Joint pain and stiffness are hallmark symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which often worse in the morning upon waking. Hekmatpou D et al. conducted a randomized clinical trial which showed that olive oil has lower expenditure and commonly found in homes as compared to other medical ointments for RA.

This study was based on a randomised clinical trial which aimed to determine the efficacy of olive oil for the management of morning inflammatory pain of phalanges and knees among women with RA.

After selecting 60 women as per convenience sampling method, they were randomly assigned into five groups. A demographic questionnaire, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) were completed. After 12 weeks of interventions, the last 2 scales were again completed. T-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Friedman test were used to analyse the data.

Mean age of the women was 40 ± 10.5 years. The outcomes of the Friedman test portrayed a significant difference in the total mean of groups before and after the interventions. Post hoc test (least significant difference [LSD]) depicted a considerable difference between the mean of DAS 28 in the group where olive oil was used for massaging. There were substantial differences among the mean of VAS rates, number of painful joints, and the number of swollen joints following the intervention in five groups.

Using topical extra virgin olive oil, Piroxicam gel, and paraffin oil; dry massaging; and taking routine drugs alone were all effective in controlling rheumatic arthritis manifestations, respectively. Hence, applying topical extra virgin olive oil for controlling of inflammatory pain of joints in rheumatic arthritis is recommended.