Acupuncture & TCM Articles

Acupuncture And Knee Pain

Acupuncture And Knee Pain

By Lindsey Seigle & Brian Kramer,
Licensed Acupuncturists - Iatria Spa and Health Center

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints in both adults and adolescents. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 11 million visits are made to physicians' offices annually because of knee or knee-related problems. It is the most often treated anatomical site by orthopedists, and one of the most oft-examined sites among general practitioners. However, many Americans are rejecting traditional treatments and are seeking an alternative form of therapy.

Acupuncture, an ancient medical procedure thought to have originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, is now offered by many mainstream medical practices in the nation. A study from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey found that an estimated 8.2 million adults in the United States reported that they have used acupuncture, with 2.1 million adults receiving treatment in the previous year.

Promoting overall health and well-being is the objective of acupuncturists. We use techniques that alleviate physical and emotional stress – leaving the patient feeling healthier without the assistance of medication. Our patients say that they feel little or no discomfort during treatments. Instead, they describe feeling a warming sensation.

Basic Anatomy of the Knee
The knee is the largest joint in the body. It is comprised of the lower end of the thighbone (femur), which rotates on the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and the kneecap, which slides in a grove on the end of the femur. The knee joint also contains several muscles, which straighten and bend the leg at the knee; tendons, which attach the muscles to the bones; ligaments, which help control motion by connecting bones; and cartilage, which serves to cushion the knee and help it absorb shock during motion.

Due to its size and complex structure, the knee is one of the most frequently injured joints in the body. Several factors can contribute to knee-related problems. Most complaints of knee pain result from some sort of trauma that causes damage to the area or strains the knee beyond its normal range of motion. Other conditions that can lead to knee pain include arthritis, infections, hemarthrosis (blood in the knee joint), cysts and bone tumors. Obesity is also known to contribute to knee pain by causing excess strain on ligaments and cartilage.

Knee problems are problematic in a broad range of people but are most common in athletes and the elderly. Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are extremely frequent in those who are very active. ACL tears are often caused by a rapid change in direction, slowing down when running, or landing from a jump. Knee pain can also become more frequent in old age when the amount of knee cartilage decreases and ligaments begin to lose their elasticity.
Acupuncture As Relief

Studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in relieving certain types of knee pain, especially related to arthritic conditions of the knee and knee joint. Researchers at the University of Maryland, compared acupuncture with sham acupuncture - in which needles are inserted into points that are not true acupuncture points. A third group received education sessions on arthritis management. The 570 patients were randomly divided to receive either 23 sessions of acupuncture over 26 weeks, 23 sessions of sham acupuncture over 26 weeks, or six 2-hour education sessions. After 26 weeks, the true acupuncture group experienced greater improvement than the sham group or the education group in both pain and function.

Studies have confirmed that acupuncture is beneficial in reducing knee pain, stiffness and physical disability in patients with knee and knee-related problems, as well as ease the discomfort some subjects feel while awaiting knee surgery, and in some cases, may even be considered an alternative to surgery. The best results are seen when the patient has treatment soon after the injury and very positive results are seen if the knee injury is seen within 48 hours. Those treated with acupuncture after knee traumas often report a reduction in pain and stiffness, and an increase in knee function. Acupuncture often serves as an effective complement to standard care.

Finding An Expert
Today, approximately 40 states have training standards for certification to ensure that the professionals are qualified to offer quality service. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine administers examinations to acupuncture school graduates upon completion of their master´s degree. Upon passage of these exams, state licensing boards then scrutinize each applicant before awarding the acupuncture license. National acupuncture organizations also serve as excellent sources for referrals to accredited practitioners. These organizations may be found through libraries or Web sites. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recommends that patients also consult with a licensed medical provider to seek treatments for medical services.

Choosing the right acupuncturist can lead to knee pain relief or be used as a supplement to traditional medicinal practices.