Disclosed is a topical formulation, said topical formulation comprising: (i) diclofenac sodium or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (ii) Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) present at 30-60 per cent (iii) ethanol (iv) propylene glycol (v) optionally glycerol (vi) a thickening agent, wherein said thickening agent is selected from the group consisting of cellulose polymers, carbomer polymers, a carbomer derivative, a cellulose derivative, polyvinyl alcohol, poloxamers, polysaccharides, and mixtures thereof and (vii) water, wherein said topical formulation has a viscosity of about 500-5000 centipoise. The formulation is useful in the treatment of pain or osteoarthritis in a subject suffering from articular pain.
