Clinical inquiry: does topical diclofenac relieve osteoarthritis pain?

J Fam Pract. 2015 Feb;64(2):124-5.

Abstract

Topical diclofenac, with and without dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), modestly improves pain and function scores (by 4%-8%) for as long as 12 weeks in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Diclofenac / administration & dosage
  • Diclofenac / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Osteoarthritis / drug therapy*
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Diclofenac