A Review of Complementary and Alternative Medicines for Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease and is the most common arthritis. There is a high prevalence of CAM use among those with osteoarthritis and a large proportion of these sufferers consider these medicines to be safe and effective. Thus, an updated review to look at the current available CAM therapies option and its efficacy and safety is constantly needed. The options of CAM therapies for OA includes exercise, yoga, Tai chi, massage, cupping, manipulative therapy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, leech therapy and Channastriatus head fish extract. The current evidence remains limited and further good quality research are needed.