Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Herbal Poultice Cannabis Formula and Basic Formula for Knee Pain Relief in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knee at Thai Traditional and Integrated Medicine Hospital, Regional Health 9 (Surin)

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to compare the effectiveness of a cannabis-infused herbal poultice formula and a basic formula on pain levels, knee stiffness, and knee functionality, and to assess the quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis before and after treatment. This study was conducted at the Thai Traditional and Integrated Medicine Hospital, Regional Health 9 (Surin). The research took the form of a clinical trial, employing a randomized double-blinded controlled trial design involving 50 participants, divided into two groups of 25 each. Group 1 received the cannabis-infused knee poultice formula, while Group 2 received the basic knee poultice formula. Both groups applied the poultice for 30 minutes at a time, twice a day, totaling three applications daily. Outcomes were evaluated before and after medication use using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and goniometer measurements for knee joint range of motion. The Oxford Knee Score was utilized to assess the severity of osteoarthritis, and the WHOQOL questionnaire was employed to evaluate the participants' quality of life. Data analysis encompassed percentages, means, standard deviations, paired t-tests, and unpaired t-tests.

The study results revealed that both groups experienced improved pain levels, alleviated knee pain symptoms, and increased knee joint mobility. However, no statistically significant differences (p-value < 0.01) were observed between the groups concerning knee pain, stiffness/tightness, and joint usage. Similarly, the evaluation outcomes for the severity of knee osteoarthritis and quality of life demonstrated no statistically significant differences (p-value < 0.01).