| Proteolytic enzymes have analgesic, effects, besides the wellknown
antiinflammatory and edema-reducing properties. These analgesic
effects are based on the inhibition of inflammation and in addition
to that on direct influences on the nociceptors. All that explains
the therapeutical effects of such enzymes in degenerative-rheumatic
and soft tissue rheumatic diseases in which inflammatory or
immunologic processes are not in the forefront. In recent years a
significant reduction of pain in various rheumatic diseases,
concerning these aspects, was shown in several clinical studies. The
clinical trial in patients with periarthritis of shoulder showed
statistical equivalence of pain reduction, whether they were treated
with phlogenzym or diclofenac. Likewise in the trial of patients
suffering from painful osteoarthritis of the knee, there was a
statistical equivalence of the pain-scores, comparing diclofenac and
enzymes. The study of painful vertebral syndromes again resulted in
equivalence of the treatment with NSAIDs compared to therapy with
enzymes.
|