@nycmusic In my experience, Topracin and arnica montana are good topically. I have also used arnica montana in the sublingual form [little tablets under the tongue]. Lidocaine patches are okay to use, but they curl up on my skin; it gets uncomfortable.

While Diclofenac [Voltaren] is an NSAID, and should not be used for any extended time, I have used it once in a while on my right knee. And I repeat, once in a while. My reasoning for me, in my case, is that I am on dialysis for life, and even with that, my eGFR is about 12%. For me, I need to weigh my comfort with what effect that topical might have on my system. Will it absorb and transfer into my renal system, possibly causing acute kidney injury? And that is how we need to look at any medications we take internally or topically.

Label read, take our own situation into account. We have the right to say "yes" or "no" to any procedure or medication, no matter what. Can you tell I am a big advocate of this!?
Ginger