Clinical Impact of Electroacupuncture on Pain, Functional Outcomes, and Inflammatory Markers in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective To evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on pain, outcomes, and inflammatory markers in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients and explore its characteristics in clinical settings. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 KOA patients treated in our hospital from January 2024 to January 2026. They were divided into an EA group and a control group (60 each). The control group received therapy including celecoxib and rehabilitation, while the EA group received electroacupuncture. This study compared pre–post visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Lequesne index, knee range of motion (ROM), and levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and recorded adverse reactions. Multiple linear regression analyzed factors affecting pain relief. Results After treatment, both groups presented lower VAS, WOMAC total/functional scores, and Lequesne index, alongside improved knee ROM (all P < 0.05). The EA group achieved improvements in these indicators versus control ( P < 0.05). TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-3 levels declined in both groups after treatment, with a reduction in the EA group ( P < 0.05). Adverse event rates showed no intergroup difference ( P > 0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that EA therapy ( B = 1.192, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.991–1.392), baseline VAS score ( B = 0.959, 95% CI: 0.869–1.049), and baseline TNF-α level ( B = 0.026, 95% CI: 0.009–0.042) were independently associated with greater pain relief ( P < 0.05). Conclusion EA combined with basic treatment is associated with effective pain alleviation, functional improvement, and reduced inflammatory marker levels in KOA patients. It shows superior efficacy compared with basic treatment alone, with a favorable safety profile. These findings support EA as an important supplementary treatment for KOA management.