I have a chronic infrapatella inflamation problem. I cannot take NSAIDS (motrin,aleve etc…) due to GI side effects. I have tried the voltaren patch and it mechanically does not do well over the knee joint but probably would do fine over smoother surfaces. I know there is a voltaren gel now and there is also Biofreeze. My guess is biofreeze may help with inflammation a little in the acute setting but not in a chronic inflammation situation.
Any thoughts on Biofreeze as an antiinflammatory treatment (no pain relief only)?
Any one with experience with the new Voltaren gel?
I don’t know about Voltaren, but I have used Biofreeze and I quite like it. I think that ice packs would likely work better than a topical rub for chronic inflammation, though… Especially if you combined it with a little compression. Elevation, too, if it’s practical.
Tensor bands work fine for knees but I just got a shirt made by these guys for icing my shoulder (try to get an ice bag to stay put there) and really like it. I’d prefer if it had more compression, but I guess that’s not so easy to do in a shirt design. For a knee sleeve you could just order a size down.
FWIW: Used Voltaren topical gel, made by Novartis, for plica knee. Diagnosed last Nov by sports physician. I used the gel for approx. 3 weeks after the diagnosis and I have been running w/ out knee discomfort since late December. My discomfort/pain was located just above the right knee, more medial and toward the femur than directly center of the knee. Has definitely made a positive difference. Have never used, tried Biofreeze. Good luck.
Biofreeze has no anti-inflammatory properties, but it is a pretty good topical product. The magic ingredient is from ilex paraguaensis or some such South American holly tree. Who knows there, but people seem to like it.
The Voltaren topical Gel 1% has been around a long time, but has made a resurgence as a larger drug company is marketing it. Remember, for it to work, it has to be absorbed systemically (8% the typical oral dose of 75mg bid per their package insert with a inch inch strip application 4 times/day). So … should have 8% the effect of an oral dose (and about 8% of the side effects on the GI system from prostaglandin blocking)
If you really want to get creative, there is a 3% topical diclofenac gel as well called Solaraze marketed for Actinic Keratosis (“sun spot” skin lesions, mostly in the elderly).
Why go with the Biofreeze if it has no anti-inflammatory properties? Pain relief? I was under the impression that he was trying to treat the inflammation topically as he can’t take NSAIDS.
I can only speak as a frequent user and not from the medical standpoint. I have found that Biofreeze is an excellent away from home topical antiflammation product. I am sure you are employing the RICE system and whilst at home ice is best. Biofreeze is very convenient to carry and use particularly in the roll on version.
Thanks for gaining me the knowledge that it is available in Vancouver too. One less alternative for me to trial and you have the satisfaction of having helped someonme else too!
Biofreeze definitely seems to help with pain relief, not sure if it really does anything for inflamation but ice works great for that. Not sure how well the NSAID topicals work but Celebrex seems to bess easier on the stomach than the other oral NSAIDs…
There is another product similar to Biofreeze called Dr. Hoys. My massage therapist uses it and sells it out of her office. I never used Biofreeze consistently, only with samples, and will have to guess the Dr. Hoys is similar. I do not think it helps with inflammation. Another disclaimer is I have only been using the Dr. Hoys for a few weeks, but it has helped with the soreness post-massage and after a hard runs.
I tried Voltaren Gel for lower back pain and did not get any relief. The Biofreeze helped for maybe an hour but thats it. I believe the back issue I had was to much for the Voltaren to help with. The Voltaren may be more useful for smaller joint issues. I also tried the Flector Patch with no relief. The flector patch has basically the same medicine as the Voltaren Gel. The Lidoderm patch has shown to relieve pain as well. This is basically lidocain in patch form and numbs the area. This is used for Shingles pain and has been shown to be effective in lower back pain. I know this information may not help your particular situation but someone may find it helpful. Good Luck!!
Those biofreeze type products are useless. Same with icyhot and such. They don’t go deep enough to actually do anything but to temporarily mask the pain. Yes they feel good, but are not actually healing.
It’s a hassle but you’ve got to use ice for antiinflamatory.
