Arthritis: Side Effect-Free Treatment

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Electromagnetic pulses were found to significantly decrease pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

In a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study, 34 patients who used a portable battery-operated device that emits a low-intensity pulsating electromagnetic frequency experienced more than 40 percent pain relief on their first day.

"Our results show pulsed electromagnetic fields caused a significant decrease in pain," Fred Nelson, M.D., associate program director for research and director of the Osteoarthritis Center at Henry Ford Hospital's Department of Orthopaedics, was quoted as saying.

Dr. Nelson explained that in the laboratory, electromagnetic signals have been shown to decrease calcium in cartilage cells, setting off a series of chemical events that can lead to reduced inflammation. Previously, the electromagnetic fields have been used to control pain related to cosmetic surgery.

"We are really fine-tuning what we are doing to the cell environment with a very specific pulse sequence and frequency," said Dr. Nelson.

Patients strapped the small, ring-shaped plastic device around their knees for 15 minutes, twice daily for six weeks. The device was lightweight and fit directly over clothing.

"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," says Dr. Nelson. "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."

Dr. Nelson says researchers will continue to look at the consistency of the relief, how long the pain relief lasts and how electromagnetic pulses might affect other joints.

SOURCE: Presented at the Orthopaedic Research Society's annual meeting, New Orleans, March 6, 2010

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