MSM for Hand Osteoarthritis: Does It Work?

clinical-trial PMID: 33617972

Quick Summary: A recent study looked at whether a supplement containing MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) could ease hand pain from osteoarthritis. The study found that the supplement, which also included other ingredients, didn't significantly reduce pain compared to a placebo (a sugar pill).

Does MSM Help Hand Pain?

This research investigated a supplement combination for hand pain caused by osteoarthritis. The supplement included MSM, along with other ingredients like Boswellia serrata extract, pine bark extract, and curcumin. The study found that the supplement didn't significantly reduce hand pain compared to a placebo.

Study Details

Who was studied: 106 adults in Australia, aged 40 and over, with hand osteoarthritis confirmed by X-rays. Most participants were women.

How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks (about 3 months).

What they took: Participants were split into two groups:

One group took a supplement containing MSM (1,500 mg daily) and other ingredients.
The other group took a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients).

What This Means For You

MSM alone may not be the answer: This study suggests that the specific supplement combination used, which included MSM, didn't provide significant pain relief for hand osteoarthritis.

Talk to your doctor: If you're experiencing hand pain from osteoarthritis, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you. They can help you find strategies that work.

Consider other options: There are other treatments for hand osteoarthritis, such as physical therapy, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes.

Study Limitations

Combination of ingredients: The study used a combination of ingredients, so we don't know if MSM alone would have had a different effect.

Specific group studied: The study mainly included women, so the results might not be the same for men.

Short duration: The study only lasted 12 weeks, which might not be long enough to see any long-term benefits.

Internet-based: The study was done online, which might have made it harder to monitor participants.

Moderate to severe pain: The participants had moderate to severe pain, so the results might not apply to people with milder pain.

Key Findings

The RADIANT study found no statistically significant difference in hand pain reduction between a supplement combination (including methylsulfonylmethane [MSM] 1,500 mg/day) and placebo in individuals with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis (HOA). Pain scores on a visual analogue scale (VAS 0–100) decreased by 19.3 points in the supplement group and 13.9 points in the placebo group, but the adjusted between-group difference (5.34 points; 95% CI: -2.39 to 13.07) was not significant (p = 0.175). Adverse event rates were comparable between groups (10% vs. 7% discontinuation due to AEs).

Study Design

This was an internet-based, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in Australia. Participants (n = 106) were adults aged ≥40 years with radiographic confirmation of HOA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥2). The study duration was 12 weeks, with outcomes measured at baseline and week 12.

Dosage & Administration

The supplement combination included:
- MSM: 1,500 mg/day
- Boswellia serrata extract: 250 mg/day
- Pine bark extract: 100 mg/day
- Curcumin: 168 mg/day
Participants took two capsules daily, with placebo matched in appearance. Both groups were instructed to maintain usual activities and medications.

Results & Efficacy

Primary outcome: VAS hand pain reduction at 12 weeks.
Supplement group: Mean change = -19.3 (±SD not reported).
Placebo group: Mean change = -13.9 (±SD not reported).
Adjusted between-group difference: 5.34 (95% CI: -2.39 to 13.07; p = 0.175).
Secondary outcomes: No significant differences in hand function (Australian/Canadian Hand Osteoarthritis Index), stiffness, or quality of life.
Safety: Five supplement participants (10%) discontinued due to adverse events vs. four placebo participants (7%).

Limitations

Combination formulation: Effects of individual ingredients (e.g., MSM alone) could not be isolated.
Sample homogeneity: 81% of participants were women, and 37% had erosive OA; findings may not generalize to men or non-erosive OA subtypes.
Short duration: 12 weeks may be insufficient to detect long-term benefits or delayed effects.
Internet-based design: Potential for reduced compliance monitoring or uncontrolled lifestyle variables.
High baseline pain: Participants had moderate-severe OA (KLG 2–4), limiting applicability to milder cases.

Clinical Relevance

The study does not support the use of this MSM-containing supplement combination for symptomatic relief of hand pain in HOA. While MSM alone has theoretical anti-inflammatory properties, its efficacy in this trial was likely masked by the multi-ingredient formulation. Supplement users should be cautious about combining multiple bioactives without evidence of synergistic effects. The safety profile was acceptable, but the lack of pain improvement suggests alternative interventions (e.g., physical therapy, NSAIDs) may be more effective for HOA management. Future research on isolated MSM doses or longer-term trials is warranted.

Source: PubMed | Year: 2021 | Trial Registration: ACTRN12619000835145