UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA

Metformin Shows Promise in Reducing Knee Osteoarthritis Pain in Overweight Patients

21 days ago

• A six-month clinical trial found that metformin, a common diabetes medication, significantly reduced knee osteoarthritis pain in overweight patients by 31.3 points compared to 18.9 points in the placebo group. • Researchers from Monash University and collaborating institutions suggest metformin could be used "off-label" as a safe, low-cost treatment option that may delay the need for knee replacement surgery. • Beyond pain reduction, participants taking metformin also reported significantly improved joint stiffness and function, with only mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal side effects reported in 30% of treatment group patients.