Today, human life expectancy is increasing. As a result, knee or hip osteoarthritis (arthrosis) is becoming more common in society. Many medications have been studied to slow down the deterioration in patients’ knees or hips and prevent the joint from requiring prosthetic surgery. There are medications injected into the joint to increase joint lubrication or strengthen cartilage structure, as well as oral supplement pills available on the market.
There are many forms of intra-articular medications. Their chemical structures differ from one another, and they are claimed to be effective by the companies that market them. Among the public, they are colloquially referred to as rooster comb, fish cartilage, and similar names. Some of these medications are administered three consecutive weeks, while other types have been developed as a single annual injection. Scientific studies have shown that these medications have no superiority over placebo (dummy medications) or have been reported to be effective only at very low levels. Because the effectiveness of these medications is controversial, health security systems do not cover them. However, the feedback from patients regarding clinical relief is at a level that cannot be disregarded.
There are many pills used daily for knee and hip osteoarthritis (arthrosis). The contents of these pills vary. The ingredients are written on the boxes, and generally, it is claimed that they contain dozens of substances. Some are said to be organic, listing only the names of herbs they contain. In scientific studies, the effectiveness of these pills on joint health is unclear. These pills have been marketed as dietary supplements rather than medications. Most of them are approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, not the Ministry of Health. There are patients who say they benefit from such medications. The answer to the question of whether these patients’ pain would have decreased even if they had not used these medications varies in scientific studies.
Intra-articular cortisone injection is also an option in early-stage knee osteoarthritis. Cortisone administered into the joint reduces the destruction occurring in the joint. However, this application is also a temporary treatment method. It relieves the patient’s pain. To avoid the side effects of cortisone, it is generally recommended to administer it at intervals of at least 6 months.
Intra-articular PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and ozone therapy are other methods that may be effective in early-stage osteoarthritis. In these treatments, the stimulating substances necessary for the cartilage structures inside the joint to repair themselves are extracted from the person’s blood and injected into the joint. The effectiveness of these treatments in advanced-stage osteoarthritis is also controversial. The effectiveness of stem cell therapy has been demonstrated in selected special cases.
Joint osteoarthritis (arthrosis) is a progressive condition. Patients apply to orthopedics and traumatology and physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinics for treatment. The medications or treatments given to these patients reduce their pain. However, due to the nature of the disease, pain recurs in patients. Some patients, thinking that specialists cannot treat them, seek alternative treatment methods. They turn to such injections and pills available on the market. However, scientific studies have not demonstrated the long-term effectiveness of these methods. It is an undisputed scientific fact that strengthening the muscles around the joint and losing weight are effective in reducing patients’ pain.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist, for proper diagnosis and treatment of joint conditions. Individual treatment plans may vary based on the patient’s specific condition and medical history.