Study on the effectiveness of mud for hand osteoarthritis

Antonella Fioravanti et al.

January 2013

Fango treatment

Healing & thermal therapy

Rheumatism / Joints / Arthritis / Arthrosis

The aim of the study was to test and prove the short and long-term effectiveness of mud therapy.

60 patients with diagnosed hand osteoarthritis were divided into two groups: The first 30 patients were each treated with a mud pack for 12 days in addition to their usual therapy and were also given a thermal bath. The control group continued to receive the routine treatments.

Both groups were examined before the study as well as three, six, nine and twelve months afterwards. Among other things, the functionality of the hands and the sensation of pain were tested.

In all parameters, the spa therapy showed the better values; in particular, the improvements persisted even after six months, while there were no significant changes in the control group.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Osteoarthritis
Institution: Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunological Sciences, University of Siena, Viale Bracci,1, 53100, Siena, Italy
Title: Study on the effectiveness of mud for hand osteoarthritis
Brief description: The study shows that mud therapy for hand osteoarthritis improves the functionality of the hands over the long term and relieves pain.
Original title: Short- and long-term effects of mud-bath treatment on hand osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23314489/