Abstract
PurposeRtsa-byugs, a massage oil from Bhutan, is a traditional herbal formula known for its anti-inflammatory properties and used in osteoarthritis treatment. This study investigates the efficacy of rtsa-byugs vs diclofenacgel in relieving knee pain in osteoarthritis patients.Design/methodology/approachA single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted amongst osteoarthritis knee patients at an orthopedic outpatient department of Thammasat University Hospital. Participants were randomly allocated to the rtsa-byugs (N = 31) or the Diclofenac gel (N = 31) group. Primary outcomes were assessed by the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOS), visual analog scale (VAS) and goniometer at day 0, 1, 3, 7.Findings62 participants completed the study. The result of the KOOS scores demonstrated a significant improvement of symptoms at the end of the study in both treatment groups. Improvement of symptoms, pain, daily life living, sport and recreational score and quality of life assessment showed a significant difference from baseline (p < 0.001) within both groups. The quality of life score for the rtsa-byugs group increased significantly on day 3 and 7. The VAS score in both groups decreased with a significant difference from baseline to day 7. The mean value of extension of angle measurement was decreased in day 7, and the mean of flexion score increased in both groups when compared with the baseline.Research limitations/implicationsThe duration of the study was very limited and included a small sample consisting of men and women.Originality/valueRtsa-byugs is safe and effective in relieving pain from osteoarthritis of the knee and can be used as an alternative treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
Highlights
Efficacy of rtsa-byugs vs diclofenac gel Introduction Osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) is a chronic disease caused by cartilage degradation after a long progression of friction between the two knees bones, combined with a reduction of synovial fluid resulting in aggravated inflammation in the knee joint
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of rtsa-byugs vs 1% diclofenac gel in relieving osteoarthritis knee pain for short-term effects
The knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOS) increased significantly from baseline to day 7 in almost every aspect of the two treatment groups, except for the quality of life in the diclofenac group that did not show a significant difference at the end of the study
Summary
Osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) is a chronic disease caused by cartilage degradation after a long progression of friction between the two knees bones, combined with a reduction of synovial fluid resulting in aggravated inflammation in the knee joint. It is associated with various factors such as aging, bone density and obesity. Heidari reports that more than 10% of elderly aged 60 years and older are experiencing functional impact caused by OAK which could lead to chronic disability. In Asia, a high prevalence of both OAK and knee pain in the elderly was reported, with prevalence ranging from approximately 38–50%. Some OAK patients still seek other ways to reduce their suffering
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