A Literature Review on the Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Acupuncture in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic disabling disorder characterized by degenerative changes in articular cartilage. With the aging population, its global prevalence continues to rise, imposing a substantial economic burden on society. Current Western medical treatments primarily include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery. However, the long-term side effects of medications and the high risks associated with surgery have led patients to seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. As a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been widely used in the clinical management of KOA due to its significant benefits in pain relief and functional improvement. This review aims to systematically summarize the modern medical mechanisms of acupuncture in treating KOA, common acupuncture techniques and their characteristics, and to discuss the limitations of current research along with future directions. Substantial evidence indicates that acupuncture exerts anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cartilage metabolic regulatory, and joint structure protective effects through multiple targets and pathways, establishing it as a safe and effective non-pharmacological therapy for KOA.