The Effects of Topical Olive Oil on the Pain Intensity among Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Given the importance of relieving pain and disability experienced by the patients, the present study aimed to study the Effects of topical olive oil on the pain intensity among patients with knee osteoarthritis. The patients were randomly assigned into the experimental (28 patients) and control groups (27 patients). Firstly, in tropical olive oil (TOO) group, a high-quality olive oil, branded as Famila was used and in the control group, Diclofenac gel was applied. In experimental groups, 5 drops of herbal oils were applied to the knee thrice a day at morning, noon and evening and the knees were covered with a nylon sheet for more absorption. The patients were followed up for 4 weeks and their capability and pain intensities were evaluated prior the study, during the first week, the second week and the fourth week with Visual Analogue Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests by SPSS V. 16 software. According to the findings, also the Mean (SD) pre-intervention Pain score in experimental group A was 8.10(0.91), which decreased to 1.78(0.78) after the intervention and in the control group from 8.55(0.69) to 3.85(0.98). Due to the greater effect of olive oil compared to Diclofenac gel on reducing pain of patients with KOA, it is recommended that patients use olive oil. Further studies are also recommended.