A Glucosamine-Containing Massage Cream in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthrtis – A Prospective Double-Blind Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess efficacy of rubbing a glucosamine sulfate containing massage cream as a treatment for pain due to knee osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN: Eighty patients were randomized to receive treatment by either a Glucosamine Sulfate menthol based rubbing compound or placebo. Patients were required to use the cream at least three times daily over a six-week period. Efficacy was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the Knee Society Score (KSS).

RESULTS: As significant we considered a 20 percent reduction in VAS scores at six weeks following initiation of treatment. 33 of 40 patients in the treatment group improved significantly as compared to 12 of 40 in the placebo group. This difference appears significant when categorized as a categorical parameter (p < 0.01). An improvement of 5 points in the KSS score was considered significant. 21 of 40 patients in the treatment group improved significantly as compared to 5 of 40 in the placebo group.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a possible positive effect of a Glucosamine Sulfate containing rubbing compound on knee pain due to osteoarthritis, within an six-week treatment period.