The effect of local cryotherapy on knee pain

Abstract

Introduction: Gonarthrosis is the most common form of degenerative limb disease, manifested by pain, numbness, swelling and impaired function and action of movement in the knee joints. This condition occurs in adults around the age of 65 or older. The pathogenesis of the disease is multifactorial, including inflammatory processes that take into account the breakdown of articular cartilage, the formation of bone osteophytes, and sclerotization of the subchondral tissue. The risk factors include age, obesity, and diabetes. Cryotherapy is one of the methods of analysis in the instructions for gonarthrosis. One of the methods in the treatment of osteoarthritis is cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses cold air used locally or systemically. Cold treatments slow down blood circulation, reduce swelling and contribute to pain relief. Aim of the research: To demonstrate the positive effect of local cryotherapy on reducing pain and swelling of the knee joints in patients with gonarthrosis. Material and methods: The study involved 74 people, women and men aged 18–89, who underwent local cryotherapy for knee joints due to pain and joint swelling. The research method was an anonymous survey. Results: Reduction of edema after the application of local cryotherapy treatments occurred in 91.1% of patients. 79.7% of the respondents noticed an improvement in the range of motion. 82.4% of the patients improved their knee mobility. Conclusions: Cryotherapy as a single treatment or in combination with other treatments is an effective method of treating knee joint pain in patients with degenerative disease