What are the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine in treating osteoarthritis

TCM treatment of osteoarthritis can relieve pain, improve joint function, and reduce drug dependence. It is mainly through comprehensive intervention of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion and massage, and external treatment.

1. Oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine commonly uses formulas such as Duhuo Jisheng Tang and Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Tang for syndrome differentiation and treatment, adjusting medication for liver and kidney deficiency or cold dampness obstruction syndrome types. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. polysaccharide tablets can inhibit inflammatory factors, while Xianling Gubao capsules can promote cartilage repair. It is important to note that traditional Chinese medicine requires long-term regulation, as some drugs may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

2. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy

Select points such as Calf Nose and Yanglingquan for warm acupuncture or electroacupuncture stimulation to relieve pain by regulating local microcirculation and nerve conduction. Clinical observation shows that acupuncture and moxibustion combined with moxibustion can significantly improve the morning stiffness symptoms. During the treatment, there may be a temporary sense of soreness, which needs to be operated by professional doctors.

3. Massage Orthopedics

Using techniques such as rolling and kneading to release soft tissue adhesions around the joints, combined with traction to improve knee joint alignment. Suitable for patients with early limited joint movement, it is contraindicated during acute swelling period. After operation, it is necessary to use hot compress to enhance the therapeutic effect.

4. External application therapy

Use blood activating and pain relieving cream, dampness damaging and pain relieving cream, etc. to apply to the affected area, or use traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and washing such as Sichuan pepper and mugwort leaves to disperse cold and heat. Directly acting on the local area can quickly reduce swelling. People with skin allergies should use it with caution and avoid continuous application for more than 8 hours.

5. Functional exercise

guides soft guidance techniques such as Ba Duan Jin and Tai Chi, combined with acupoint massage to enhance muscle strength. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the combination of movement and stillness, and during exercise, it is necessary to avoid excessive joint load. It is recommended to maintain the therapeutic effect for 30 minutes every day.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment should be based on individual syndrome types, and it is recommended to combine traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment during acute attacks. Pay attention to keeping joints warm in daily life, control weight and reduce load, and consume moderate amounts of kidney tonifying and bone strengthening foods such as black beans and walnuts. Regularly review joint imaging changes during treatment, and adjust the plan promptly if skin allergies or worsening pain occur.