The sweet solution works by acting as a mild irritant inside the joint, triggering low-level inflammation. This inflammation is not enough to cause any severe harm, but is sufficient to stimulate the release of cells that can help to heal some of the damage caused by the disease.
A study was conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin into the efficacy of prolotherapy (a dextrose solution injection) for knee osteoarthritis.
Results indicated that Prolotherapy performed by a trained operator resulted in safe, significant, and sustained improvements on validated, quality-of-life, pain, function, and stiffness measures compared with saline injections and at-home exercise comparison interventions.
As a result, it was concluded that Prolotherapy may be an appropriate therapy for patients with knee osteoarthritis, however it has not been compared with other current therapy, including intra-articular corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections. Further research into this area is required before firmer conclusions can be made, however the positive outcomes of this study appear encouraging.
Adapted from the original article: Dextrose Prolotherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
