Homeopathic remedies for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review

Osteoarthritis is a common rheumatic disease. Limitations of conventional medical management of this condition indicate a real need for safe and effective treatment of osteoarthritic patients. The authors review the clinical evidence for and against the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis. A systematic review of all randomised controlled clinical trials of homeopathic treatment of patients with this condition is presented. A comprehensive search yielded four trials which are discussed in detail. The authors conclude that the small number of randomised clinical trials conducted to date, although favouring homeopathic treatment, do not allow a firm conclusion as to the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis. The clinical evidence appears promising, however, and more research into this area seems warranted.