Characteristics of Myofascial Trigger Points and Functional Status in Unilateral Knee Osteoarthritis Reporting to Tertiary Care Hospital in Gangtok: A Cross Sectional Study

This study aims to find out the characteristics of myofascial trigger point in patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis of grade 0-3 that is mild-moderate who are able to walk independently without use of any assistive devices.First Western Ontario and Mc Master Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC) questionnaire will be given to the patient in which the patient has to grade his/her pain,stiffness and difficulty in doing activities of daily living.It is graded from 0 that is nil to 4 that is severe.The total score will be calculated from 68. The affected and unaffected functional knee range of motion will be checked to see how much difference is their in the joint range of motion. Then the characteristics of myofascial trigger points that is whether there is a taut band, palpable nodule, hypersensitive point or referred pain will be checked in the surrounding knee joint and calf muscles of both affected and unaffected side. Pressure Algometer will be used to record the pain pressure threshold  of trigger points palpated in the muscles. Lastly the functional status, balance of the patient will be checked by Timed Up and Go test(TUG) in which patient willl be asked to get up from chair and walk 3 m from the chair. Timer will be started from the point the patient gets up from chair and timer will be stopped once the patient returns back to sit on chair again.Demographic Data will be collected,assessed, compiled and analyzed.