The following comments were originally posted on Amazon.com by REAL users of both Penetrex Cream & Voltaren Gel (Diclofenac). 

Penetrex vs Voltaren:

"A colleague at work was raving about Voltaren (not available in the US), and I tried some. But I didn't notice much difference. When I tried the Penetrex, I was pleasantly surprised. After having inflammation in my wrist for almost a month (that wasn't being taken care of by using braces day and night), I was eager to try something different. This cream goes on smoothly and is absorbed quickly with no residue feel. It has a pleasant odor that isn't too strong. And the odor fades. You don't need to use a lot, so I expect this jar to last quite a while. I used it 3-4 times a day for several days, as directed. I did notice that the area started to get dry and a bit red. But some hydrocortisone quickly took care of that. I now use it as needed, and I am finding I don't need a brace during the day."

Penetrex vs Voltaren:

"I have used pretty much every over the counter cream for pain - and I used prescription Voltaren Gel as well. By far, Penetrex is my favorite over the counter pain relief cream. Nothing else comes close as far as being effective - and nothing else smells as good as Penetrex either. It has a very nice peppermint kind of smell.

I've used it for stiff neck, stiff shoulder, piriformis syndrome, and mostly for my knee arthritis - and it most definitely helps. If you live with a certain amount of chronic pain, you know that there is nothing that's a magic cure. But Penetrex is as good as I've found for daily use. I go through about 6 jars per year...about one every other month. It's reasonably priced - especially if you do the auto delivery function that Amazon has.

I highly recommend trying it if you haven't used it before. It definitely helps me."

Penetrex vs Voltaren:

"I bought [Penetrex] for knee pain but thought to try it on my trigger fingers as well...wow! It definitely helps with pain AND inflammation. After day 1, I'm not hobbling around anymore (gait isn't back to normal yet but they did say to use it for 7-10 days) and I can easily open and close all my fingers. The scent is very mild and doesn't linger. The cream absorbs quickly and doesn't leave your fingers feeling greasy or sticky. Went on Amazon in search of Voltaren but, thanks to the number of reviews and stars for Penetrex, I'm a very satisfied customer."

Penetrex vs Voltaren:

"Hi, I want to highly recommend [Penetrex]. I bought it because I've experienced shoulder pains for many years because of a dislocation I suffered in my 20s (I'm 50 now). I tried Voltaren and other products like that but they tended to give only very temporary relief. I must admit that when I first used Penetrex I began to think it was like all the others because I didn't experience any major relief till after about the third time I used it, then suddenly I noticed I wasn't getting any pain - and the great thing is the pain hasn't come back!. So I want to encourage anybody trying this product, it takes a little while but once it kicks in it is far superior to other products I've tried. I haven't used it for about a week now and still no pain. Excellent product!! Oh, and the service from the company is really efficient!"

Penetrex vs Voltaren:

"I was looking for voltaren and got directed to this product. Assume that even though voltaren is not listed in the ingredients that it does contain voltaren under a different name. Nevertheless, when I apply to my knees (have had knee replacement surgeries on both knees) I feel instant relief. I followed directions to apply 3-4 times a day and now only as needed. I liked that it does not have a strong smell. Also apply to my shoulder and knuckles when needed. Works for me!"

Penetrex vs Voltaren:

"I have double fusions in both my lower and upper back as well as numerous other problem areas. I ski raced, windsurfed, climbed Mount Ranier in my day, however am paying for it now. My first injury 30 years ago. I have a multitude of pain relief creams that work very well one of the better is Penetrex. I also go to Canada an purchase Voltaren which is prescription in the US. I can't take any NSAIDS any more, I was on Celebrex for years so I don't want to damage my liver and I now get the hives from all of them! Penetrex has been an excellent pain relief cream. I am not sure how it works or if it works for others, but it works well for me."

Penetrex vs Voltaren:

"This is the best cream I've ever used for my arthritic knees. I find it even better than Voltaren Gel. I've ordered 2 jars so far, and plan to order more. Awesome stuff!"