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Combining drug treatment with acupuncture is more effective in treating osteoarthritis of the knee than drug treatment alone, according to a study reported in the November 20 issue of the British Medical Journal.
The role of acupuncture in osteoarthritis remains controversial and few studies comparing acupuncture and drug treatment have been conducted, according to the team of Spanish researchers who conducted the study.
The researchers randomly divided 88 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee into two groups, one receiving acupuncture plus the an anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac and the other dummy (placebo) acupuncture plus diclofenac. Treatment lasted 12 weeks and the levels of pain, stiffness and physical function of the participants were monitored.
The acupuncture group was found to have a greater reduction in pain and stiffness, improved physical functioning and quality of life than the placebo group.
Although the 12-week monitoring period may be insufficient to evaluate the effects of treatment in the medium term, acupuncture as a complementary therapy to drug treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee is more effective than drug treatment alone, concluded the researchers.
Source:
Medical Week Staff, week
of November 20, 2004
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