Annals of internal medicine
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effectiveness of leech therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled trial.
Leech therapy was commonly used in traditional medicine for treating localized pain. Clinically significant pain relief after leech therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee has been demonstrated by preliminary data. ⋯ Leech therapy helps relieve symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The potential of leech therapy for treating osteoarthritis and the pharmacologic properties of leech saliva remain to be clarified.