Low-level Laser Therapy in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Analytical Study

Background/Aims: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the second common rheumatologic disorder and the most prevalent joint disease in India, affecting 20–40% of the population. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to alleviate pain in musculoskeletal conditions. Despite the fact that LLLT is extensively used, the consequences from both experimental and medical research continue to be inconsistent. This study aims to assess the pain-relieving effectiveness of LLLT in patients with Kellgren–Lawrence Grade I and II knee OA, using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at a tertiary care center in Bengaluru. Fifty patients were recruited primarily based on the following inclusion criteria: 1. Idiopathic knee OA 2. Grade I or II bilateral knee OA confirmed by X-ray 3. Average pain intensity of 40 or greater on a 100-mm VAS 4. Age: 45–65 years, of both sexes. Patients attended weekly therapy sessions. Each session included isometric quadriceps muscle contractions and 10 repetitions of active range of motion exercises for the knee joint, following a 5-min LLLT application. Results: On X-ray, 52% (22 patients) had Grade I OA knee, and 48% (20 patients) had Grade II OA knee. There was a significant reduction in VAS and WOMAC post-treatment scores compared to pre-treatment. Conclusion: OA is a long-term, degenerative condition that causes deterioration of joint tissues, resulting in excessive pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility. Treatment strategies for OA continue to be crucial for research. Our study suggests a widespread improvement in pain alleviation with LLLT. Further studies are needed to compare the efficacy of LLLT with other pain management strategies and explore combined treatment plans.