The effect of capsaicin phonophoresis in knee osteoarthritis and can it be utilized early in primary care? : A randomized-controlled trial

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of capsaicin phonophoresis (PP) and capsaicin gel in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) on scores of pain, disability, functionality, sleep quality and depression. Method: Seventy-three patients divided into 3 groups. All groups receieved exercise therapy. Addition to exercise, group 1 (n = 24) received capsaicin PP, Group 2 (n = 24) capsaicin gel. Therapies applied 3 days a week, for 6 weeks. Patients were evaluated with visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index for disability, 50-m walking time for functionality, Beck Depression Inventory Scores for depression and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality. Evaluations are done after the therapy, and at 1-month follow up. Results: All groups improved significantly in all parameters. Pain scores after treatment were better in group 1. Regarding pain scores at follow up it was still effective. Regarding disability, functionality, depression and sleep quality no difference found between group 1 and 2. Conclusion: Capsaicin Phonophoresis is more effective in reducing pain compared to exercise and capsaicin gel. Capsaicin gell was as effective as Capsaicin Phonophoresis on functionality, disability and sleep quality and also more effective than exercise alone on functionality and sleep despite using 3 times a week. This result encourages capsicin gel usage in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis especially in primary care.