still an NSAID

Stomach bleeding. The chance is small but higher if you are 60 or older, have had ulcers or bleeding problems, take a blood thinner or steroid, take other NSAIDs, have 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day, or use more or longer than directed.
Heart attack and stroke. NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
Liver. Liver damage may occur if you apply more or longer than directed, or use other diclofenac products.
Allergy. Diclofenac may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin.
Pregnancy. Do not use at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed by a doctor.

For oral NSAIDs, see our ibuprofen guide and naproxen guide, and do not combine them with the gel without asking a doctor.

Who should ask a doctor first

Ask a doctor before use if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease or asthma, have had a stroke, take a diuretic, have a history of stomach problems such as heartburn, or have had problems with pain relievers before. The label says it is not known if this drug works or is safe in children under 18, so ask a doctor for anyone under 18. Do not use it right before or after heart surgery.

When to stop

Stop use and ask a doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 21 days, redness or swelling is present in the painful area, fever occurs, skin irritation occurs, or any new symptoms appear. Stop and get help for signs of stomach bleeding (feeling faint, bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, stomach pain that does not get better) or heart problems or stroke (chest pain, trouble breathing, leg swelling, weakness on one side, slurred speech).

Store at 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F), keep from freezing, and keep the dosing card, carton and User Guide.

What to look for when you buy

Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel (diclofenac 1%)

Best for: Arthritis pain in hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles or knees

Its label lists diclofenac sodium 1% with a dosing card for 2 or 4 gram doses.

Watch out: May take up to 7 days to work; not for sprains or sports injuries.

See options on Amazon

Store-brand diclofenac sodium gel 1%

Best for: A fragrance-free option

The Walgreens label lists diclofenac sodium 1% with no fragrance among inactive ingredients.

Watch out: Same NSAID warnings and 21-day limit apply.