Related Experiment Videos
[Complementary medicine in rheumatoid arthritis].
P Sarzi-Puttini1, F Atzeni, E Lubrano
1Unità di Reumatologia, Università Ospedale L. Sacco, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milano, Italia. sarzi@tiscali.it.
Reumatismo
|December 29, 2005
Summary
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) shows promise for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptom relief, but robust clinical trials are lacking for most therapies. CAM is often used alongside conventional treatments, not as a replacement.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Integrative Medicine
Context:
- Growing patient interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for chronic conditions.
- High prevalence of CAM use among individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Purpose:
- To review available trial data on the efficacy of CAM as a symptomatic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
- To assess the current evidence base for various CAM modalities in managing RA symptoms.
Summary:
- Some CAM therapies, including acupuncture, specific diets, herbal medicine, homeopathy, massage, and supplements, show potential for RA symptom management.
- A significant limitation is the scarcity of evidence-based clinical randomized trials for the majority of CAM interventions.
- CAM is typically used as an adjunct to, rather than a substitute for, conventional medical treatments for RA.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for rigorous clinical trials to validate the effectiveness and safety of CAM for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Informs patients and healthcare providers about the current evidence landscape of CAM in RA management.
- Addresses patient motivations for using CAM, including a desire for control and potential misconceptions about safety.