Electromagnetic therapy alleviates osteoarthritis pain--study

According to U.S. researchers electromagnetic therapy has the potential to significantly relieve soreness and swelling in osteoarthritis of the knee. The technique works by emission of low intensity electromagnetic pulses through a lightweight battery-operated portable device that is wrapped around the affected knee.

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

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

Effectiveness of portable device evaluated

To test the effectiveness of the device, 34 patients received either an active or inactive thing. They carried him around on his knees for 15 minutes twice a day for 6 weeks.

The researchers noted that the issues dealt with the social environment the unit "saw more than 40 percent pain relief at their first day."

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

Furthermore, the use of low-intensity pulsed electromagnetic therapy produced no adverse effects.

Several studies in the pipeline

Electromagnetic therapy, touted as an alternative to painkillers, posing significant health risks for kidney, liver and may also lead to heart failure in vulnerable patients.

Researchers are now planning further experiments to determine whether electromagnetic pulses, may prove useful in easing other joint pain.

Aeration some reservations about the electromagnetic therapy, Rob Dawson, spokesman for the National Osteoporosis Society said: "There is much debate about its effectiveness and this latest study evaluated a very small number of people. Further testing needs to be much larger scale with measurements on how long The relaxation is likely to last. "

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

Dr. Nelson will submit its 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 pain and affects a large proportion of the population over 60 years.

It is a slow, progressive degenerative disease that is triggered by injury, aging or infection.

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

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