tDCS for Pain Modulation in Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common condition that causes long-lasting knee pain and difficulty with daily activities. Many patients have pain that is stronger than expected from joint changes because the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique that uses a small electrical current applied to the scalp to help reduce pain sensitivity. This study will test whether active tDCS over the primary motor cortex can reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. A total of 102 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or sham (placebo) stimulation. All participants will receive 15 sessions over three weeks. We will measure pain intensity, pain sensitivity, physical function, depression, cognition, and quality of life before the treatment, after the 3-week treatment program, and again at the 1-month follow-up.