The Role of Balneotherapy in Obese Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of balneotherapy in obese patients with knee osteoarthritis in terms of pain relief, improving joint function and deambulation, on endocrinological parameters, quality of life and of reduction the costs to "Servizio Sanitario Nazionale" (NHS).

Inclusion Criteria:

• obesity II-III grade (BMI 35-45 kg/m2)
• knee pain
• patient compliance to the treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI<34,9kg/m2 or BMI> 45,1kg/m2
• previous knee surgery
• complicated diabetes mellitus
• ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure
• acute phase of osteoarthritis
• varicose veins, deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
• cancer
• cutaneous lesions
• NSAIDs administration <1 week before the treatment
• knee infiltration <2 months before the treatment