Could a simple gel replace pills for Kids' pain?

NCT ID NCT07145645

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Calgary Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tests whether a topical diclofenac gel (Voltaren) works as well as oral ibuprofen for reducing pain in children aged 6-18 with ankle or knee sprains. Sixty participants will use either the gel or oral medicine three times a day for three days, then report their pain levels over two weeks. The main goal is to see if a larger trial is possible, not to prove which treatment is better.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: diclofenac gel (Voltaren) and ibuprofen oral suspension (Children's Motrin)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that a topical gel is a safe and effective alternative to oral pain medicine for children with sprains and strains, potentially reducing side effects like stomach upset.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 60 participants, focused on feasibility rather than proving effectiveness. The results may not apply to all children or injuries, and the gel may not work as well as expected.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

ankle injury injury Knee Injuries Sprains and Strains

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY PEDIATRICS SPRAIN AND STRAIN OF ANKLE SPRAIN KNEE STRAIN KNEE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Alberta Children's Hospital
RECRUITING

Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8, Canada
Stollery Children's Hospital
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7, Canada

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