Use of complementary medicines for osteoarthritis--a prospective study

Abstract

Background: Patients with osteoarthritis commonly use complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), either as an adjunct to or in place of conventional analgesics. Objectives: To undertake a prospective investigation of the prevalence of CAM use for osteoarthritis and the direct costs incurred. Methods: The subjects were 341 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip drawn from central and northern Sydney, Australia, and comprising 83 community based patients and 258 awaiting joint replacement. Information on CAM use was obtained from prospective three monthly diaries. Variables of interest included health related quality of life scores. Prospective out of pocket costs were recorded over a 12 month follow up period. Results: The prevalence of CAM use was 40%, which falls within the range of previous studies. Average annual expenditure on CAM was A$32.25 (range 0 to 603.30). CAM users were more likely to be female (odds ratio (OR) 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 3.0)), reported a higher level of bodily pain (OR 0.97 (0.95 to 0.99)), and were less likely to purchase conventional analgesics (OR 3.3 (1.6 to 7.0)), either prescribed or over the counter. Vitamin supplementation was the most common CAM reported, followed by celery extract, fish oils, and garlic extracts. Conclusions: There are no good quality clinical trials to support the use of most preparations purchased by patients with osteoarthritis. There is a need for patient education on the risks and benefits of complementary medicine in osteoarthritis.

The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Turkish Patients with Rheumatic Diseases

“…[7] Previous studies have indicated that female gender, advanced education level, and younger age are associated with a higher prevalence of CAM use in rheumatic diseases. [4][5][6][7]9,21,22] Similarly, female gender and higher education levels (more than high school) were also associated with more frequent use of CAM in our study. On the other hand, a lower education level was found to be associated with a greater use of CAM in different study.…”

Use of complementary and alternative medicines by patients with orthopaedic disorders in western part of India: a cross sectional study

“…7,8,11,12 Varying prevalence of CAM use in rheumatic patients is reported from different countries-United States two third of respondents, Australia 40%, Turkey 46% and India 58%. [13][14][15] In a study to define the relationship between medical skepticism and CAM use in two groups of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders; those being served by family practitioners and those served by specialists, 88% of the samples used some form of CAM for their pain related to musculoskeletal disorders. 16 In our study about 39% patients had used CAM which is accordance with report from Australia.…”

A Combination of Scutellaria Baicalensis and Acacia Catechu Extracts for Short-Term Symptomatic Relief of Joint Discomfort Associated with Osteoarthritis of the Knee

“…2 For instance, dietary supplements containing chondroitin/glucosamine sulfate have been well received by the general public and have shown efficacy against the symptoms of OA. 3 Flavonoids, in particular isoflavones, exert beneficial effects on cartilage metabolism.…”