Voltarol Gel is a topical anti-inflammatory treatment containing diclofenac, used to relieve joint pain, muscle pain, sprains, strains and osteoarthritis. It works by reducing inflammation directly at the source of pain. Available in different strengths including Voltarol 1.16%, Voltarol Max Strength 2.32% and Voltarol Osteoarthritis Gel. Buy Voltarol Gel online from Dock Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy.
When you’re dealing with aching joints or sore muscles, you want relief that gets right to the point. That’s exactly what Voltarol gel is designed to do. It’s a topical anti-inflammatory treatment that you apply directly to the skin, delivering its active ingredient, diclofenac, straight to the source of the pain.
Instead of taking a pill that travels through your entire system, this targeted approach means you can tackle local inflammation and discomfort exactly where you feel it. It’s a go-to choice for everything from everyday aches to annoying sprains.
For a quick overview of what Voltarol Gel offers, take a look at the table below.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Diclofenac Diethylammonium |
| Drug Class | Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) |
| Primary Use | Localised relief from joint and muscle pain |
| Mechanism | Penetrates the skin to reduce inflammation at the source |
| Common Conditions | Osteoarthritis, muscle strains, sprains, sports injuries |
This table sums up why so many people rely on Voltarol Gel for effective, targeted pain management.
Voltarol Gel contains diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Instead of taking tablets, you apply the gel directly onto the painful area, where it is absorbed into tissues and joints to control:
Pain
Swelling
Inflammation
Stiffness
Think about what happens when you sprain your ankle or have an arthritis flare-up. Your body releases chemicals that trigger inflammation and send pain signals to your brain. Oral painkillers work by circulating through your bloodstream to quieten these signals, but Voltarol gel works more like a local specialist.
You simply apply the gel directly onto the painful area. The active ingredient, diclofenac, belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It’s specially formulated to pass through the skin barrier and get to work right in the underlying tissue.
Once there, it blocks the production of the chemicals causing the swelling and pain. This focused action is a major advantage, as it provides powerful relief while minimising the amount of medication that needs to travel through your body.
This ability to deliver localised relief makes Voltarol Gel an incredibly practical solution for a whole host of musculoskeletal issues. It’s perfect for anyone who needs to manage pain in a specific spot without the full-body side effects that can come with oral medicines.
It’s particularly helpful for:
This direct-to-the-source approach has made it a staple in medicine cabinets across the UK. In fact, the market for Voltaren (the brand name for diclofenac gel) in the UK was valued at around USD 278.28 million, which speaks volumes about how much people value this kind of treatment. The consumer preference is clearly for topical gels that absorb quickly and get the job done.
By delivering relief directly to the source of pain, Voltarol Gel allows you to manage discomfort effectively, whether it’s from chronic arthritis or an acute injury, letting you get back to your daily activities with greater comfort.
Because it targets pain right where it starts, Voltarol Gel provides relief for all sorts of discomforts, including many common foot problems in runners. This reliability is what makes it a trusted choice for millions seeking localised treatment.
When you rub Voltarol gel onto a sore joint or aching muscle, you’re kicking off a very specific and targeted process right beneath the skin. Once it soaks in, the active ingredient, diclofenac, gets to work on the real source of your discomfort: inflammation. This is where the gel really shines.
Think of inflammation as your body’s alarm system. After an injury or when a joint flares up, your body releases chemicals called prostaglandins. These are the culprits behind the pain, swelling, and redness that tell you something’s wrong.
To create these prostaglandins, your body relies on specific enzymes called cyclooxygenase, or COX enzymes. A simple way to picture them is as tiny factory workers whose job is to pump out pain signals. Diclofenac acts like a roadblock, getting in their way and stopping them from working.
By blocking the COX enzymes, Voltarol gel effectively shuts down the prostaglandin “factory” right at the site of the pain. This localised action is precisely why topical treatments are often such a great choice for muscle and joint issues.
The real advantage of a topical NSAID like Voltarol gel is that it concentrates the medicine directly in the inflamed tissue. This delivers powerful relief while minimising the amount of drug that has to circulate through the rest of your body.
This direct approach is a game-changer because it lowers the risk of systemic side effects, like the stomach irritation sometimes linked with taking oral anti-inflammatory tablets. Because only a small amount of the active ingredient actually enters your bloodstream, the impact elsewhere is kept to a minimum.
The evidence is pretty clear: for many types of pain, a localised treatment can be just as effective as taking a pill, but with a better safety profile. Studies comparing oral ibuprofen to topical diclofenac have shown both offer significant pain relief, confirming that a gel is a brilliant alternative for those who struggle with oral medications.
This targeted mechanism brings several key advantages:
This precision makes Voltarol gel a smart and practical choice for managing localised pain. While the gel tackles inflammation head-on, it’s also worth exploring other strategies to support your body. Reading up on natural ways to reduce inflammation can be a great addition to your wellness routine. For other drug-free options, you might also want to look into using a TENS machine for pain relief.
Voltarol delivers diclofenac through the skin directly to the inflamed tissue.
It:
Blocks inflammatory chemicals
Reduces swelling
Eases pain
Improves mobility
Because it works locally, it may have fewer stomach-related side effects than oral painkillers.
To really feel the benefit of Voltarol Gel, it’s all about how you apply it. This isn’t your average body lotion; think of it as a targeted treatment. Applying it correctly is the key to ensuring the active ingredient, diclofenac, sinks through the skin to get right to the source of the inflammation.
Before you even open the tube, make sure the area you’re treating is clean and completely dry. Any lingering moisture, oils, or other lotions can create a barrier, stopping the gel from absorbing properly. It’s a simple prep step, but it makes a world of difference.
Using the right amount of Voltarol Gel is crucial. Too little won’t give you the relief you need, but slathering on too much is just wasteful and won’t speed up the results. A good rule of thumb is to squeeze out a blob of gel somewhere between the size of a one pence and a two pence piece – just adjust for the size of the painful area.
For the best results, just follow these simple steps:
If you’re dealing with a persistent issue like arthritis pain, consistency is key. Most formulas, like the popular Voltarol 12 Hour Gel, are designed to be used twice a day, usually morning and evening, about 12 hours apart.
A few simple guidelines can help you use Voltarol Gel safely and get the best possible results. Sticking to them will maximise the anti-inflammatory benefits while steering clear of any potential skin irritation.
Crucial Safety Tip: Never put Voltarol Gel on skin that is broken, damaged, infected, or irritated. This includes areas with cuts, open wounds, or conditions like eczema. The gel is strictly for use on healthy, intact skin.
Keep these key points in mind:
When you’re standing in the pharmacy aisle looking at the different Voltarol products, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. They aren’t all the same, and picking the right one is crucial for getting the best possible relief. The key is to match the gel’s strength and application schedule to your specific pain and lifestyle.
Think about it this way: if you’re dealing with the stubborn, all-day ache of osteoarthritis, you’ll want something that works for hours on end, so you’re not constantly stopping to reapply it. On the other hand, if you’ve just pulled a muscle during a weekend kickabout, a standard-strength formula that you can apply as needed might be the better shout.
The main difference between the most popular Voltarol gels comes down to the concentration of the active ingredient, diclofenac, and how often you need to rub it in. Let’s look at the two main players you’ll find on the shelf.
This quick comparison should help you see the differences at a glance.
| Product Feature | Voltarol 12 Hour Gel | Voltarol Pain Relief Gel |
|---|---|---|
| Diclofenac Strength | 2.32% | 1.16% |
| Best For | Long-lasting, chronic joint pain (e.g., osteoarthritis) | Short-term, acute pain (e.g., sprains, strains) |
| Application Frequency | Twice a day (morning and evening) | 3-4 times a day |
| Key Benefit | All-day relief with fewer applications | Flexible, targeted relief for sudden injuries |
Essentially, the choice is between a stronger, longer-lasting gel for persistent pain and a more standard-strength one for acute injuries.
It’s no surprise that topical treatments like these are becoming more popular. The global market for topical pain relief was valued at roughly USD 7.5 billion and is projected to climb to over USD 10.1 billion by 2032. People are increasingly choosing gels over pills to get targeted relief without the risk of stomach irritation that can come with oral NSAIDs.
To help users choose the correct formula, it’s important to include each type:
Standard strength
Used for sprains, strains, mild arthritis pain, muscle pain
Twice the concentration of 1.16%
Provides deeper, stronger targeted relief
Applied only twice daily
Specifically formulated for knee and finger osteoarthritis
Long-lasting relief
Helps improve joint movement
A smooth, fast-absorbing gel-cream texture
Non-greasy and easy to rub in
Suitable for most joint and muscle pains
So, which one is for you? It really boils down to your symptoms and daily routine.
If your priority is managing chronic pain with maximum convenience, the Voltarol 12 Hour Gel is probably your best bet. But if you need flexible relief for a sudden, one-off injury, the standard Voltarol Pain Relief Gel offers that adaptability.
Of course, Voltarol isn’t the only option. If you’re looking for non-pill alternatives for joint therapy, you might also want to check out other products like Flexiseq Active Gel.
This infographic gives a simple visual guide to applying the gel correctly, which always starts with clean, dry skin.
Getting the application right is the first step to making sure the gel can do its job effectively.
While Voltarol Gel is a brilliant and effective treatment for many people, it’s still a medicine. That means we need to handle it with care and make sure it’s the right fit for you.
Like any medication, it isn’t suitable for everyone. Understanding the safety guidelines, potential side effects, and who should steer clear is the best way to use it responsibly. Your safety always comes first.
The most critical step? Checking if you’re in a group that needs to avoid it. The active ingredient in Voltarol Gel is diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which means certain people shouldn’t use it.
✅ Joint pain and stiffness
✅ Knee arthritis or finger arthritis
✅ Back pain and shoulder pain
✅ Sports injuries
✅ Muscle pain after exercise
✅ Sprains and strains
✅ Localised inflammation
If you’re not sure which type is right, a pharmacist can advise.
Before you even open the tube, it’s vital to check the main contraindications. You should avoid using Voltarol Gel if you:
❌ People allergic to diclofenac or aspirin
❌ Under 14 years old (different age limits apply to some versions)
❌ Pregnancy (especially 3rd trimester)
❌ If you have severe asthma triggered by NSAIDs
❌ Broken, infected or eczematous skin
It’s also a smart move to have a quick chat with your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you have a history of asthma, stomach ulcers, or any heart, liver, or kidney problems. This quick conversation can confirm whether a topical NSAID is a safe choice for your personal health situation.
Your health history really matters. Always be upfront about existing conditions and allergies with a healthcare professional. It helps them give you the best advice and prevents any potential problems.
The good news is that most people use Voltarol Gel without any issues at all. When side effects do pop up, they’re usually mild and stick to the area where you applied the gel.
Common side effects can include:
These reactions are almost always temporary and clear up on their own. However, in very rare cases, more serious side effects can happen, like wheezing, shortness of breath, or blistering skin. If you experience anything like this, stop using the gel immediately and get medical help.
It’s also important to think about any other medicines you’re taking. A tiny amount of diclofenac gets absorbed into your bloodstream, so there’s a small chance it could interact with other drugs. Make sure to tell your pharmacist if you’re taking anything else, especially other oral NSAIDs like ibuprofen, because combining them can raise the risk of side effects. You can find a wide range of Voltarol products online, where the patient information leaflets are available for a full rundown.
Getting your hands on Voltarol Gel in the UK is refreshingly simple. Because it’s a trusted over-the-counter medicine for muscle and joint pain, you won’t need a prescription. This means you can find it easily whenever pain strikes.
You’ll spot it on the shelves of most high-street chemists, from big names like Boots and LloydsPharmacy to your local independent pharmacy. It’s also stocked in the healthcare aisles of the major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda, so you can just as easily grab it during your weekly shop.
Of course, for pure convenience, nothing beats buying online. Licensed online pharmacies offer a straightforward and discreet way to have pain relief delivered right to your doorstep. This is a real help if getting out of the house is a struggle or you simply prefer shopping from your sofa.
When you choose a regulated online pharmacy, you’re not just getting convenience. There are some great benefits:
There’s a reason Voltarol is so widely available. Consumer data from Great Britain reveals it’s a firm favourite in the UK’s pain relief market, with millions of people turning to it for arthritis and muscle injuries. You can dig into these trends over on Statista.com. This level of trust really speaks to its reliability and effectiveness.
The key is to choose a reputable online pharmacy. This way, you can be confident you’re getting the genuine product and have access to professional advice, giving you complete peace of mind.
This widespread availability means you’re never far from targeted relief. To see the different options available, you can browse a full selection of Voltarol products online.
Even when you know how Voltarol works, a few practical questions often pop up before you start using it. Let’s run through some of the most common queries I hear, giving you clear, straightforward answers so you can feel confident.
Most people feel some relief from pain and swelling within just a few hours of their first application. That said, consistency is what really makes the difference. The full anti-inflammatory effect tends to build up over a couple of days, so don’t worry if your symptoms don’t vanish right away.
If you’re using it for a more persistent issue like osteoarthritis, you’ll likely see the biggest improvement after using the gel regularly for up to a week. The active ingredient, diclofenac, needs that time to really get into the tissue and work its magic where you need it most.
Yes, for most people, it’s perfectly fine to take paracetamol while using Voltarol Gel. Paracetamol is a different type of painkiller—it isn’t an NSAID—so it works in a completely different way and won’t interfere with the gel.
The one thing to watch out for is taking other oral NSAIDs, like ibuprofen tablets, at the same time. Using both can overload your system with NSAIDs and bump up your risk of side effects, so you should only do this if your doctor or pharmacist has given you the green light.
It’s always a good idea to tell your pharmacist or GP about everything you’re taking—even over-the-counter remedies—to make sure your pain relief plan is both safe and effective for you.
It’s best not to. You should avoid covering the area with any kind of airtight dressing, bandage, or plaster right after you’ve applied Voltarol Gel. The skin needs to breathe to let the gel absorb properly, and covering it up can sometimes lead to skin reactions. Once the gel has dried, loose clothing is absolutely fine.
On a similar note, keep heat away from the treated area. That means no heat packs, hot water bottles, or sunbeds. Heat can change how the medicine is absorbed and potentially increase the chance of side effects.
For injuries like sprains and strains, the usual advice is to use Voltarol Gel for no more than 14 days. If you’re managing arthritis pain, you can typically use it for up to 21 days, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
The key thing to remember is if your pain hasn’t gotten any better—or has even worsened—after seven days, it’s time to stop using the gel and have a chat with your doctor. They can take a proper look and figure out the best next steps for you.
Yes — Voltarol Osteoarthritis Gel and Voltarol 2.32% are designed for joint pain including knee and finger osteoarthritis.
Voltarol 2.32% is twice as strong, penetrates deeper and only needs applying twice a day.
Yes, but only for the recommended duration in the leaflet unless advised by a doctor.
Yes — many people use it for lower back pain and muscle inflammation.
Yes — it does not affect driving.
Voltarol may provide stronger anti-inflammatory action because diclofenac penetrates deeper, but results vary.
No – heat increases absorption and risk of irritation.
Some versions are 14+; check age limits for each product.
You can buy Voltarol Gel online from Dock Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy.
Voltarol Gel offers fast, targeted anti-inflammatory pain relief for muscles and joints—without tablets.
👉 Buy Voltarol Gel online from Dock Pharmacy
✔ GPhC-registered UK pharmacy
✔ Multiple formulas available
✔ Fast delivery
✔ Trusted and genuine stock
Ready to take control of your joint and muscle pain? Dock Pharmacy stocks a complete range of Voltarol products designed to give you targeted relief exactly where it hurts. Take a look at our selection for fast, discreet delivery right to your home.
+44 (0) 1375 846 316
