Voltaren, also known as diclofenac, is a widely available medication used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. It is found in both over-the-counter and prescription forms, offering a common option for managing various types of discomfort.
What Voltaren Is and How It Works
Voltaren belongs to a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by reducing the body’s production of prostaglandins, chemicals that trigger inflammation, pain, and fever. Diclofenac achieves this by inhibiting specific enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) involved in prostaglandin synthesis.
By blocking these enzymes, Voltaren decreases the inflammatory response, effectively reducing swelling and tenderness. Voltaren is available in various formulations, including oral tablets and topical gels.
Is Voltaren Effective for Hip Pain?
Voltaren can be effective for hip pain, particularly that stemming from inflammatory conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for conditions such as osteoarthritis, which involves joint degeneration and inflammation. It can also help alleviate pain associated with bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around joints, and muscle strains in the hip area.
Topical Voltaren gel is commonly used for joint pain, including the hip. Its mechanism of action, which targets inflammation, provides relief for hip pain caused by inflammatory processes. Topical application allows the medication to concentrate in the affected area, offering localized pain relief.
How to Use Voltaren for Hip Pain
When using Voltaren topical gel for hip pain, proper application is important. The recommended dose for larger joints like the hip is typically 4 grams per application. This amount should be applied to the affected area four times daily. Use the dosing card provided with the product to measure the correct amount of gel.
Gently rub the gel into the skin over the hip until it is absorbed. After application, wash your hands thoroughly unless the hands themselves are the treated area. It is advisable to wait at least 10 minutes before covering the treated area with clothing and at least one hour before showering or bathing. If using oral forms of Voltaren, follow the dosage instructions provided by a healthcare professional, which commonly range from 100-150 mg per day in divided doses for osteoarthritis.
Important Considerations When Using Voltaren
Using Voltaren, especially in oral forms, requires awareness of potential side effects and precautions. Common side effects of the topical gel include skin irritation, dryness, itching, and redness at the application site. Oral forms may lead to gastrointestinal issues such as stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
More serious risks, though less common with topical application due to lower systemic absorption, include cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers, and kidney or liver problems. Individuals with pre-existing heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of stomach ulcers should exercise caution. Voltaren should also be avoided just before or after heart bypass surgery and used cautiously if taking other NSAIDs or blood thinners. Pregnant individuals, particularly in later stages, should avoid using Voltaren due to potential risks to the unborn baby.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable if hip pain persists or worsens despite using Voltaren, or if it does not show improvement within a few days to a week. Seek medical attention if you experience severe side effects, such as signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (black, tarry stools or vomiting blood), severe skin reactions, or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke (chest pain, sudden numbness or weakness).
It is also important to talk to your doctor if you have underlying health conditions, such as heart, kidney, or liver disease, before starting Voltaren. Medical consultation is necessary if your hip pain resulted from an accident or fall, or if it is accompanied by symptoms like a deformed joint, inability to bear weight, significant swelling, or fever.