Topical therapies for knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) involves millions of adults around the world. PURPOSE: To analyze the effectiveness and tolerability of topical therapies and their contemporary placement in knee OA management criteria. METHODS: A Cochrane Library and PubMed (MEDLINE) search related to the role of topical therapies in knee OA was carried out. RESULTS: Many types of local therapy have been reported, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac and ketoprofen; capsaicin, cream containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and camphor; nimesulide; civamide cream 0.075%; menthol; drug-free gel containing ultra-deformable phospholipid vesicles (TDT 064); 4Jointz utilizing Acteev technology; herbal therapies; gel of medical leech (Hirudo medicinalis) saliva extract; and gel prepared using Lake Urmia mud. One systematic review showed that topical diclofenac and topical ketoprofen can alleviate pain. However, another systematic review found that topical diclofenac and ketoprofen had limited efficacy in knee OA at 6 to 12 weeks. Many studies with a low level of evidence have reported some pain mitigation using the rest of aforementioned topical therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Although some controversy exists on the role of topical NSAIDs, current management guidelines advise topical NSAIDs as an option and even first-line therapy for knee OA treatment, particularly among elderly patients. Topical NSAIDs may be contemplated as similar options to oral NSAIDs and are associated with fewer gastrointestinal complications when compared with oral NSAIDs. Caution should be taken with the use of both topical and oral NSAIDs, including close adherence to dosing regimens and monitoring, especially for patients with previous complications of NSAIDs. The role of other topical therapies needs further research.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) involves millions of adults around the world.

Explore how this research connects to clinical practice

More peer-reviewed studies in Clinical Trials.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• Efficacy and Safety of Hirudotherapy for Improving Sperm Quality Parameters in Male Infertility: A Randomized Controlled Trial — Abtahi-Forooshani M et al. (2026)
• Reverse Sural Flap Venous Congestion Successfully Managed With Enoxaparin in a Male Patient With a Traumatic Foot Crush Injury: A Case Report — Velasco-Bustamante J et al. (2026)
• Investigation of the therapeutic effects of medicinal leech treatment on lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury — Ünal K et al. (2026)
• Efficacy of Medicinal Leech Therapy in Diverse Clinical Applications: A Comprehensive Study from Azerbaijan — Farzali S et al. (2025)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW — Heinz P et al. (2020)
• Hirudotherapy Efficacy and Complications in the Management of Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review — Foppiani J et al. (2024)
• Hirudotherapy in Wound Healing — Nair H et al. (2022)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →