of the Lequesne’s index [27]. The Lequesne’s index
scores the severity of knee osteoarthritis by three
dimensions: (I) pain or discomfort, (II) maximum
distance walked, and (III) activities of daily living.
In a meta-analysis of four trials where 237 patients
with osteoarthritis were included there was strong
overall evidence for immediate and short-term pain
reduction. The authors also found evidence for
immediate improvement in patients’ physical function,
and both immediate and long-term improvement in
joint stiffness. Leech therapy was not associated with
any serious adverse events [28].
VARICOSE