Knee pain is commonly experienced by older individuals, but now this problem is becoming prevalent among young adults as well. This is because of the sedentary lifestyle we lead.

The knee is a joint that bears the entire weight of your body, and when pain sets in, activities like walking, climbing, or even going to the gym become challenging. The usual response is to turn to painkillers, but this is not the only solution.

Knee joint pain is a problem that cannot be managed solely through popping pills for an extended period. The discomfort can develop into a chronic condition and impact your overall mobility. Therefore, before opting for painkillers, it is advisable to consider using Ayurvedic remedies for knee pain. Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal system that offers holistic and long-term solutions to various health conditions, including joint problems. Read on to learn some natural remedies that ease knee pain and improve your quality of life.

Causes of Knee Pain

Your knee joint is made of bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. This joint is surrounded by fluid-filled sacs (bursae) and muscles that help in movement. When any of these structures is injured or damaged, you have knee problems.

Some common causes include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Gout
• Overuse or Repetitive Stress
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Sports or accidental injuries
• Fractures
• Septic Arthritis
• Obesity
• Lack of muscle strength
• Sprains and Strains
• Torn Meniscus
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome

No matter what the underlying cause is, Ayurvedic remedies for knee pain can provide significant pain relief without any major side effects.

Before we discuss the remedies, let's look at some signs and symptoms that often accompany knee pain:

• Excruciating pain during joint movement
• Restricted movement due to the locking of joints
• Inability to fully straighten the knee
• Swelling and stiffness in the joints
• Redness and warmth to the touch
• Weakness or instability
• Popping or crunching noises

Ayurvedic Remedies for Knee Pain

The goal of Ayurvedic treatment for joint issues is to eliminate or minimize symptoms and address the ailment at its root cause. Inflammation, characterized by redness and swelling resulting from injuries or medical conditions such as arthritis, is the primary cause of pain. Ayurvedic treatments aim to reduce inflammation and associated issues to enable the individual to perform normal activities and prevent further recurrence of pain.

External Modalities

1. Massage with Ayurvedic Oil

Massage is the most beneficial, non-invasive therapy for alleviating knee pain. One of the many advantages of massage is that it increases the release of serotonin, a natural pain reliever. In addition to this, regular massage on joints improves blood flow to the affected area, lubricates joints, and reduces swelling and stiffness.

Krishna Ayurveda Pain Relief Oil is the best Ayurvedic oil for knee and joint pain. This special Ayurvedic formula can be utilized to relieve joint pain, tendinitis, as well as muscle cramps. The oil is a blend of many potent oils that provide long-term relief from joint discomfort.

You can also use Ginger oil for self-knee massage. According to a study, a group of individuals with chronic knee pain reported decreased pain and stiffness a month after a massage with ginger oil. They also reported improved overall physical function. Ginger has gingerol, which exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Thus helping to reduce swelling and alleviate pain associated with joint issues. To make ginger oil at home, grate fresh ginger and add it to heated mustard oil. Let the mixture cool and strain. Massage this infused oil onto your joints.

2. Apply Turmeric Paste

Turmeric is a great natural remedy for knee and joint pain due to its powerful anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. Making a simple turmeric paste at home is an easy way to find relief.

To make the paste, mix 1/4 cup of turmeric powder with 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/2 cup of water in a saucepan. Heat and stir until a thick paste is formed. After it has cooled down, store it in a glass container. You can keep this in the fridge for up to two weeks.

To use, apply a small amount of the paste directly on the affected knee or joint, gently massaging for a few minutes. Let it stay for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Use this paste 2-3 times every week for best results.

3. Heat Compression

Heat compression is a simple and effective method for easing knee pain and promoting relaxation. Applying heat to the affected knee helps to increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate discomfort. This approach is particularly beneficial for soothing joint stiffness and enhancing flexibility. To use heat compression, you can apply a hot water bottle, a warm towel, or a commercially available heat pack to the knee. Ensure that the heat is tolerable and comfortable, and apply it for 15-20 minutes. This can be done several times a day, especially before activities that may exacerbate knee pain.

Oral Treatments

1. Nirgundi

Many powerful Ayurvedic herbs are effective in treating joint pain and one of them is Krishna Ayurveda Nirgundi Swaras. According to Ayurveda, consuming Nirgundi helps manage arthritis and provides relief from pain because of its Vata dosha balancing properties.

Nirgundi herb is one of the most effective Ayurvedic remedies for knee pain as it helps in reducing swelling and inflammation caused by injuries. It possesses therapeutic properties that aid in faster healing of wounds and strengthen bones and muscles.

2. Ashwagandha

In Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is seen as a  Rasayana herb that has rejuvenating properties and promotes overall health. Ashwagandha also has adaptogenic properties that help your body handle stress, preventing the release of substances that can cause inflammation and pain.

Research indicates that Ashwagandha has been found to reduce knee joint pain, swelling, and slow joint degradation in osteoarthritis. This suggests it might help manage symptoms effectively.

3. Fenugreek seeds 

Fenugreek seeds, or methi, have been traditionally used in various cultures for their potential health benefits, and it is believed that they may help with conditions such as knee or joint pain. Fenugreek seeds contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in pain relief. They are also a good source of minerals like iron and magnesium, which are important for overall joint health.

You can consume fenugreek seeds by soaking them overnight, straining them, and drinking the water in the morning. You can also incorporate them into your diet or make a fenugreek seed tea and consume it regularly.

Apart from these Ayurvedic remedies for knee pain, try to have a healthy lifestyle for effective and long-term results.

Tips for Preventing and Alleviating Knee Pain

• Practice yoga exercises like Vrikshasana, Trikonasana, and Veerabhadrasana, for 15-20 minutes every morning. These simple standing, stretching and bending exercises strengthen your spine, knees, hips, thighs, and legs reducing arthritis-related pain, and swelling.
• Keep your weight in check as excess weight can cause stress on your knees.
• Wear supportive shoes with proper arch support.
• Pay attention to how you sit, stand, and walk to maintain good posture.
• Use knee-friendly techniques for lifting heavy objects.
• Include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet, such as green leafy vegetables and fruits.
• Stay hydrated to support joint health lubrication.
• Prioritize rest and quality sleep to aid in overall recovery.

Some Related Posts

• Ayurvedic Aromatherapy for Beauty & Glow
• Best Tips for a Healthy Morning Routine
• Creating a Balanced Ayurvedic Diet Plan

Takeaway

Combining these remedies with conventional treatment can enhance your pain relief from joint issues. However, if you've been experiencing severe joint pain and swelling that disrupts your ability to move around, it is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner at the earliest. Prevention is always better than cure, and once affected by knee pain, it can take great effort to overcome it. Therefore, it should not be left untreated.