Responsiveness of Pain and Associated Health Issues of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis to the Revulsive Compresses

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University,

2 Drugs and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis disease (OA) is a major public health problem globally,
affecting the cartilage of joint and contributing to reduced function that affects the quality of
life. Knee Osteoarthritis disease (KOA) is considered the most frequent reason for knee pain in
both adult and elder people. Although pain is the main and most common disabling symptom
for KOA patients; however, knee stiffness, oedema, disfigurement, and decreased functional
ability such as walking, are widespread associated health issues of those patients. Since there is
no cure for OA, the aim of therapy is generally to reduce pain, manage symptoms, improve
joint function, and minimize disability. Revulsive compresses are a hydrotherapy procedure
commonly used to eliminate or reduce pain and related KOA effects. Study aim: evaluate the
responsiveness of pain and associated health issues of patients with knee osteoarthritis to the
revulsive compresses. Study Design: a quasi-experimental design. Setting: Orthopedic and
Rheumatology Outpatient clinics at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. Subject: a purposive
sample included 60 adult patients with knee osteoarthritis. Tools: A structured interview
questionnaire; 0-10 Numeric pain rating scale; and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome
Score were used to collect data. Results: there was a statistically significant reducing and
improving the pain intensity level and knee OA associated health issues as pain; other
symptoms; difficulty in performing activities of daily living functions, activities of sports and
recreational functions and quality of life-related to the knee after applying of revulsive
compresses compared to before applying it. Conclusions: the pain and associated health
issues of patients with knee osteoarthritis have positive responsiveness to Revulsive
compresses, this leads us to conclude that the Revulsive compresses are effective in reducing
and improving both pain and associated health issues of those
patients. Recommendations: The early strategies for managing patients with knee
osteoarthritis should include revulsive compresses to reduce pain and improve the associated
health issues for those patients.

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