Background: Osteoarthritis is one of the common degenerative conditions. It is characterized by joint pain and stiffness, along with varying degrees of functional limitation and altered quality of life. Knee osteoarthritis is ordinarily treated by heat (superficial or deep), cryotherapy, TENS, stretching of gastrocnemius, hamstring, iliopsoas, pyriformis and strengthening of quadriceps, hamstring and VMO. salicylate iontophoresis is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect and is used in various conditions including heel pain. However its effect on osteoarthritis of knee has been found in few studies. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of salicylate iontophoresis on knee osteoarthritis and to compare it with conventional TENS.
Aim: To compare the effectiveness of Sodium Salicylate iontophoresis v/s conventional TENS on pain, function and disability in knee osteoarthritis.
Objectives: To study the effectiveness of sodium salicylate iontophoresis on pain, function and disability in knee osteoarthritis. To study the effectiveness of conventional TENS on pain, function and disability in knee osteoarthritis. To compare the effectiveness of sodium salicylate iontophoresis and Conventional TENS on pain, function and disability in knee osteoarthritis.
Conclusion: There was statistically significant reduction in pain, improvement in function and in quality of life in patients treated with conventional TENS (group A). There was statistically significant reduction in pain, improvement in function and in quality of life in patients treated with sodium salicylate iontophoresis (group B). At 2 weeks post intervention and at 4 weeks follow-up, with home exercise program, the changes were statistically significant as compared to the pre treatment values within the groups. When both the groups were compared the experimental group (group B) with sodium salicylate iontophoresis showed no statistical significant improvement in pain, function and quality of life over control group (group A) with conventional TENS in knee osteoarthritis.