Transcutaneous electrostimulation for osteoarthritis of the knee
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Abstract
A review of literature to explore whether transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an effective and safe treatment of pain in osteoarthritis of the knee. There is no clear evidence to support the use of any type of TENS to relieve pain in osteoarthritis of the knee these however there is some evidence to suggest that use for improvement of function is clinically relevant. Other conservative interventions such as heat packs, exercise, acupuncture and infrared therapy may also be alternative methods of treatment and further research into comparison of TENS with these might be useful. It is safe to use TENS without common adverse effects. Clinicians should consider a range of factors before choosing to apply TENS for osteo-arthritic pain, including but not limited to costs, the type and duration of TENS, and patient preference and tolerance.