Acupuncture may be of value for patients suffering from arthritis. A large study published in Arthritis and Rheumatism (2006; 54(11): 3485–3493) examined the effect of acupuncture on osteoarthritis of the knee. The study included more than 3,600 subjects. Approximately 700 participants were randomized: one group received acupuncture (15 treatments over three months), while the other group served as a control. An additional 2,900 subjects were not randomized and also received acupuncture treatment.
Patients were evaluated at baseline, at three months, and again at six months. Those receiving acupuncture experienced significant improvement compared to the control group. Improvement was measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). The acupuncture group showed a mean improvement of 17.6 points, compared to just 0.9 points in the control group.
Another study published in British Medical Journal USA (January/February 2005; 5:24–27) also found acupuncture to be beneficial for arthritis patients. Subjects received either acupuncture plus diclofenac, or sham acupuncture plus diclofenac. Greater pain reduction was observed in the group receiving true acupuncture. According to the WOMAC score, the mean difference between the two groups was 23.9 points, favoring the acupuncture group.
