PREVALENCE OF KNEE PAIN IN WOMEN DURING THIRD TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal problems are widespread in the obstetric population, with one out of every four women experiencing debilitating symptoms. Because of hormonal, anatomical, physiologic, and morphological changes during pregnancy, pregnant women frequently develop musculoskeletal disorders involving the lower extremities. Symptoms such as muscular strain, cramps, discomfort, weariness, and knee soreness are common.

Objective: Prevalence of knee pain in women during the third trimester of pregnancy

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 152 participants. Data were collected through a convenient sampling technique by using the modified KNEST questionnaire. The study added women in the third trimester of 18-30 years with knee discomfort started after the second trimester.

Results: The mean age of women was 23.14 ±3.43 years, with a lower limit of 18 and an upper limit of 30 years. 26.3% of women had no pain in or around the knee. About 67.1% of women consulted their GP due to knee pain, 30.9% of patients visited physiotherapists, 9.9% of patients had consulted a medical specialist, 6.6% of patients visited a chiropractor, and 3.3% of patients had taken knee injections in their third trimester.

Conclusion: The prevalence of knee pain in pregnant females in the third trimester was high; 73.68%. Most pregnant females visit physiotherapists to manage knee pain in the third trimester, preferably than going for injections and other treatment options.