Leech Therapy Relieves Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
By Maureen Williams, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (December 18, 2003)Leech therapy reduces pain, stiffness, and joint dysfunction in people with osteoarthritis of the knee, reports a new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2003;724–30).
The historical use of medicinal leeches spans more than 2,500 years. Leech therapy was widely practiced in ancient times and only lost favor in the last century. Used whenever there was a need to prevent or to break apart blood clots, the most common indications for leech use included phlebitis and thrombotic (blood clotting) conditions, but it was also used to treat inflammation and pain.
Leech saliva is known to contain substances that thin blood and reduce inflammation. Several recent studies have examined the potential usefulness of leech saliva or its components in preventing post-surgical blood clotting. A recent preliminary trial found that the application of four medicinal leeches to knees afflicted by osteoarthritis led to rapid pain relief.
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is characterized by progressive loss of cartilage in the joints and is associated with symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Treatment often includes the use of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) and topical analgesics. This approach provides symptom relief but does not change the course of the disease. Furthermore, long-term use of NSAIDs is known to cause gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Studies have found that glucosamine sulfate can slow cartilage loss and promote the formation of new cartilage in arthritic joints, and its use in the management of osteoarthritis has become more widespread in recent years.
Fifty people with osteoarthritis of the knee participated in the current study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group was treated with leech therapy and the other with topical diclofenac, an analgesic, anti-inflammatory gel. Leech therapy involved a single application of four to six medicinal leeches to the arthritic knee. The leeches were left in place until they detached themselves, which occurred after an average of 70 minutes. Participants receiving diclofenac were instructed to apply the gel to the arthritic knee twice a day for 29 days. Pain, stiffness, and physical function were evaluated by questionnaires at the beginning of the study and on days 3, 7, 28, and 91.
During the first 7 days of the study, people treated with leeches experienced significantly more pain reduction than did people using diclofenac. Joint stiffness and function improved more in the leech-therapy group than in the diclofenac group, a difference that persisted through day 91 of the study. Itching at the site of leech application was a common but minor adverse affect of leech therapy.
The results of this study suggest that leech therapy may be more effective than topical analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Although leeches may not be safe for people with diseases that impair blood clotting or for those with compromised immune function, it is believed to be safe for most other people. Its immediate effect on pain, lasting effects on stiffness and dysfunction, and high degree of safety suggest that this therapy has great potential in the management of osteoarthritis.
Maureen Williams, ND, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. She has a private practice in Quechee, Vermont, and does extensive work with traditional herbal medicine in Guatemala and Honduras. Dr. Williams is a regular contributor to Healthnotes Newswire.
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