Dimethyl sulfoxide, or DMSO, entered the medical scene during the 1960s when Dr. Stanley Jacob began investigating claims of medicinal properties. Previously known only as an industrial solvent produced during the manufacture of paper, DMSO was found to protect cells from freezing damage, and other health benefits seemed likely. Research was all but discontinued due to concerns over side effects, and DMSO has remained an alternative therapy ever since. It does, however, claim a loyal following within the field.
Early Interest
In 1966, when attention was just turning to DMSO as a medicine, the "Canadian Journal of Comparative Medicine and Veterinary Science" published the results of an investigation into DMSO that found it was effective in treating musculoskeletal complaints. In all, 437 of the 548 patients treated reported "unequivocal improvement," with patients with acute trauma noticing improvement 93 percent of the time. Rheumatoid arthritis patients were helped in the earlier stages of the disease, and those with chronic bursitis experienced a 25 percent reduction in calcium.
Negative Effects
The early reasearch into DMSO was discontinued due to the side effects associated with internal use, but topical use posed some problems as well. Patients reported irritation at the application site, which became rather severe in patients with osteoarthritis. Because DMSO actually absorbs into the bloodstream through the skin, systemic effects like fatigue, decreased platelet count and altered blood enzymes were noted even with topical application.
Modern Use
Possible side effects aside, DMSO has gained quite a following for treating musculoskeletal injuries, and a knee injury certainly falls into that group. Illinois doctor Ross Hauser notes that it can alleviate pain and swelling soon after application, especially when used in conjunction with an arnica cream. It is important to note, though, that DMSO is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for topical use in human medicine, although it has been a popular, approved veterinary liniment since the 1970s. The only approved human use for DMSO is as a treatment for interstitial cystitis, a type of bladder infection.
Your Knee Injury
For a knee injury, treatment depends upon the type and severity. If you can't put any weight on the injured leg or if it is bleeding, swollen or discolored, seek medical attention. If the injury is mild enough that home care would be sufficient, there are plenty of preparations available that have proven time and again to be more effective and safer than DMSO. If you would like to try DMSO, consult your doctor first -- she may provide usage instructions particular to your case, or she may recommend a different treatment.
