To remove chronic pain in the knee, it is better to use gels and ointments containing analgesics than painkillers, scientists.

Scientists conducted a study among 600 volunteers aged over 50 years. It turned out that the analgesic gels and ointments acted just like the painkillers, but had fewer side effects.

According to statistics, one third of people over the age of 50 suffer from knee pain. Half of these cases are classified as serious. The most common cause of knee pain is osteoarthritis.

This disease is characterized by degeneration of the articular cartilage with subsequent changes in the subchondral bone and the development of marginal osteophytes, which leads to replacement of the cartilage with bone tissue and concomitant damage to other components of the joint (synovium, ligaments).

Scientists came to the conclusion that it is better to use analgesic gels and ointments, since they have fewer side effects, which is important. After taking analgesic tablets, there are sometimes side effects such as upset stomach, increased blood pressure, and worsening of asthma symptoms.

Medicinform. Net.

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