Treatment of knee osteoarthritis of folk medicinal practitioners using traditional medicine in Thua Thien Hue province

Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common degenerative diseases causing disability in the elderly. Objectives: To survey on the process of knowledge transmission of practitioners, treatment methods and herb using in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Materials and methods: In-depth interview research and information collection were carried out on folk medicinal practitioners with more than 5 years of experience in knee osteoarthritis treatment using traditional medicine at clinics in Thua Thien Hue province. Results: Process of knowledge transmission of practitioners: 92% learned from books, 76% learned from teachers, 44% learned from family and 96% attended continuing training. Treatment methods: 100% prescription medicine, 60% massage, 32% herbal medicine, 32% acupuncture, 28% topical medicine, 16% implantation. Conclusion: folk medicinal practitioners self-studied through books, teachers, traditional medicinal families, as well as updated from continuous training classes. Treatment of knee osteoarthritis hadmany methods; instead of single treatment, a combination of methods was more often used Key words: Osteoarthritis, folk medicinal practitioners, dept-interview, traditional medicine