Effect of Gastrocnemius Myofascial Release on Pain and Physical Function Outcomes in Females With Knee Osteoarthritis
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether gastrocnemius myofascial release is effective in reducing pain and improving physical function in females with knee osteoarthritis. The main question this study aims to answer are: * Does adding gastrocnemius MFR to conventional physical therapy treatment influence pain, physical function, foot posture, and knee disability compared to conventional physical therapy treatment and sham MFR in knee osteoarthritis? * Participants receive gastrocnemius myofascial release treatment or sham gastrocnemius myofascial release treatment for 3 times weekly for 4 weeks for both groups.
• Patients' ages ranged between 45 and 55 years .
• BMI ≤35
• Patients with a diagnosis of primary KOA according to the American College of Rheumatology classification at the screening visit .
• Onset of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis of ≥3 months
• Patients with grade II and III OA of the Kellgren and Lawrence system for classification of osteoarthritis .
• At least one active trigger point in GM
• If both knees were diagnosed as OA, the most affected one was selected.
• Current pain intensity on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ≥4/10.
• Subjects have sufficient cognition that enables them to understand the requirements of the study, comply with the study procedures, and visit schedule.
• Diagnostic Criteria of KOA
⁃ A diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis was made when knee pain is present, plus Osteophytes on radiographs, plus at least 1 of the following 3:
• Age \> 50 years
• Morning stiffness \< 30 minutes
• Crepitus on active motion