The Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Knee Osteoarthritis with Neuropathic Pain Component: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in knee osteoarthritis with neuropathic pain component. Materials and Methods: The patients were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain severity, Western Ontario and McMaster osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) for physical function and the Kellgren-Lawrence system for severity of osteoarthritis, painDETECT questionnaire for presence of neuropathic pain. Patients were divided into two groups according to painDETECT questionnaire scores. Group 1 consisted of 20 patients (39.2%) with likely and possible neuropathic pain, group 2 consisted of 31 patients (60.8%) with unlikely neuropathic pain. All patients received hot pack, TENS and home exercise program was given. Physical therapy agents were given for 3 weeks, 5 days a week. Assessments were evaluated in all patients before and after the treatment. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in demographic features and radiographic evaluations between the groups. The VAS, WOMAC pain and physical function scores were significantly lower after treatment in knee patients with neuropathic pain component, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: TENS is a neuropathic pain component in knee osteoarthritis patients, which is effective in reducing pain and improving physical function. The benefit of TENS therapy is that it can be used in conjunction with drug therapy, thereby reducing the drug dose and drug side effects.

Keywords

• Neuropathic pain
• knee osteoarthritis
• transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation