A recent study has revealed an additional benefit of metformin, a medication predominantly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, which may also alleviate joint pain. Each year, over six million prescriptions are written for metformin in Australia, demonstrating its widespread use.
Researchers from Monash University initiated a study to evaluate whether these affordable and safe tablets could be effective in managing pain for individuals suffering from knee arthritis. The trial involved more than 100 participants who were overweight, did not have diabetes, and were experiencing knee arthritis. Participants were divided into two groups: one received metformin, while the other was administered a placebo.
After six months, both groups were asked to assess their pain on a scale from 1 to 100. Results indicated that those taking metformin experienced an average pain reduction of 31.3 points, while the placebo group reported an average reduction of 18.9 points. The researchers concluded that these findings support the use of metformin for treating symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in those who are overweight or obese.
Professor Flavia Cicuttini, the study’s lead researcher, emphasised the significance of metformin as a potentially new and affordable option for improving knee pain. She noted that general practitioners are well-acquainted with metformin, which is both cost-effective and safe. This drug could complement existing treatments, potentially delaying the need for knee replacement surgery until absolutely necessary.
If patients taking metformin experience reduced knee pain and enhanced physical activity levels, they may postpone surgical interventions. Overall, this study opens the door to the repurposing of metformin, highlighting its potential to offer relief for those suffering from knee arthritis. Further research with a larger sample size is recommended to confirm these promising results.