Osteoarthritis in Older Adults: Recovery of Mobility and Pain With a Topical Analgesic

Osteoarthritis in Older Adults: Recovery of Mobility and Pain With a Topical Analgesic

Biofreeze® is a topical ointment that has menthol and alcamphor. Its analgesic effect lies in the stimulation of A and C fibers by cold and nociceptive stimulation, respectively, which is produced by menthol, apparently through the newly discovered receptor TRPM8 (Transient Receptor Potential melastatin-8) The aim of this study is to investigate if BIOFREEZE ® treatment (Performance Health Inc., Export, PA) improves symptoms associated with moderate knee osteoarthritis, which would decrease the immobility and isolation in older adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Moderate osteoarthritis of the knee
• Age 60 to 80 years
• Ambulatory

Exclusion Criteria:

• Other conditions that affect mobility
• Severe chronic diseases such as cardiac or renal failure
• Cancer
• Presence of gout
• Cognitive impairment