Many people find Voltaren Gel an effective way to relieve symptoms of gout, such as pain and swelling, and it is very fast acting. However, topical preparations such as Voltaren gel may not last as long as oral anti-inflammatories, such as diclofenac or ibuprofen. They will also not treat the underlying cause of gout, which is high uric acid levels. Not everybody has experienced relief with topical Voltaren gel, and if your pain persists, you should talk to your doctor or a pharmacist about alternative treatments.

Permeability of the active component of the gel (which is diclofenac) through the skin is an important factor and this may explain why some people find Voltaren gel and similar products effective, and others don’t. One study found a wide variation between different products with the Gout Buster formulation of diclofenac proving the best at penetrating the skin, which may increase its effectiveness.