Arthritis pain relief proves ineffective

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams are only helpful in the short term.

Pain relief creams used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) appear to be ineffective after only two weeks, say UK researchers. Positive outcomes from clinical trials carried out over periods of up to a fortnight have concealed longer-term effects no better than those expected with a placebo, report researchers at the University of Nottingham, UK.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used against this degenerative joint disease that affects nine million people in the UK. Oral NSAIDs are associated with side effects including stomach ulcers and heartburn, so many patients opt for topical creams, though these sometimes cause skin rashes.

Now it seems patients may be putting up with side effects in vain.

Weiya Zhang, senior lecturer in epidemiology analysed data from 13 independent trials carried out over four weeks investigating the clinical effects of NSAIDs. At first, topical creams proved effective against stiffness and pain, but follow-up assessments revealed this decreased with time with no noticeable effects after one month. So NSAID creams may be better for treating short-term joint pain, like that associated with sports injuries. Further studies are required, says Zhang, who recommends that OA patients try alternatives, such as paracetamol and oral NSAIDs.

Vikki Allen