Moxibustion treatment in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: a randomized double-blinding control trial

INTERVENTION: 1:applying true moxa cone on the points ST35, EX‐LE4 and Ashi point around the knees, three moxa cone every point, once a day, three times a week for six weeks, total 18 times.;2:applying sham moxa cones on the points ST35, EX‐LE4 and Ashi point around the knees, three moxa cone every point,once a day, three times a week for six weeks, total 18 times.; CONDITION: knee osteoarthritis M19.966 PRIMARY OUTCOME: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities' Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score; SECONDARY OUTCOME: patient global assessment;36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36); INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Male and female aged 45 to 75 years old; 2. Able and willing to provide signed informed consent; 3. Have a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee (fulfilling ACR criteria) for at least 6 months; 4. have at least moderate pain in the knee for most days of the past month; 5. be taking analgesic or nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), but not corticosteroids, but will be asked to document use; 6. have documented radiographic osteoarthritis changes (Kellgren‐Lawrence grade>2).