Are you suffering from knee pain due to osteoarthritis? If so, you may be wondering if acupuncture is a better option than cortisone shots. Recent studies have confirmed that acupuncture is indeed a viable alternative to cortisone injections. In the 1950s, orthopedic surgeons believed that tendon pain was caused by inflammation. However, it has since been proven that tendon-related pain is actually due to degeneration or wear and tear.
Think of it like your favorite pair of blue jeans - over time, the fabric frays and wears out, creating a hole. This process is known as tendinosis. Cortisone injections are not effective in treating tendinosis, and can even delay healing or worsen the condition. Andrew Weil, an advocate of acupuncture, experienced this firsthand when he injured his knee.
Instead of opting for cortisone shots or high doses of pain relievers, Weil turned to acupuncture - and it worked! The evidence is clear: acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative to cortisone shots for treating knee pain due to osteoarthritis. So if you're looking for relief from your knee pain, consider giving acupuncture a try.
