Knee Pain

Mature joint cartilage lacks blood vessels, so its natural regenerative capacity is very limited. Therefore, it is an exaggeration to promise the complete regeneration of worn-out cartilage with any treatment. The realistic treatment goal is to slow the rate of wear on the remaining cartilage and improve pain and walking function by controlling synovial inflammation, strengthening muscles around the joint, and managing weight bearing; this applies to all treatments, including medication, exercise, and injections. In Korean medicine, the foundation of cartilage and bone is the vital energy of the kidneys, while the blood energy of the liver nourishes the muscles and ligaments that support the joints. Since cartilage deteriorates more rapidly with the same amount of activity when kidney energy is weakened and bones and joints are weakened, the core of internal treatment is to strengthen the liver and kidneys and clear stagnant dampness and blood stasis from the joints to create an environment where the cartilage can withstand. At Dongjedang, we solidify this foundation with herbal medicine tailored to the patient's constitution. For external treatment, we use acupuncture and moxibustion to release adhesions in the ligaments and tendons around the knee and correct alignment, stimulate tissue regeneration with fire acupuncture and thread embedding, and soothe synovial inflammation with bee venom and pharmacopuncture. The honest goal is not to revive the cartilage itself, but to stop the progression by eliminating the conditions that erode it one by one.