Recent changes in evidence-based, non-pharmacological treatment recommendations for acupuncture and Tai Chi for knee osteoarthritis

摘要

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. The knee and hip joints are the most common sites for OA, and knee OA is more prevalent than hip OA.1 Knee OA patients often suffer pain, functional disability, articular cartilage wear and related joint space narrowing. Among U.S. adults, 46.4 million have physician-diagnosed arthritis representing 21.6% of the U.S. population, and 8.3% (17.4 million) had activity limitations attributable to arthritis.2 It is estimated that by 2030, the number of physician-diagnosed arthritis cases will reach 67 million, and 25 million will have arthritis-attributable activity limitations.2 Although 7.9% of U.S. adults aged 18–44 years have arthritis, this percentage increases to 29.3% and 50.0% for adults between 45 and 64 years and older than 65 years, respectively. Currently, there is no cure for this degenerative disease.3 The economic and functional impacts of this disease have become an increased burden for society and individuals. The treatment strategies for knee OA often are aimed at reducing pain, improving physical function, decreasing disability, and limiting OA progression.1, 4, 5.