A Pilot Observational Study of Topical Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective : To determine the efficacy and safety of topical glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of knee Osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and Methods : Thirty-three patients diagnosed with knee OA were included in the study. Subjects received topical application of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on the affected knee two times a day for four weeks. Pain, joint stiffness, and physical functions were evaluated by the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the severity of the initial pain. The patients were assessed before the treatment and four weeks after the initiation of the treatment. Results : The WOMAC scores for pain, stiffness, and function, as well as the VAS score, were significantly improved (P<0.01) in subjects at week four compared to the baseline. There was a 44.02% improvement in the total WOMAC scores and a 51.11% improvement in the VAS scores with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate topical gel after four weeks. Conclusion : Topical glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are safe and effective in improving knee pain, stiffness, and physical function in knee OA.