Diclofenac: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know
When you reach for a pain reliever for a sore knee, a bad back, or swollen joints, you might grab something containing diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce pain, swelling, and fever. Also known as Voltaren, it's one of the most prescribed NSAIDs worldwide — but it’s not harmless.
Diclofenac works by blocking enzymes that cause inflammation and pain. It’s used for arthritis, tendonitis, migraines, and even post-surgery swelling. But here’s the catch: while it helps with inflammation, the body’s response to injury that causes redness, heat, and pain, it can also quietly damage your stomach, kidneys, or heart if used too long or too often. People with high blood pressure or a history of ulcers need to be extra careful. It’s not just about taking a pill — it’s about knowing when it’s safe and when it’s not.
And it’s not just the drug itself. How you use it matters. Taking diclofenac with food can reduce stomach upset. Skipping doses or doubling up because the pain came back? That’s how things go wrong. Some people mix it with other painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, not realizing they’re stacking risks. And while it’s great for short-term flare-ups, using it daily for months? That’s when side effects start showing up — quietly.
What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles. It’s a collection of real, practical advice from people who’ve been there. You’ll see how diclofenac compares to other pain meds, what the hidden dangers are, how it affects your liver and kidneys, and why some folks can’t use it at all. There’s also info on managing tendonitis pain with NSAIDs like diclofenac, how it fits into broader pain treatment plans, and what alternatives exist when it’s too risky. No fluff. No marketing. Just what you need to decide if diclofenac is right for you — or if it’s time to look elsewhere.