The Effectiveness of Olive Oil in Controlling Morning Inflammatory Pain of Phalanges and Knees Among Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of olive oil in controlling morning inflammatory pain of phalanges and knees among women with rheumatoid arthritis. Design This is a randomized clinical trial, which was done in Arak, Iran. Method After selecting 60 women based on a convenience sampling method, they were randomly allocated into five groups. A demographic questionnaire, the Visual Analogue Scale, and the Disease Activity Score 28 were completed. After 12 weeks of interventions, the last two scales were again completed. All data were analyzed using t test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Friedman test. Results The mean age of the women was 40 +/- 10.5 years. The result of the Friedman test showed a significant difference (p <= .001) among the total mean of groups before and after interventions. The post hoc test (least significant difference [LSD]) showed a significant difference (p <= .001) between the mean of Disease Activity Score 28 in the group using olive oil for massaging. Results also showed that there are significant differences (p <= .001) among the mean of Visual Analogue Scale rates, among the mean of the number of painful joints, and among the mean of the number of swollen joints after intervention in the five groups. Conclusion Applying topical extra virgin olive oil, Piroxicam gel, and paraffin oil; dry massaging; and taking routine drugs alone were all effective in controlling rheumatic arthritis manifestations, respectively. Therefore, applying topical extra virgin olive oil for controlling of inflammatory pain of joints in rheumatic arthritis is recommended.