Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition

Knee Osteoarthritis, also known as "Guanbi" in traditional Chinese medicine, falls under the category of bone injury diseases in Chinese medicine. According to the classic text "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," knee osteoarthritis is caused by deficiencies in the liver and kidney, malnourishment of the tendons and bones, and subsequent invasion by pathogenic factors of wind, cold, and dampness, leading to joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted movement.

In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis is deficiency in the liver and kidney, malnourishment of the tendons and bones, and subsequent invasion by external pathogenic factors. Common precipitating factors include prolonged sitting, fatigue, trauma, and changes in weather. During the process of differentiation, it is important to distinguish between cold and heat, deficiency and excess, such as in the case of cold and dampness obstruction, where the knee joint is characterized by cold and heavy pain, which worsens in cold weather and improves with warmth; in the case of damp-heat obstruction, the knee joint presents with redness, swelling, heat, and pain, with restricted movement; and in the case of liver and kidney deficiency, the knee joint exhibits hidden pain, difficulty in flexion and extension, and weakness. The overall direction of treatment suggests the need for dispersing cold and dampness, clearing heat and promoting diuresis, tonifying the liver and kidney, and strengthening the tendons and knees. In clinical practice, the treatment of knee osteoarthritis emphasizes holistic treatment, combining internal and external approaches to restore joint function and alleviate pain.

Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation

寒湿痹阻证

Main Manifestations：膝关节冷痛重着,遇寒加重得热则减

Management Approach：散寒除湿,温经通络

湿热痹阻证

Main Manifestations：膝关节红肿热痛,活动受限

Management Approach：清热利湿,通络止痛

肝肾亏虚证

Main Manifestations：膝关节隐痛,屈伸不利,酸软

Management Approach：补益肝肾,强筋壮膝

The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.

Physician's Clinical Insights

In clinical practice, patients with knee osteoarthritis often suffer from deficiencies in the liver and kidney. Tonic therapy for the liver and kidney can often alleviate joint pain.

— 李明久中医执业医师

Reviewed by：李明久（中医执业医师）｜ 2026-07-08 ｜ Version 2

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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.

参考文献：《中医内科学》（十三五规划教材）、《中医病证诊断疗效标准》(ZY/T001.1-94)、《中医病证分类与代码》(GB/T 15657-2021)

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膝骨关节炎