Cryotherapy in the management of inflammatory flare of knee osteoarthritis: A case study

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive musculoskeletal disorder and a major contributor to global disability, particularly among middle-aged and elderly populations. It is characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage, subchondral bone remodeling, osteophyte formation, and varying degrees of synovial inflammation. Inflammatory flares in knee OA represent episodic worsening of symptoms, including increased pain, joint swelling, warmth, and functional limitation. Cryotherapy is a non-invasive hydrotherapeutic intervention that involves the application of cold modalities such as ice packs, cold compresses, or cryogenic agents. Cryotherapy is increasingly utilized for its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. A 42-year-old female with a known case of bilateral knee OA presented with a six-month history of worsening of the symptoms. Clinical examinations revealed bilateral periarticular swelling, increased local temperature, and restricted functional mobility suggestive of an inflammatory flare of OA. The patient underwent localized cryotherapy for 15 minutes, twice daily for seven consecutive days. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), joint swelling was measured circumferentially in centimeters (girth measurement), and functional status was evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). After intervention, the patient demonstrated a marked reduction in pain intensity, decreased joint swelling, and significant improvement in functional ability. The patient was able to perform daily activities with reduced discomfort. This study showed that short-term cryotherapy may be an effective supportive intervention in reducing pain, swelling, and functional impairment during inflammatory flares of knee OA. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and objective diagnostic confirmation are required to substantiate these findings.