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The Night Wrap Using Voltaren Gel and Hirudoid Cream

The night wrap is a simple treatment that your physiotherapist may recommend for a painful or irritated tendon. It uses Voltaren Gel and Hirudoid Cream in the evening to help reduce pain, inflammation, swelling and bruising while the area is resting overnight.

This guide explains what the night wrap is, when it may be helpful and how to apply it safely at home.

Hein Van Zyl
Published on

What is the night wrap?

The night wrap involves applying a 50/50 mixture of Voltaren Gel and Hirudoid Cream to the affected area and covering it with plastic wrap before bed. A cotton sock or similar covering can be used over the top of the plastic wrap to keep it in place while sleeping.

The aim is to keep the treatment area comfortable, slow the evaporation of the medicine and protect your clothing or bedding while the creams remain on the skin overnight.

Understanding Voltaren Gel

Voltaren Gel contains diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly known as an NSAID. It is applied directly to the painful area and works by reducing chemicals involved in pain and inflammation.

Understanding Hirudoid Cream

Hirudoid Cream contains a topical heparinoid called mucopolysaccharide polysulphate. It is commonly used for bruising, local swelling and superficial haematomas.

Hirudoid may help the body clear bruising and localised swelling following a soft-tissue injury. It is not an NSAID and works differently from Voltaren, which is why the two products may sometimes be recommended together.

How can the night wrap help?

When used for the right condition, a night wrap may help to:

  • Reduce local pain and tenderness
  • Settle an acute inflammatory flare
  • Reduce discomfort associated with swelling or bruising
  • Ease night-time symptoms or morning stiffness
  • Make gentle movement and rehabilitation exercises more comfortable.

 

The night wrap is used to manage symptoms. It does not replace an appropriate diagnosis, exercise rehabilitation or gradual return to activity.

What conditions may benefit?

Your physiotherapist may recommend a night wrap for conditions such as:

  • Achilles tendon or surrounding tendon irritation
  • De Quervain’s tenosynovitis at the wrist
  • Peroneal, tibialis posterior or flexor hallucis longus tendon irritation
  • An acute flare of tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow

 

This approach is generally more useful when there is a recent increase in pain, inflammation, swelling or bruising. Long-standing tendon problems usually require progressive strengthening and load management rather than creams alone.

What you will need

  • Voltaren Gel
  • Hirudoid Cream
  • Plastic Wrap
  • A light tubular bandage or cotton sock

How to apply the night wrap

1. Check the skin

The skin should be clean, dry and intact. Do not apply either product over a cut, graze, open wound, surgical wound, rash, eczema or suspected skin infection.

2. Apply the Voltaren Gel and Hirudoid cream

Apply a 50/50 mixture of Voltaren gel and Hirudoid cream over the affected area and massage in for 2-3 minutes.

3. Wrap the area with plastic wrap

Use any kind of household plastic wrap and cover the affected area. Then use a tubular bandage or sock that has the end cut off and fit over the plastic to stop it from moving while you sleep.

4. Remove the wrap and clean the area in the morning

In the morning, remove all coverings and clean the affected area.

Important precautions

Do not use the night wrap if you have previously had an allergic reaction to Voltaren, diclofenac, Hirudoid, aspirin, ibuprofen or another NSAID.

Check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it if you:

  • take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, another NSAID, an anticoagulant or an antiplatelet medicine
  • have asthma that has previously been triggered by aspirin or an NSAID
  • have a bleeding disorder, unexplained bruising, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or significant kidney, liver or heart disease
  • are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding
  • want to use the products over a large area
  • are treating a child or young teenager. Many diclofenac gels are not suitable for children under 14 years.

 

Do not:

  • apply the products to broken or infected skin
  • use a heat pack, hot-water bottle or electric blanket over the treated area
  • apply other medicated creams or rubs to the same area without checking first

The key message

The night wrap can be a convenient short-term option for selected injuries involving pain, inflammation, swelling or bruising. Use the products only as directed.

If you are unsure whether the night wrap is suitable for you or how much product to apply, contact our clinic or speak with your physiotherapist before starting.

This information is general and does not replace individual medical advice