CBD or Voltarin

Keep in mind that the generic Lidocaine products OTC are the same strength as brand name patches, etc and much less expensive. I use lidocaine patches, diclofenac (generic Voltaren) gel, and ice gel packs, soft and reusable by putting in freezer. They all help. I have found no help from CBD, but think I am the exception. BTW OTC lidocaine is 4%, Rx patches are 5%, but I can see no difference.

You're very welcome Susan.

My view on heat is a bit radical. I actually learned it from a chiropractor, a very good chiropractor. I have always had a lot of tension in my upper back, the rhomboids. I would desperately want to put some heat on it. He told me to avoid that and get a massage instead.

A lot of advice will say to ice an injury immediately, and then apply heat. The thinking is that the ice stops the inflammation and pain, and as healing starts, the heat improves blood flow and speeds healing. That's true, but the increased blood flow also creates inflammation.

It's probably ok to put heat on a muscle. But I'd say never apply heat to a joint, or to the spine. FWIW.

And yeah, give BioFreeze Professional a try. Use the aerosol to avoid getting the menthol all over your hands. Again, that menthol smell fades pretty quickly.

All the best! Joe

Very sound advice. I'm not a big believer in CBD. Maybe I'm partial, but it seems CBD can cure or help any and all conditions. Same with smoking marijuana. I'm sure there are benefits to both, I just don't see it.

I have arthritis in every bone of my body. Be careful with Voltaren and all other drugs containing ibuprofen. Some people are allergic to ibuprofen. Read carefully the package insert with the list of possible side effects. My mother took Vioxx and Celebrex for arthritis (active ingredient in both is ibuprofen). She had a ruptured bowel with no warning. I got hives on my torso after trying each of those two oral drugs for a while. My doctor then suggested Voltaren because it is a topical drug, not an oral one, but after a few weeks on it, I had hives again. So it definitely can get into the blood stream. For top-of-foot arthritis, I would look for a good podiatrist. He/she might suggest a orthotic or a more supportive and better-cushioned shoe. I swear by New Balance sneakers, and their more expensive ones are their best. I find them better than the shoes sold by foot doctors in their offices. The Brooks brand is also good. If the tongues of your sneakers always slip sideways, perhaps you are pronating. You can find sneakers for that problem if you search for it on the New Balance website or talk to them. Drugs can’t cure everything, and all drugs have side effects.

Thank you so much for this my now I don’t know what to do wear New Balance for quite sometime with carbon insoles from foot doctor doesn’t help got cortisone shot still get shooting stabbing pain in foot and ankle . Was going to try Brooks . Had no clue on these meds .

Thank you very much . I can try to find the patches

I have used both Voltaren and CBD lotion (not at the same time) and I find I get some relief from both.

I've used both. Both equally don't work much for me out of the box from the grocery store. What does help is CBD with some THC mixed, if you have access to a dispensary. I do, as marijuana is legal in Oregon where I am. Even with no THC, dispensary CBD lotions and creams contain several times the strength of supermarket varieties. The THC amount is low, something like 0.1mg, coupled with 160mg of CBD. The best Charolette can do is 60mg. I know a lot are turned off by the THC. Believe it not, seniors comprise a large percent of the population buying from dispensaries here. We know by experience products there do relieve our pain against anything else without an Rx.

You need a small amount of THC to activate the CBD. I use a gummie with high CBd and low THC but I also use regular weed when needed

I use prescribed diclofenic cream for my arthritis. It is the ingredient in volterin but much stronger.
My pharmacist prepares it.