Electromagnetic therapy alleviates osteoarthritis pain--study

The technique works by the emission of low intensity electromagnetic pulses through a lightweight battery operated portable device which is wrapped around the affected knee.

Dr Fred Nelson, associate program director for research and director of the Osteoarthritis Center, Department of Orthopedics at the Henry Ford Hospital says, "The exciting thing about this new approach is that it has been found to have no side effects, it is relatively low-cost in the long-run and the onset of pain relief is immediate.

"We look at electromagnetic pulses as a potential way to improve quality of life and independence for those who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee."

Effectiveness of portable device assessed
To test the effectiveness of the device, 34 patients were given either an active or inactive contraption. They wore it around their knees for 15 minutes two times a day for 6 weeks.

The investigators noted that the subjects treated with the working device “experienced more than 40 percent pain relief on their first day”.

According to them the electromagnetic signals work by reducing the level of calcium in the cartilage cells which in turn starts a process reducing the inflammation. The inflammation is the root cause of the pain.

Additionally, the use of low-intensity pulsating electromagnetic therapy produced no adverse effects.

More trials in the pipeline
Electromagnetic therapy, touted as an alternate to painkillers, carries significant health risks for kidney, liver and can also lead to heart failure in vulnerable patients.

Now, the researchers are planning more trials to assess whether electromagnetic pulses can prove beneficial in easing other joint pains.

Airing some reservations about electromagnetic therapy, Rob Dawson spokesman for the National Osteoporosis Society stated, “There is much debate over its effectiveness and this latest study assessed a very small number of individuals. Further trials are needed on much larger scales with measurements on how long the relief is likely to last.”

The trial was sponsored by Ivivi Health Sciences makers of the device.

Dr Nelson shall present his findings this week at the Orthopedic Research Society's annual meeting in New Orleans.

Osteoarthritis of the knee
Osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common of all joint pains and affects a large section of the population over 60 years.

It is a slow, progressively degenerative disease which is triggered by injury, ageing or infection.

The condition occurs by the wear and tear of cartilage in the knee joint leading to swelling, pain and development of bone spurs.

The usual treatment process is use of anti-inflammatory medications, weight loss, physical therapy, and surgery.