A review on effect of topical diclofenac for relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as topical diclofenac, have been shown in multiple head-to-head trials to be more effective than oral NSAIDs. They show improve analgesia, give at least similar analgesia, Improvement in physical function and less systemic side effects as compared to oral NSAIDs. Even though efficacy of topical diclofenac in osteoarthritis is well established, understanding of the time it takes for start working, duration of action, And the effective minimum concentration is limited. In case of topical preparations, the concentration in the joint tissues are more likely to be important than concentration in the blood. Recent studies indicate that a decrease in inflammatory markers could be a more accurate predictor of efficacy than plasma concentrations. This narrative review examines the current evidence in these areas and point out where more research and investigation is needed. As a result of our research, topical NSAIDs like diclofenac should be often regarded as a guideline-supported first-line therapy for OA in the knees and hands, particularly for Individuals over the age of 65 and those with concomitant conditions and risk of developing adverse events with oral NSAIDS at high doses.