Voltaren Gel, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication in topical form, is used mostly on knees and hands to relieve arthritis pain and stiffness. I was just prescribed Voltaren Gel for my osteoarthritis. I used it two time on my shoulder. the pain was gone in five minuets. Be sure to wash your hands very good after applying it. Voltaren is not sold here, and I do not get paid to refer you to a site that does. Think of Voltaren® Gel as “ibuprofen in a gel.” (It’s actually diclofenac, but ibuprofen is a much more familiar drug name in North America, where the product is still fairly new, and available only with a prescription in the US.) Uses. Diclofenac is used to relieve pain, swelling (inflammation), and joint stiffness caused by arthritis. Reducing these symptoms helps you do more of your normal daily activities. Voltaren gel (generic name: diclofenac gel 1%) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat joint pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA) of the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or feet. The dosing card containing VOLTAREN® GEL can be used to apply the gel. The hands should then be used to gently rub the gel into the skin. After using the dosing card, hold with fingertips, rinse, and dry. If treatment site is the hands, patients should wait at least one (1) hour to wash their hands. Diclofenac topical (for the skin) is used to treat joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. Pennsaid is for use on the knees. Voltaren Topical is for use on the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or feet. Diclofenac topical gel should not be used for longer than 7 days for muscle or joint injuries unless recommended by your doctor. If the condition does not improve within 7 days, or if it gets worse, contact your doctor. Voltaren Gel is used to treat joint pain caused by osteoarthritis in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or feet. Voltaren Gel may not be effective in treating arthritis pain elsewhere in the body. How to use Voltaren Gel. Read the Medication Guide and Patient Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using diclofenac and each time you get a refill.