Electromagnetic pulses significantly decrease pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, according to researchers at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit.
In the double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study, 34 patients used a portable battery-operated device that emits a low-intensity pulsating electromagnetic frequency and experienced more than 40% pain relief on their first day.
"Our results show pulsed electromagnetic fields caused a significant decrease in pain" says Fred Nelson, MD, associate program director for research and director of the Osteoarthritis Center, Department of Orthopaedics, Henry Ford Hospital, in a statement.
Nelson said that in the laboratory, electromagnetic signals have been shown to decrease calcium in cartilage cells. This sets 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.
Patients strapped the small, ring-shaped plastic device around their knees for 15 minutes, twice daily for 6 weeks. The device was lightweight and patients could position the device directly over clothing. All participants were given a device with a coil that appeared to work but some were assigned active coils and others were given nonactive coils. The electromagnetic device was developed by Ivivi Health Sciences of Montvale, New Jersey.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a leading cause of disability and loss of independence, according to the researchers.
Current treatments include drug therapies such as anti-inflammatory medication or pain relievers; physical therapy; support devices; health and behavioral modifications such as weight loss; surgery and joint replacement.
Nelson said that medications often have variable success and can produce considerable side effects such as changes in kidney and liver function, a reduction in the ability of blood to clot, and abdominal pain, nausea, and indigestion.
"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 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."
Nelson said researchers will continue to look at the consistency of the relief, how long the pain relief lasts and if electromagnetic pulses might affect other joints.
Funding for the study: Ivivi Health Sciences.
[Source: Henry Ford Health System]
