Introduction
This study investigates the impact of topical ginger treatments on health outcomes in adults suffering from moderate to severe osteoarthritis. Conducted in 2011, the research involved 20 participants who were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Over a period of one week, participants received either a manually prepared ginger compress or a standardized ginger patch applied by trained nurses.
Methodology and Results
Following the initial nurse-administered treatment, participants had the option to continue using the ginger patch for an additional 24 weeks on their own. Health status was evaluated using a brief arthritis health questionnaire administered weekly for the first three weeks and then every four weeks for the duration of the study. The results showed significant improvements in pain, fatigue, global effect, and functional status after just one week of treatment. Specifically, pain and fatigue scores dropped by 48% and 49%, respectively, and overall health satisfaction improved dramatically from 80% dissatisfaction to 70% satisfaction among participants.
Conclusion and Implications
The findings suggest that topical ginger treatments can substantially alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and enhance overall health satisfaction and independence among affected individuals. The continued improvement over the 24 weeks of self-treatment highlights the potential of ginger as a sustainable, natural remedy for osteoarthritis management, offering a promising alternative to traditional pharmaceutical approaches.
Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4230973/