Pain relief in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: TENS

Br J Community Nurs. 2007 Aug;12(8):364-71. doi: 10.12968/bjcn.2007.12.8.24366.

Abstract

Pain is a common symptom experienced by people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and impacts upon mobility and quality of life. This article reviews the limited evidence relating to TENS for pain relief which suggests that it is beneficial for some patients and does no harm. More research is needed to clarify optimal treatments regimes and its cost-effectiveness compared to conventional analgesia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use
  • Analgesia / methods
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications*
  • Clinical Competence
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Diclofenac / therapeutic use
  • Electroacupuncture / methods
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Mobility Limitation
  • Osteoarthritis / complications*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain Management*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Quality of Life
  • Research Design
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / economics
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / methods*
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / nursing
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Diclofenac
  • Hyaluronic Acid