Anyone have any experience with Diclofenac Sodium 1% as a topical?
I have been on Enbrel for several years with the occasional flare up. Overall things are fairly good, but with the most recent flare up from last summer, one elbow had continued to be inflamed. Oral prednisone helped for a short time, but it wore off in a week or so. Similar results with a cortisone shot.
Diclofenac sodium topical gel 1% for rheumatoid arthritis
So, my doctor prescribed the Diclofenac Gel last week. I’ve read up on it, but I had never heard of it before it was prescribed. Hence, my question... Thanks!
Hi
! I'm hopeful some community members here will chime in with their experience using the gel. In the meantime, our contributor Michael filmed a video talking about his experiencing using Diclofenac for his RA and OA, specifically for foot pain: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/video/using-diclofenac/ Check it out as it might be helpful to you! -Alesandra (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team) Curious that this didn’t come up when I searched. However, I’m using it on my elbow, so the video had limited information for me.
Thanks for your help...
Hi
!
Thank you so much for your question. We at RheumatoidArthritis.net appreciate you reaching out.
My team member Alesandra sent a great video link regarding your question. I can understand that for your specific use on your elbow that the video might not have provided the exact information you were looking for. It is filled with some great overall information on the product. Michael did a nice job with the video.
I have specifically used Diclofenac/Voltaren
on various joints of my body. My elbow was one of those joints. Unfortunately, it did not work for me. That being said everyone reacts differently to medications prescribed by our physicians. I have friends that it appears to work well for and provides adequate pain relief.
I personally believe in use of Eastern and Western Medicine in my treatment regimen. There are some great products out there.
Please note I always discuss and consult with my physician and medical before taking homeopathic and holistic treatment.
I personally have used Deep Blue Rub by doTerra, and currently am using Topricin Pain Relief Cream. I have had great results with pain relief with both. That being said I am not a physician and can not recommend a product for you. I am just sharing what has been successful for me.Always best to consult with your physician.
I hope that you are able to find pain relief for your elbow region.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions, comments or an update on how you are doing. You are part of the RheumatoidArthritis.net family and we would love to hear from you. We are always here for you!
Just Keep Swimming,
Lynn Marie (RheumatoidArthritis.Net Team member)Hi:
One very important point is that I am not seeking pain relief. I’ve had arthritis since I was 6 (now 71). What I would classify as a pain level 6 would probably be an 8 or a 9 for others. The only significant thing about pain for me is how it signals inflammation. I’ve experienced pain long enough that it isn’t a big deal for me. This isn’t meant to speak ill of the perceptions of others. It just describes how things sit for me.
Further, I am disappointed by those in the medical profession who have the opening question: “What is your pain level right now?”. I have to continually explain that the question is not really relevant for me. I would much rather the discussion be about inflammation as that is what leads to joint damage...Hello
!
So great to hear back from you. Thank you for clarifying your stance on pain. Absolutely pain as you have stated "signals inflammation". I agree 100%, the goal is to bring down inflammation, and prevent joint destruction.
You have lived with RA a long time. I was diagnosed 16 years ago.
For me I was diagnosed in my twenties. I was a dancer, super athletic, and in the medical field in a career that was very physically taxing on my body. I find with my treatment that it has taken longer then I like for medications or any treatment I have been on to significantly help with decreasing my joint inflammation.
You are so right for me pain has become second nature. I have learned though that helping decrease my pain level while the doctors try to figure out how to best treat the joint inflammation has helped me tremendously. Being in a state of constant "fight or flight", for me wasn't good for me and was weighing on my mental and physical health.
I went to the doctors last Friday and the first thing the medical assistant asked me was, What's you pain level? So your comment hit home for me. So I actually engaged in a conversation with her on Friday about this topic.
My current treatment plan has had some definite flaws. Ive been on Simponi Aria for a year. This is my 16th year with RA (The guest I never invited into my life). It is not controlling the inflammation like I would like it to.
How are feeling about your current treatment plan with managing your inflammation?
Thanks, Again for reaching out to our community. Hope to hear back from you. Enjoyed our chat. Just Keep Swimming... Lynn Marie "Rheumatoid Arthritis Team Member"
