Objective To investigate the effects of fire dragon pot moxibustion combined with acupoint application on pain and functional recovery of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. Methods 90 patients with KOA admitted to our hospital from March 2022 to March 2024 were selected as the study objects. Patients were divided into control group and observation group with 45 cases in each group by random number table method. The control group was treated with celecoxib capsule; On the basis of control group, the observation group was treated with fire-dragon pot comprehensive moxibustion combined with acupoint application. The pain degree (NRS), knee function (WOMAC), TCM syndrome and safety of the two groups were analyzed and compared. Results Before treatment, there was no significant difference in NRS scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the NRS score of both groups was significantly lower than before treatment, and the NRS score of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Before treatment, there were no significant differences in stiffness, daily activity ability, pain and total WOMAC score between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the WOMAC scores and total scores of both groups were significantly lower than before treatment, and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). Before treatment, there were no significant differences in the scores of joint pain, waist and knee weakness, and lower limb distension among the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores of both groups were significantly lower than before treatment, and the TCM syndrome scores of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in both groups. Conclusion The combination of fire dragon pot moxibustion and acupoint application in KOA patients can relieve pain, improve knee joint function, relieve clinical symptoms, and have good safety.