What Are NSAIDs?
Nonsteriodal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, or simply NSAIDs are a class of drugs that relieve swelling and inflammation and also tone down pain associated with it. NSAIDs work quickly and have lesser side effects as compared to corticosteroids which also used to treat inflammation. Diclofenac Sodium and Naproxen both belong to this.

What Is The Mechanism Of Action Of NSAIDs?
NSAIDs work by blocking an enzyme that facilitates the production of substances called prostaglandins at the site of an injury or infection. Prostaglandins are a group of lipids that help repair a wound or fight an infection. Production of prostaglandins is associated with swelling, pain, and formation of blood clots. By blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins, NSAIDs reduce symptoms of infection or an injury.

Naproxen Tablets
Naproxen is an over-the-counter NSAID, which is widely used as anti-inflammatory pain killer. It is used as a pain relief for conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, tendonitis, dental pain and menstrual cramps. But it can be specifically prescribed for pain, swelling and joint stiffness that is accompanied with arthritis, bursitis or gout (a more common form of arthritis that affects only one joint, usually the big toe joint.).

Diclofenac Sodium Tablets
Diclofenac Sodium is an anti-inflammatory prescription medication that is mostly used to treat pain and inflammation of joints caused by arthritis. It is also very effective for severe pain associated with gout attacks or arthritis flare ups.

Naproxen vs Diclofenac Sodium: Which Relives Pain Better?
Naproxen is good for reliving pain associated with common conditions such as menstrual cramps, tooth aches and arthritis, Whereas studies have shown that Diclofenac Sodium is better for arthritis pain than common pain killers such as Tylenol.

Effects of naproxen last longer than other NSAIDs so you don’t have to keep using it frequently. Diclofenac Sodium doesn’t last as long as Naproxen but can be used according to pain and swelling.

Diclofenac Sodium is available in its generic version but Naproxen is branded and sold under the name ‘Aleve’.

Overall, Naproxen is a better NSAID for common conditions whereas Diclofenac can be considered as a medication that works very well for gout or osteoarthritis.