Effect of Mustard Plaster on Knee Pain Perception among Old People with Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder commonly affecting older adults and is characterized by cartilage deterioration, joint stiffness, chronic pain, and reduced functional ability. As long-term pharmacological therapy may have limitations and adverse effects, nonpharmacological interventions are increasingly being explored for pain management. Mustard plaster is a traditional topical remedy believed to improve local blood circulation and reduce joint pain.

A quantitative, preexperimental, one-group pretest and posttest design was conducted among 40 participants diagnosed with knee OA. Participants were selected using a nonprobability consecutive sampling technique. Baseline pain intensity was assessed using a standardized pain scale before the application of mustard plasters. Following the intervention, pain levels were reassessed using the same tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the paired t-test.

Before the intervention, most participants experienced moderate pain, while only one participant reported no pain. After the application of mustard plasters, 33 (82.5%) participants reported the absence of pain. The mean reduction in pain score between pretest and posttest was 4.75. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant reduction in pain (t = 23.92, df = 39).

Mustard plaster was found to be an effective, affordable, and simple nonpharmacological intervention for reducing pain in patients with knee OA and may serve as a useful complementary therapy in OA pain management.