Knee pain is a common problem that can affect people of any age. Knee pain 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

Symptoms of Knee Pain?

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

Ayurveda offers many herbal 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. The Ayurvedic therapies treatments used in treatment of knee osteoarthritis are

•  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 –The excessive use of oils helps in the pacification of vata. Massage with warm oil tones strengthens muscles and lubricates knee joints.
•  Janu basti –Janu Basti involves pouring of specially prepared warm herbal oil over the knee. It reduces the pain and stiffness in knee joints and thus helps to improve mobility.
•  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.