Knee & Joint Pain

About knee and joint pain

Knee and joint pain can come from injury, overuse, or long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis, in which the cartilage that cushions the joint gradually wears and the joint becomes stiff and painful. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and becomes more likely with age, excess body weight and past joint injuries. Other types, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, have different causes and need medical diagnosis and treatment.

Everyday factors

• Excess body weight, which increases the load on the knees.
• Weak thigh and hip muscles.
• Long periods of inactivity, or sudden heavy activity.
• Past injuries to the knee.

How natural care may help

The NHS and other health bodies recommend exercise and, where needed, weight loss as core treatments for osteoarthritis. A plan at Arogyam Sutra may include:

• Adapted yoga and strengthening. Chair-supported postures, gentle leg-strengthening and range-of-motion work. See Yoga Therapies.
• Weight care. Diet therapy and activity to reduce load on the joints. See Weight Management.
• Acupuncture. Studied for knee osteoarthritis pain. See Acupuncture.
• Janu vasti. Warm medicated oil held over the knee, a classical Ayurvedic therapy. See Panchakarma.
• Hot and cold packs. Traditional naturopathic applications for comfort.
• Daily-life advice. Footwear, stairs, sitting cross-legged and using support where needed.

What the research says

NCCIH reports that acupuncture may help ease knee pain from osteoarthritis for some people, and that tai chi and yoga may help with pain and function. Exercise is one of the best-supported approaches for osteoarthritis. Natural care at Arogyam Sutra is complementary. Please keep seeing your doctor, keep taking prescribed medicines, and tell the clinic about every medicine and supplement you take.

Further reading

• Osteoarthritis, NHS
• Knee pain, NHS
• Osteoarthritis: in depth, NCCIH