Ayurvedic treatment for Knee Pain and Swelling reduces chronic Joint Pain caused due to inflammation of joints and surrounding tissues. In most cases, Knee Pain and Swelling occurs as a result of osteoArthritis of knee joint.

Which Ayurvedic Therapies Work to Reduce Knee Pain and Swelling?

Ayurveda offers many treatments for the treatment of knee Arthritis. These plants have documented anti-inflammatory properties without the side effects of commonly prescribed medications. Application of oil is the important because of the action of medicine is very fast, and can penetrate the skin layers.
There are three different purpose which Ayurvedic treatments achieve

• Reduction in inflammation and pain
• Strengthening of muscles around the affected area
• Reduction in Vata (primary cause of pain as per Ayurveda) internal cleansing so the efficacy of medicines is better

The exact schedule & combination of treatments needs to be decided by the doctor depending upon the condition & prakruti of the patient. However, the following is an indicative list of treatments which are normally used for reduction in knee pain & swelling.

Abhyangam : Abhyangam is a full body massage done with medicated herbal oils. This helps in stimulating the nerve endings at the site of pain which increases the blood circulation. Ayurveda believes that the best remedy to pacify vata is by oil application and massaging. Also, oil application lubricates the joints and restores movement.

Kizhi : Kizhi uses herbs / sand / rice / choornams tied in a muslin cloth to make small herbal boluses (potlis). These boluses are then heated and lightly pounded over knee joint as needed. The active ingredients of herbal powders and leaves or rice act directly on the site of knee joint inflammation and reduce pain.

Pizhichil : Pizhichil or oil squeezing is done to pacify the vata, strengthen muscles and lubricates knee joints.

Janu basti : Janu Basti involves pouring of specially prepared warm herbal oil over the knee. The oil is retained inside a well created using black gram paste or whole wheat flour. The herbal oil used in the procedure restores the lubricating fluid in the joint and maintains integrity of the structures involved in the joint. It also improves the mobility of the knee joints. Janu Basti is mainly used in Pain Management in conditions such as osteoArthritis of knee joints, osteoporosis, and Arthritis of knee joints and chronic pain of the knee joints. It reduces the pain and stiffness in knee joints and thus helps to improve mobility.

Upnaham : This therapy is done by application of herbal paste over the affected area. This treatment is very effective in OsteoArthritis of knee, knee joint injuries and localized Knee Pain and Swelling. It improves circulation, initiates healing and strengthens the musculature.

Sneha Basti : Sneha Basti involves enema using medicated oil. It helps in colonic Detoxification as Colon is the main seat of Vata according to Ayurveda.

Kashaya Basti : Kashaya Basti involves enema using medicated decoction. It helps in colonic Detoxification as Colon is the main seat of Vata according to Ayurveda. Also it helps in relieving constipation which is one of the major complaints of patients.

What Causes Knee Joint Pain and Swelling?

Knee pain is a common problem that can affect people of any age.  It can arise after an injury to the ligament that holds the two bones in place, tearing of cartilage cushion as seen in arthritis, or due to inflammation of the joints. In elderly people the common cause of knee Joint Pain is the osteoArthritis of knee. Some bone disorders such as osteoporosis, gout, or infections may also cause severe pain in knee joint. At times, over use of knee joints as in case of vigorous exercise or sports may also cause knee pain, but it is self-limiting and subsides on few self-care regimens. However, knee Joint Pain due to osteoArthritis needs a proper medical treatment.

Reasons for knee pain and swelling

• OsteoArthritis of knee
• Injury to the ligaments holding knee bones
• Fracture of knee bone
• Injury to the tendon that connects bones and muscles
• Breaking of cartilage
• Gout
• Inflammation of joint
• Infection

What is Ayurveda’s Etiology of Knee Joint Pain and Swelling?

Ayurveda recognizes the osteoArthritis of knee as Sandhigatavata, meaning provoked Vata located in sandhi (joints). The localised vata in joints affects all the normal physiological functions. As we age the Vata Dosha becomes predominant and hence problems such as knee Joint Pain are seen commonly among older people. Ayurveda also considers unhealthy diet as a contributing factor for Arthritis and knee Joint Pain. Disturbed metabolism and digestion also increase vata vitiation cause pain in joints. Although there is no permanent cure for osteoarthritis, Ayurvedic therapies and medications help relieve pain and swelling.

What are the Common Symptoms of Knee Pain?

Knee pain may be accompanied by some very specific symptoms that are suggestive of Arthritis of knee joints and include,

• Redness
• Stiffness in joints
• Swelling around the knee joint
• Tender and warm skin over the joint
• Crunching or cracking noises on movement
• Difficulty in stretching the knee

Who is at Risk of Having Knee Pain?

Although knee pain can affect anyone, certain biological and lifestyle factors increase the likelihood of developing it. Following are the risk factors for knee Joint Pain and swelling.

Overweight and obesity:
Excessive weight in obesity puts too much stress and pressure on the knee joints during regular activities such as walking or standing

Weak muscle strength:
People who have weak muscle tone tend to develop knee pain more easily.

Vigorous physical activities:
Vigorous exercise or sport activity can cause knee pain through injury to ligaments.

What is the Cost of Ayurvedic Treatment for Knee Pain and Swelling?

Ayurvedic treatments are customised as per the patients’ age, lifestyle and health status. You can discuss the cost of Ayurvedic treatment for Knee Pain and swelling during your consultation.