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Uses for Diclofenac Sodium

Diclofenac sodium is an anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce pain in injury and other conditions like arthritis. It effectively manages dysmenorrheal (severe uterine pain associated with menstruation) and regular menstrual cramps. Its chemical name is 2-(2,6-dichloranilino)phenylacetic acid, and it is marketed under various trade names such as Voltaren, Dicloflex, Votral, Sandoz and Zolterol.

  1. Managing Musculoskeletal Complaints

    • Diclofenac sodium is used to manage various musculoskeletal complaints, including spondylarthritis arthritis, osteoarthritis arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It addresses and effectively controls a range of other musculoskeletal aches, such as pain in the muscles of the neck, shoulder, deltoid, hip and groin muscles, knee, leg and ankle muscles and those of the foot, thigh, wrist, elbow, and lower back.

    Managing Menstrual Cramps

    • Menstrual cramps are due to contractions of the uterus in response to prostaglandins and other hormones. The cramping is intensified when pieces of tissue or clots pass through the cervical canal. Menstrual cramps are of two types-- primary dysmenorrheal and secondary dysmenorrheal. Primary dysmenorrheal is regular monthly cramping experienced by adolescent girls at the onset of menstruation. Secondary dysmenorrheal is caused by an underlying reproductive system abnormality. Diclofenac sodium is the active ingredient of Voltaren and other non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that are used to manage menstrual cramps. Diclofenac sodium is well tolerated and its effectiveness in terms of menstrual pain management has been documented for three decades. It is used to regulate irregular periods and provide short-term relief for abdominal and pelvic pain associated with menstruation.

    Managing Ganglion Cysts

    • A ganglion cyst, or bible cyst, is a swelling that typically forms at the back of the wrist or hand. The cyst is a fluid-filled, benign bump that appears around tendons and joints. It typically forms in individuals between 20 to 40 years of age and is more common in women. The cause of a ganglion cyst is not well known but it is suggested that it originates after physical trauma. The size of a typical ganglion cyst is between 1 and 3cm in diameter. It causes a continuous ache in the affected joint or finger. Ganglion cysts can be effectively managed by diclofenac sodium.

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