Keywords
Herbal friction
Infrared irradiation
Submitted : 2026-06-17
Accepted : 2026-07-02
Published : 2026-07-17
Abstract
Objective: To explore the clinical effect of nursing intervention combining meridian-unblocking herbal friction with infrared irradiation on elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: A total of 40 elderly patients with KOA admitted to our hospital from January 2024 to February 2025 were selected and divided into the conventional group and the herbal friction group by random number table, with 20 cases in each group. The conventional group received routine nursing plus infrared irradiation. On the basis of conventional nursing, the herbal friction group was given additional meridian-unblocking herbal friction. After one month of intervention, the clinical efficacy, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score for pain, swelling degree, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) for knee joint function, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) score for quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results: After one month of intervention, the total effective rate of the herbal friction group was significantly higher than that of the 65.00% of the conventional group (P < 0.05). The NRS score and swelling degree of the herbal friction group were lower than those of the conventional group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the WOMAC score of the herbal friction group was lower, while the scores of physiological function, emotional function, and social function in the SF-36 scale were higher than those of the conventional group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The combined nursing intervention of meridian-unblocking herbal friction and infrared irradiation can improve the clinical efficacy for elderly KOA patients. It can effectively relieve knee joint pain and swelling, reduce limitations on daily activities, improve knee joint function, and enhance patients’ quality of life.
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