Individualised homoeopathic medicine versus placebo in the pain management of knee and hip osteoarthritis: A double-blind, randomised controlled trial

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative disease affecting large weight-bearing joints. The severity of symptoms varies among individuals; whereas pain and stiffness are the most troublesome complaints. Homoeopathic medicines have the potential to manage pain episodes. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of individualised homoeopathic medicine (IHM) in managing the pain of knee and hip OA. Methods: A prospective, double-blind, randomised (1:1) placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 individuals suffering from OA at R.B.T.S. Govt. Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Muzaffarpur. Visual analogue scale for pain (Score-A-1), stiffness (Score-A-2) and loss of function (Score-A-3) was the primary outcomes and the OKHQOL scale (Score-B) was the secondary outcome. The outcomes were measured at baseline and after 3 months. Comparative analysis was done to detect group differences. Intra and intergroup analysis was done by paired and unpaired t-tests, respectively. Results: Statistically significant results were observed in both intra and intergroup outcomes (P < 0.05, at 95% CI). The group differences in Score-A-1 (mean difference: −5.83, 95% CI: −6.71to−4.94, P < 0.001), Score-A-2 (mean difference: −5.43, 95% CI: −6.38to−4.48, P < 0.001), Score-A-3 (mean difference: −5.60, 95% CI: −6.50to-4.69, P < 0.001) and in Score-B (mean difference: −106.87, 95% CI: −142.77 to−70.96, P < 0.001) were statistically significant after 3 months. However, the improvement was much better in the IHM group than in the placebo group. The frequently indicated medicines were Rhus toxicodendron, Medorrhinum, Bryonia and Syphilinum. Conclusion: This study shows that IHMs can improve the pain in knee and hip OA, as well as the quality of life.