Could a Sugar-Water injection ease knee arthritis?

NCT ID NCT05160532

First seen Jun 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether injecting a concentrated sugar-water solution (dextrose) into the knee joint can reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Participants receive either the dextrose injection or a placebo (salt-water injection) under ultrasound guidance. The goal is to find the best injection schedule and see if this simple, low-cost approach provides meaningful relief.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

dextrose (sugar water)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost injection treatment to reduce knee pain and improve mobility without surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study, so results may not apply to everyone. The injection may cause temporary pain or swelling, and it is unclear if it works better than a placebo.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis, knee

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Mayo Clinic in Arizona

    Scottsdale, Arizona, 85260, United States