Osteoarthritis can affect many aspects of your life from everyday activities to playing with the grandchildren or enjoying a round of golf, so it’s good news there’s a new treatment proven to relieve the symptoms.

More than half a million New Zealanders are currently living with arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis frequently affecting knees and hands.

If you’re over 60 there’s a 50% chance you will have OA and virtually all people over the age of 80 have OA.¹

There is no cure for OA but you can help relieve the pain and inflammation and get back to the activities you enjoy.

Voltaren^® Osteo Gel is new for OA sufferers. It is a topical gel, clinically proven in the effective management of local pain and inflammation associated with mild osteoarthritis in knees and fingers.² 

HOW DOES VOLTAREN^® OSTEO GEL WORK?
Voltaren^® Osteo Gel’s formula penetrates through the skin and works at the site of pain to help provide relief. Voltaren^® Osteo Gel’s targeted action has been shown to reach therapeutic levels at the site of pain, providing clinically significant improvement in pain after one week.³ Its non-greasy gel formula is absorbed quickly and there’s no strong smell.

EASY TO OPEN CAP
Voltaren^® Osteo Gel has an easy grip triangular cap which makes it easy to open, especially if you have stiffness in your hands.

WHAT CAUSES OSTEOARTHRITIS?
There are a number of factors that can lead to the development and progression of OA :

• Age – risk of OA generally increases for those over 40
• Overweight – this contributes to OA especially in weight-bearing joints
• Female – OA is more common in women
• Hereditary factors – OA of fingers and hands can run in families and applies more commonly to women
• Joint injury or overuse or physical stress from hard repetitive activity such as farming, rugby, netball.

Whatever the cause of your OA, Voltaren® Osteo Gel, can help restore your mobility by treating the pain and inflammation, which means you can get on with everyday activities.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN HELP
If you have osteoarthritis, the following lifestyle changes can help¹:

• Get regular, gentle exercise to help reduce pain and increase flexibility – stretching, strengthening programmes such as Tai Chi, walking, swimming and aerobic exercise
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight – this reduces stress on hips, knees and feet in particular
• Protect your joints – talk to a healthcare professional about ways to tackle activities without putting unnecessary strain on your joints
• Wear flat shoes with thick, soft soles to absorb shock.

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References: 1. Arthritis New Zealand. www.arthritis.org.nz 2. Voltaren Osteo Gel Product Information, Novartis Consumer Health, September 2010 3. Zacher et al, ‘Topical diclofenac and its role in pain and inflammation on evidence-based review’ (2008). Current Medical Research and Opinions, Vol. 24, No. 4. Voltaren® Osteo Gel (diclofenac diethylammonium 1.16%) for temporary relief of local pain and inflammation in mild forms of osteoarthritis of the knees and fingers. Always read the label and use only as directed. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. If symptoms persist or if you have side effects consult your healthcare professional. Novartis Consumer Health Australasia Pty Ltd, Auckland, NZ. TAPS NA5362

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