Prolotherapy may reduce symptoms of knee osteoarthritis

People with osteoarthritis of the knee could benefit from being given injections containing a sugar solution, says a review of the evidence published in British Medical Bulletin.

Prolotherapy has been used to treat various musculoskeletal problems and has shown some promise. Experts reviewing the research looked at 10 studies of people with knee osteoarthritis who were treated with prolotherapy.

“Results show significant improvement in scores for pain, function and range of motion, both in the short term and long term,” the team explains. “Patient satisfaction was also high in these patients (82%). Moderate evidence suggests that prolotherapy is safe and can help achieve significant symptomatic control in individuals with osteoarthritis.”

However, the quality of some of the studies reviewed was not great, so before firm conclusions can be made, more studies of greater numbers of people should be carried out.

Click here to read the original research.

For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products.