Voltaren Gel for hands

Has anyone used this med for their hands? I just got my prescription, read all the side effects and have scared myself out of trying it. The very first one listed is heart attack! Is this safe to use? I know you just put a very little bit on your hands and I guess they wouldn't prescribe it if there was a big risk, but still...???

Appreciate any input.

Doctor prescribed this but it has not really helped much. I hear it is different for everyone.Good luck to you.

Voltaren gel does reduce some of my digit pain (OA). Normally, I use it elsewhere (neck, SI Joint, . . . ), then rub-in any left over (&/or additional gel) on both hands. For moderate to severe pain that interferes with functioning, I rely on oral NSAID (with or without the Voltaren), and ocassional tramadol, a quasi-opioid.

Voltaren is an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). So if you've ever taken ibuprofen or naproxen without side-effects, it's unlikely that Voltaren will cause untoward side-effects.

Remember that RICE can often be the most effective self-management modality for joint pain:
Rest + Ice + Compression + Elevation.

Experiment: Try Voltaren alone. Another time try combining RICE treatment with the Voltaire gel (use ice-pack before application, or after the gel has dried; don't ice the wet gel). Note the level of pain before treatment and again note level of relief after treatment.