Leeches gained popularity in modern medicine in the 1980s when studies showed they were effective in helping damaged tissue regain normal blood flow. When a leech bites into skin, it releases an anticoagulant that stops blood from clotting and an anesthetic that decreases pain. The wounds left by leeches are known to bleed for several hours after removal. This helps the backed up blood evacuate the area. Research on knee osteoarthritis has also shown that leech therapy may be helpful in decreasing pain and stiffness in joints.
Researchers from the Academic Teaching Hospital in Germany designed a study to review the benefits of leech therapy for osteoarthritis of the thumb. The study published in the Pain journal showed promising benefits of leech therapy for osteoarthritis.
About the Study
The randomized trial had 32 female participants with painful osteoarthritis in the thumb saddle joint. The women were assigned to one of two groups:
- A single treatment of 2-3 locally applied leeches
- 30-day course with a standard treatment of topical diclofenac twice daily
Over 60 days, researchers recorded feedback from the participants. Compared to the diclofenac group, the leech group reported significantly better rates of:
- Pain relief
- Quality of life
- Grip strength
How Does This Affect You?
Although the study was small, the results are supported by similar results in other leech therapy studies. More work will need to be done to confirm that these benefits do exist and are not due to chance .
If you have osteoarthritis, talk with your doctor to develop a plan. Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapeutic techniques can help you manage the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.
- Reviewer: Larissa J. Lucas, MD
- Review Date: 10/2008 -