The Night Wrap Using Voltaren Gel and Hirudoid Cream

The Night Wrap Using Voltaren Gel and Hirudoid Cream

The Night Wrap using Voltaren gel and Hirudoid cream is gaining attention for helping reduce pain and inflammation while you sleep. Here we will explore the science behind these two products and how to use them together safely for a great outcome. If you suffer from aggravated joint pain, acute reactive tendon related pain and are looking for an effective nighttime solution. The combination of these to over the counter creams could be exactly what you are searching for.

What Is The Night Wrap?

The Night Wrap is a method where Voltaren gel and Hirudoid cream are applied before bedtime. Wrapped in cling film such as glad wrap and kept in place throughout the night. This method aims to improve absorption of the active ingredients and as a result enhance relief.

Understanding Voltaren Gel

Voltaren gel is a topical form of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It’s commonly used to relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and other soft tissue conditions like tenosynovitis and other forms of tendinopathy. Unlike oral NSAIDs, Voltaren gel works locally, reducing the risk of systemic side effects. Research shows it’s effective for reducing both pain and inflammation in the joints when applied regularly.

Is Hirudoid Cream an Anti-Inflammatory?

Yes, Hirudoid cream has anti-inflammatory properties. It contains heparinoid, which is used to treat bruising, swelling, and superficial thrombophlebitis. It helps improve blood circulation in the affected area and can reduce swelling and discomfort. Although it’s not classified as an NSAID, its anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects make it useful for managing soft tissue injuries and post-surgical bruising.

How to Use The Night Wrap with Voltaren and Hirudoid

Here is what you will need;

1. Voltaren gel (diclofenac) – The best part? It’s a topical treatment, so you avoid the gastrointestinal side effects that sometimes come with oral medications.
2. Hirudoid cream – Hirudoid cream is particularly useful in cases involving bruising or tendon crepitus. It works by preventing the buildup of fibrin, a protein linked to swelling and that “creaky” feeling in inflamed tendons. Its anticoagulant action supports better blood flow and reduces localized swelling.
3. Cling film / Glad Wrap – Whatever you call it, the plastic film keeps the creams in place and may slow down evaporation, maintaining a higher concentration of active ingredients on the skin throughout the night.
4. Optional: Mitten / Sock / Tubi-bandage depending on area being treated, to help keep the gladwrap in place throughout the night.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply The Night Wrap

1. Right before bed, massage a 50:50 mix of Hirudoid cream and Voltaren gel into the desired area for about 2–3 minutes.
2. Then apply a thicker layer of both products directly on the skin, gently blending them without rubbing in completely. So there is a light film of creams sitting on the treatment area.
3. Wrap the area with cling film to keep the medication in place and reduce evaporation overnight.
4. If the injury is at a joint I typically recommend the placing of a tubi-wrap bandage, sock, mitten or something similar to maintain the integrity of the cling film throughout the night. Particularity useful for restless sleepers.
5. Go to sleep and let The Night Wrap work its magic while you get some rest.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before combining treatments, especially if you have sensitive skin or other medical conditions.

Who Can Benefit From The Night Wrap?

This method is useful for individuals managing chronic joint pain, sports injuries, and tendinopathy. It’s especially helpful for those who experience pain flare-ups at night or early morning stiffness. However, it’s not suitable for open wounds or infections so be very careful post surgery. And do not use on broken skin or if irritation occurs. It is recommended to patch-test your skin first to avoid a larger area of irritation.

In our experience this technique works best for acute tendon and soft tissue injuries with inflammation and swelling. It is less effective for chronic degenerative issues. Here are a few conditions that our team of physios at Sydney Physio Clinic suggest it may help:

• Achilles tendonitis or peritendonitis
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
• Peroneal and tibialis posterior tendon pain
• Acute tennis and golfers elbow
• FHL (flexor hallucis longus) tenosynovitis
• Acute ankle and knee sprains with swelling and bruising

Precautions and Tips

While The Night Wrap is generally safe, keep in mind:

• Always consult a medical professional before starting a new treatment.
• If you’ve ever had a reaction to either Voltaren or Hirudoid creams then absolutely avoid combining the creams using this above method.
• Do not use it on broken or infected skin.
• Avoid using heat pads in combination with the wrap.
• If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

The Night Wrap using Voltaren gel and Hirudoid cream in the right situation can be a simple and practical option for managing pain, inflammation, and swelling.