Q The pain has subsided to some extent; should I continue treatment? How should maintenance be performed?
A Even if pain has decreased, maintenance treatment is crucial for restoring joint function and preventing recurrence. You should check the condition of your joints through visits every 2 to 4 weeks, and resume intensive treatment if symptoms worsen due to seasonal changes or overactivity. Combining self-exercise, weight management, and dietary management allows you to safely extend the treatment intervals.
Detailed Answer
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive disease, and the goal is to maintain function and slow the rate of deterioration rather than achieve a complete cure. During the maintenance phase, joint function assessment indicators (ankle dorsiflexion angle and 10m walking speed) are regularly monitored, and early intervention before deterioration reduces overall treatment costs.
Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic
In Korean medicine, maintenance is linked to the concept of health management that maintains the Qi and blood circulation and organ functions restored through treatment in daily life. During periods when cold and dampness are prone to invading the body (especially winter and the transitional seasons), preventive acupuncture treatment and the short-term use of herbal medicine tailored to your constitution help prevent recurrence. At Dongjedang, we provide guidance on regular maintenance plans even after symptoms have disappeared.
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