The Effect of Local Heat Therapy versus Cold Rub Gel on Pain and Joint Functions in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
OE Journal. 2022;10(16):8 Clin Nurs Res. 2022 01-Jul;():. 10.1177/10547738211035502What this means for my practice?
Local heat therapy and cold rub gel were both found to be effective in decreasing pain and improving knee function in patients with knee OA. The results of this trial were limited by a small sample size. Future trials should consider investigating a combination of heat and cold rub as a treatment arm compared to individual therapies in a larger population.
Study Summary
One hundred and seventeen patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive either a cold rub gel (n=39), heat therapy (n=40), or no intervention (n=38). Outcomes that were assessed in this trial were pain, function in daily living, sport and recreation, and knee-related quality of life using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Both cold rub gel and heat therapy were found to be effective in minimizing pain and increasing function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
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