How Long Does Voltarol Gel take to work?

If you’ve had muscle pains or stiff joints due to work or exercise, Voltarol Gel can bring relief. One of the most common questions asked is how quickly does Voltarol gel work? Understanding how it works and which factors influence effectiveness helps to set realistic expectations for your treatment.

What Is Voltarol Gel?

Diclofenac is the active ingredient in Voltarol gel and it’s a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). When applied to the area in pain, the gel is absorbed through the skin to reduce pain and inflammation. It’s most used for:

• Muscle aches and sprains
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Sports injuries
• Arthritis-related conditions

Diclofenac tablets are available but one benefit that gels have is the delivery of relief directly to the site rather than the medicine being broken down (metabolised) in the liver first.

How Does It Work?

All NSAIDs work in a similar way including Voltarol. Diclofenac blocks the production of prostaglandins, chemicals which can cause pain and swelling (inflammation). By reducing prostaglandin levels, the gel eases discomfort and can increase pain-free mobility. The gel acts locally (fixed to one area) rather than around the whole body (systemically) meaning it is more targeted to managing pain.

How Long Does Voltarol Gel Take to Work?

As Voltarol gel acts locally, it provides quick relief but different factors can impact the time to feel the effects. A generally expected timeline would be:

• Initial relief: Most people report starting to feel some relief between 30 minutes to an hour of applying the gel. Minor pain/mild inflammation should be enough to ease discomfort and allow you to go about your day.
• Full effectiveness: For joint pains and arthritic conditions, the pain will be more significant and the area more inflamed, it can take several days before obvious signs of improvement. Adherence is key, consistent application (up to two times a day for 2.32% Voltarol or as directed by your doctor) helps to optimise the treatment.
• Chronic conditions: If you’re using Voltarol gel for a chronic condition like arthritis, it may take longer (i.e. a few weeks) to experience full benefits even with consistent use. This is because the pain/inflammation in long-term musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis fluctuates depending on various medical factors.

Which Factors Influence How Quickly Voltarol Works?

The time it takes for Voltarol gel to work can be influenced by a range of factors:

• Pain severity: Mild pain or recent injuries usually respond faster to Voltarol gel. Severe pain or chronic muscle/joint problems require more time and consistent use for relief.
• Location and type of Injury: Superficial pain is surface-level pain like muscle strains or minor joint discomfort and will respond more quickly compared to deep joint pain or chronic inflammation.
• Skin type: The thickness of each person’s skin differs. Thicker and dryer skin will take longer for the gel to be absorbed compared to thinner, well-hydrated skin.
• Consistency: For more severe pains, it is important for continued use without missing doses as skipping doses means it takes longer to see the benefit.

How to Maximise the Effectiveness of Voltarol Gel

• Follow the directions: Make sure to follow the recommended dosage. Applying more gel than needed doesn’t speed up relief and only increases the risk of side effects e.g. itching.
• Optimal absorption: Gently massaging the gel into the skin helps with absorption. Avoid using other creams immediately before and after as it can interfere with absorption.
• Be consistent: Especially for ongoing conditions like arthritis, don’t be disheartened if the relief takes time. Gradual improvement is only achieved through continued use.

When Can You Expect Full Results?

Some pain relief should be felt shortly after applying the gel but it’s important to set realistic expectations for how long to reap the full benefits:

• Short-Term Injuries: Sprains and strains should see a significant improvement within a few days of continued use.
• Chronic Pain: For osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, ongoing use over several weeks is needed for significant relief. Even then, consistent application may be needed to ensure the symptoms don’t return.

When to Consult a Doctor?

If you’ve been using Voltarol gel as directed and there’s no improvement within a week, speak to your doctor. Other criteria that would be suitable for consulting a doctor are if the pain worsens or if skin rashes appear (could be a sign of allergy). Your doctor will be able to advise on other treatment options or examine any underlying issues.

Conclusion

Voltarol gel is both a convenient and effective option for managing minor pain and inflammation, especially for a local area. Its effects work relatively quickly and you may start to feel initial relief within an hour although the full benefits can take days or weeks depending on the condition.

Authored & Reviewed By

Yasmin Ahmed

BPharm - Clinical Lead

Musarat Yasmin Ahmed currently serves as the clinical lead at Prescription Doctor, bringing with her a wealth of experience.

Published on: 29/08/2024 Reviewed on: 29/08/2024