Acupuncture for Knee Pain in Augusta
Stairs, a walk around the neighborhood, or getting out of a chair can become difficult when your knee hurts. Tell us which movements bother you and what you have already tried.
Dr. Eric Sherrell, DACM, L.Ac., can discuss whether acupuncture may fit into your knee-pain care. The first step is a health history and exam.
Start With What Is Causing the Pain
Knee pain has different causes. A recent injury needs a different conversation from stiffness that has developed over time. Bring any diagnosis, relevant reports, and your medication list to your visit.
Acupuncture does not replace medical assessment, physical therapy, or treatment recommended by your usual clinician. We discuss your goals in that context.
Conditions That Can Affect the Knee
These are examples to discuss with your clinician, not a way to diagnose yourself.
1. Osteoarthritis
Wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the knee joint leads to stiffness, swelling, and pain that worsens over time.
2. Ligament Injuries
ACL, MCL, or other ligament tears or strains are common in athletes and can destabilize the knee. A suspected ligament injury needs medical assessment; acupuncture does not repair a torn ligament or replace indicated surgery.
3. Meniscus Tears
The meniscus acts as a shock absorber in the knee. Tears cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving.
4. Tendonitis
Overuse or strain of the tendons, especially the patellar tendon, can cause sharp pain with activity.
5. Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around the knee leads to swelling and tenderness.
6. Referred Pain
Sometimes knee pain isn’t only about the knee—pain may be referred from another area, such as the hip. A clinical assessment helps distinguish the cause.
Tell Dr. Sherrell when the pain started, whether there was an injury, and what makes it better or worse. If your symptoms need a different type of assessment, that comes first.
What Does the Evidence Say?
Acupuncture may help some people manage knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. Results vary, and pain relief does not mean damaged cartilage has been repaired.
Read the NCCIH overview of acupuncture research for the evidence and its limitations. At follow-up, we discuss whether daily activities are becoming more comfortable and whether the plan should change.
Questions About Chinese Herbal Medicine
If you are considering herbs, discuss the specific product with Dr. Sherrell and the clinician managing your knee condition. Herbal products can cause side effects and interact with medication.
You do not need to choose an herbal formula before your visit. Learn about our herbal consultation process.
Your First Visit
Allow about an hour for a full health history and exam. Treatment is not included in that first appointment. Dr. Sherrell will explain whether the clinic can help and, if appropriate, recommend a plan based on your needs.
- Bring your medication list and relevant medical information.
- Explain which activities you would like to do more comfortably.
- Ask how progress will be reviewed.
When to Seek Prompt Medical Care
Seek urgent medical advice for severe pain, inability to bear weight, a badly swollen or misshapen knee, or fever with a hot, red knee. Do not wait for an acupuncture appointment.
The NHS knee-pain guide explains warning signs and common causes.
Talk With Us About Your Knee Pain
Call (706) 888-0707 to arrange your exam at 4141 Columbia Road, Suite B, Augusta, GA. We welcome patients from Augusta and the surrounding CSRA.
You can review the New Patient Special before calling. New-patient paperwork is provided after booking.