Article

Chondroitin Improves Hand Function in Patients With Osteoarthritis

Chondroitin sulfate significantly decreases pain and improves hand function in patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA), according to new research reported by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The agent also improves grip strength and relieves morning stiffness.

 

Chondroitin sulfate significantly decreases pain and improves hand function in patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA), according to new research reported by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The agent also improves grip strength and relieves morning stiffness.

The Finger osteoArthritis Chondroitin Treatment Study, a single-center, placebo-controlled trial, included 162 patients with radiographic hand OA. They received 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate or placebo once daily for 6 months.

Patients in the chondroitin sulfate group showed a significant decrease in global hand pain compared with the placebo group, reflecting an 8.7 decrease on the Visual Analogue Scale. They also had significantly improved hand function, with a decrease of more than 2 points on the Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis, and a reduction in morning stiffness.

The results were reported in Arthritis & Rheumatism, an ACR journal. For more information about hand OA and other rheumatologic conditions, visit the ACR Web site at http://www.rheumatology.org. Or, contact the organization at American College of Rheumatology, 2200 Lake Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30319; telephone: (404) 633-3777; fax: (404) 633-1870.


Problems with/comments about this article? Please send feedback.

Related Videos
Uncovering the Role of COVID-19 in Rheumatic Disease, with Leonard Calabrese, DO
Comparing Treatment Options for Psoriatic Arthritis with Philip Mease, MD
Considering Viral Infections in Patients With Rheumatic Disease With Leonard Calabrese, DO
Leonard H. Calabrese, DO, Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair, Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University
Alvin Wells, MD, PhD: Making Informed Treatment Decisions With New Testing Strategies
Alvin Wells, MD, PhD
Upcoming Research in PsA, AxSpa, with Philip Mease, MD
Philip Mease, MD, Clinical Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine and Director, Rheumatology Research, Swedish Medical Center
© 2024 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.