Cost-Effective and Safe Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: Evaluating the Rapid Therapeutic Benefits of Mesotherapy

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of mesotherapy in comparison to oral NSAIDs for the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Through a controlled clinical investigation, we sought to generate robust evidence on the effectiveness, safety profile, and potential of mesotherapy as an alternative treatment strategy for OA. A total of 60 Indian patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled in the study and stratified into two groups based on the presence or absence of contraindications to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients in Group A received standard oral NSAID therapy, while those in Group B underwent mesotherapy. All interventions were conducted under clinical supervision. Upon completion of the treatment protocol, all patients were monitored over a six-month follow-up period. A total of 50 patients successfully completed both the treatment and follow-up periods. Patients in Group B (mesotherapy) reported significantly fewer gastric acid-related complaints and required less supplementary treatment for recurrent pain compared to those in Group A (NSAIDs) (p < 0.05). However, mesotherapy resulted in a more substantial enhancement in physical function (p < 0.05). Moreover, patients in Group B exhibited superior overall outcomes compared to those in Group A, with statistically significant differences observed (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Our findings indicate that while both NSAID therapy and mesotherapy significantly improve biochemical markers and clinical symptoms in knee OA patients, mesotherapy is associated with fewer adverse gastrointestinal effects and a reduced need for additional pain management interventions. Our findings suggest that mesotherapy is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with knee osteoarthritis. In direct comparison with conventional NSAID therapy, mesotherapy resulted in significant improvements in pain relief and functional capacity, while also notably reducing gastrointestinal adverse effects.