International Journal of Innovative Research in Health Science

Introduction: Knee joint pain is a common musculoskeletal problem among older adults and can interfere with mobility, physical functioning, and activities of daily living. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Epsom salt with hot water application on knee joint pain among elderly women aged 65–70 years residing in selected villages of Dindigul District. Methods: A quantitative research approach with a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control-group design was adopted. Sixty elderly women aged 65–70 years with knee joint pain were selected using purposive sampling. Thirty participants from Kannivadi village constituted the experimental group and 30 participants from Puthupatty village constituted the control group. Knee joint pain was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The experimental group received Epsom salt with hot water application for 20 minutes, twice daily for 12 days, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analysed using frequency, percentage, paired t test, unpaired t test, and chi-square test. Results: A statistically significant reduction in knee joint pain was observed in the experimental group (t = 12.8, p < 0.001), while the control group showed no statistically significant difference (t = 1.2, p = 0.240). The post-test comparison between the experimental and control groups also showed a statistically significant difference (t = 23.08, p < 0.001), confirming the effectiveness of Epsom salt with hot water application. Conclusion: Epsom salt with hot water application was effective in reducing knee joint pain among elderly women. The intervention may be considered a simple, low-cost supportive measure within appropriate community-based nursing care.