Chondroitin Improves Hand Function in Patients With Osteoarthritis

Chondroitin sulfate significantly decreases pain and improves hand function in patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA), according to new research reported by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The agent also improves grip strength and relieves morning stiffness.

The Finger osteoArthritis Chondroitin Treatment Study, a single-center, placebo-controlled trial, included 162 patients with radiographic hand OA. They received 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate or placebo once daily for 6 months.

Patients in the chondroitin sulfate group showed a significant decrease in global hand pain compared with the placebo group, reflecting an 8.7 decrease on the Visual Analogue Scale. They also had significantly improved hand function, with a decrease of more than 2 points on the Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis, and a reduction in morning stiffness.

The results were reported in Arthritis & Rheumatism, an ACR journal. For more information about hand OA and other rheumatologic conditions, visit the ACR Web site at http://www.rheumatology.org. Or, contact the organization at American College of Rheumatology, 2200 Lake Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30319; telephone: (404) 633-3777; fax: (404) 633-1870.


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