About this trial
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Many patients with advanced (Grade III) knee OA also experience neuropathic pain - burning, tingling, or electric shock sensations - which is harder to treat with standard physiotherapy. Oral pregabalin works for neuropathic pain but causes side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. This study tests whether delivering pregabalin through the skin using ultrasound (phonophoresis), combined with calf muscle stretching (Muscle Energy Technique), can reduce nerve pain and improve walking better than ultrasound alone.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Diagnosed Grade III knee osteoarthritis confirmed by Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale (radiograph within past 12 months or newly obtained).
Neuropathic pain component confirmed by DN-4 questionnaire (score ≥4).
Age between 40 and 70 years inclusive.
Both male and female participants.
Disqualifiers
Diabetic neuropathy (diagnosed or DN-4 score attributable to diabetes rather than knee OA).
Active skin lesions, wounds, infections, or dermatitis on the knee or calf.
Metal implants (including knee replacement), pacemaker, or other electronic implant (contraindications for ultrasound).
Received intra-articular knee injection (corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid) within the last 3 months.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Pregabalin-Encapsulated Hydrogel Phonophoresis
- Gastrocnemius Muscle Energy Technique (Post-Isometric Relaxation)
- Aqua Gel Phonophoresis
Treatment groups
Locations
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