Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Ege Ãœniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı, Ä°ZMÄ°R Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has recently attracted attention because of its widespread use, associated costs, and unknown effects. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease in the population. Many different therapeutic interventions are currently employed for the management of OA, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological options. Continuous pain is characteristic of this chronic disease, and the rate of CAM usage for OA is estimated to be high. Patients suffering from OA are often tempted to try ‘alternative' treatment options. CAMs include herbal medicines, traditional medicines (Ayurvedic or Chinese), vitamin, mineral and nutritional supplements, homeopathic medicines and aromatherapy products. The aim of this review was to assess the use of CAM in the treatment of patients with OA. Keywords : Osteoarthritis, Therapy, Complementary, Therapy, Alternative