Evaluate the Effectiveness of Hot Water with Epsom Salt Application to Reduce Knee Pain Among Osteoarthritis Women in Selected Rural Areas at Kolhapur

Pournima Khodave

Abstract: Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and a leading cause of disability worldwide, especially among women above the age of 45. Knee OA causes chronic pain, reduced mobility, and significant impact on daily living activities. While pharmacological treatments are common, there is growing interest in simple, accessible, and non-pharmacological interventions like Epsom salt therapy. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of hot water with Epsom salt application in reducing knee pain among osteoarthritis-affected women in rural Kolhapur. Methods: A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. Sixty participants were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received hot water with Epsom salt therapy for 20 minutes daily over 7 days. The control group received no intervention. Pain levels were measured using a modified numerical pain rating scale. Socio-demographic data were collected to explore associations with pain outcomes. Results: The post-intervention pain score was significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group. The calculated t-value (3.11) was greater than the tabulated value (2.00), confirming statistical significance. Chi-square tests showed significant associations between pain score changes and variables such as age and menopause. Conclusion: Epsom salt therapy was found to be an effective, low-cost, non-invasive intervention to reduce knee pain in osteoarthritis patients. Its use is especially suitable for resource-limited rural settings.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Knee Pain, Epsom Salt, Hydrotherapy, Women's Health, Rural Health

How to Cite?: Pournima Khodave, "Evaluate the Effectiveness of Hot Water with Epsom Salt Application to Reduce Knee Pain Among Osteoarthritis Women in Selected Rural Areas at Kolhapur", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1065-1066, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25806130352, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25806130352