Evaluating the Combined Efficacy of Pregabalin-Encapsulated Hydrogel Phonophoresis Along With Gastrocnemius Muscle Energy Technique on Neuropathic Pain and Mobility in Grade III Knee Osteoarthritis
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.
• 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.
• Unilateral or bilateral knee involvement (if bilateral, the more symptomatic knee selected for assessment and treatment).
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent.
• Available to attend 4 sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks (total 16 sessions).
• Able to understand and follow verbal instructions (for MET).