Traditional And Alternative Approaches For Knee Pain Relief

Traditional Approaches For Knee Pain Relief

On reading the ‘traditional approach’, over-the-counter medications and injections might have come to your mind. But, traditional approaches also include various other treatment and management methods. Let’s discuss these in detail:

1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: These are medications used to relieve your symptoms. Common medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen help reduce pain and inflammation associated with knee injuries or conditions like arthritis. People with chronic knee pain tend to carry this with them, and whenever pain or discomfort hits, they use it for immediate relief. It is like a cheat code where only the symptoms get masked, and the root cause still persists.

Similarly, a healthcare professional may advise corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections. It helps reduce inflammation and provides temporary pain relief.

2. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (Rice) Technique: Have you heard about the RICE technique? It is a simple but effective method to manage your knee joint symptoms. This approach includes:

• Resting the knee.
• Applying ice to reduce swelling.
• Using compression to support the knee joint.
• Elevating the leg improves circulation and reduces inflammation.

3. Heat Therapy: Have you ever tried heat application on swelling or joint pain? You might have got soothing and pain relief, right? Heat can help soothe stiff muscles and enhance blood circulation to the knees.

4. Physical Therapy: Assisted by a physical therapist, you can strengthen the muscles around the knee. With assisted and correct movement patterns, it can help reduce pain and improve the flexibility and functions of your knee joint.

The above-mentioned are some conventional treatment methods for tackling knee pain. Most of these methods require professional advice or attention for their proper effectiveness. 

What if I told you there are some simple home remedies that you can consider to counter the daily life difficulties of knee pain? Read on to the next session to learn more:

Home Remedies For Natural Knee Pain Relief

It is always nice to know that there are simple things you can do at home to help relieve your knee pain. These natural knee pain home remedies can make a big difference in your symptoms without relying on fancy and expensive treatments or medicines. Let’s take a closer look at knee pain treatment at home.

1. Oil Massage:

Regular knee massage with oils such as sesame oil or coconut oil is recommended. It can help improve circulation, reduce stiffness and alleviate pain. Try adding essential oils like eucalyptus oil or lavender oil for better results.

2. Herbal Poultices And Compresses: 

Regularly applying poultices made from herbs with health benefits, like ginger, turmeric or fenugreek, can help alleviate your symptoms. It can reduce inflammation and relieve your pain.

Applying compresses made by soaking in herbal chamomile or arnica infusions helps relieve the affected area.

3. Turmeric And Ginger: 

Turmeric and ginger are widely used in various branches of alternative and natural medicine. Turmeric is enriched with curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger has natural pain-relieving properties. 

Try to find ways to include both of these in your daily diet. It helps reduce knee pain and inflammation.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

You may have heard of the many health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Try to incorporate foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids into your diet; some examples include salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Incorporating these foods into your daily diet may help ease your knee pain over time.

5. Epsom Salt Baths:

The magnesium content in Epsom salt may help decrease the tension in the muscles and increase relaxation. Soaking in a lukewarm Epsom salt bath for some time may relax the knee joint muscles and reduce pain and inflammation.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apply apple cider vinegar locally on your knees. It reduces inflammation and pain. You can also try applying a compress made by soaking a cloth in diluted apple cider vinegar. 

7. Maintain A Healthy Weight:

Weight management is never outside the syllabus for healthy living. Since the knee joint forms part of the major weight-bearing joints, excess weight often places extra pressure on the knee joint. Maintain weight with an appropriate diet and healthy exercise. It can further reduce the pressure on the joint and diminish pain.

So, these are some of the common home remedies you can look for. Even after these practices, if your condition persists and does not show improvement, then it is advisable to consult a healthcare expert for better management.

Management of knee pain and discomfort has been explained in detail in Ayurveda through medicines, therapeutic procedures, and lifestyle adjustments. Read on to the next session for more information.

Ayurvedic Approaches For Knee Pain Management

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine.  It focuses on balancing the body, mind and spirit. Regarding disease management, Ayurveda stresses addressing the root cause.

Ayurveda views health as a balance of three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. According to its doctrine, the relative imbalance of the three doshas is the cause of various health conditions. Thus, the entire approach of Ayurvedic treatment and management is to balance doshas.

Let’s talk about  some of the common Ayurvedic medicines, therapies, and lifestyle modifications for knee pain:

Ayurvedic Formulations And Oils For Knee Pain Relief

Maharasnadi Kwatha: It is the preparation for decoction. This decoction consists of herbs with anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties. It is beneficial in treating the pain and inflammation associated with the knee joints. Its major constituents include Rasna, Guduchi, and Gokshura.

Dashamoola Kwatha: It is an ayurvedic decoction formulation that has become a well-known ayurvedic formulation in the health field. It is prepared using a mixture of ten herbal roots, including Bilva, Syonaka, Kashmarya, etc., that have medicinal properties. Dashamool Kwath is specifically acknowledged for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic action.

Mahamasha Taila: It is an oil preparation meant for external application. The herbs included in this oil are Ashwagandha, Bala, and Shatavari, which are rejuvenating and analgesic. Try regular massages of the knee joints using Mahamasha taila.

Murivenna Taila: It is the most common Ayurvedic preparation used in case of injuries like wounds, swellings and inflammations. It is another medicinal oil preparation that contains ingredients like Neem, Turmeric, and Ginger. These possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. So, next time you encounter a minor injury, keep a Murivenna bottle handy for immediate application.

Do you know the different therapeutic procedures in Ayurveda? Do you know that treatments like enemas and sweating have been traditionally described in Ayurveda?

Panchakarma Therapies:

There is a distinct section in Ayurveda that describes its several treatment procedures. Traditionally, these have been termed as ‘Panchakarma’ treatments. They primarily focus on removing toxins from your body and also decreasing inflammation. Panchakarma treatments are applied at various levels in the treatment course of the disease and might thus help manage the symptoms of knee pain.

Other treatments such as Janu Basti (a specific Ayurvedic treatment where a dough reservoir is positioned over the knee joint. It is then filled with warm medicated oil) and Lepam (Involves the application of a paste made from herbal powders and oils on the knees. Then it is covered with a bandage) can also be used to alleviate pain in the knees.

Ayurveda has always emphasised lifestyle and habits. Being a life science, it wisely describes how to maintain a proper, healthy life routine. Let’s discuss some of its advice, which can help prevent or manage knee pain.

• Regular exercise has been crucial in the Ayurvedic lifestyle. You can consider low-impact exercises like cycling, swimming or walking in your daily life.
• Eat a balanced diet high in fruits, whole grain products, vegetables, and lean protein. This can provide essential nutrients to help maintain healthy joints and diminish inflammation.
• Can you recall experiencing pain or discomfort while staying in an awkward posture for some time? Poor posture can put excess pressure on the knees and worsen pain. Always maintain proper posture while sitting, standing, and walking. It is essential for maintaining your knee health.
• Again, it is about maintaining a healthy weight. A balanced diet and following a workout routine on the application level will help you maintain a healthy weight.                                                                                                      
• How badly do you physically feel when you are stressed out? Psychological stress can harm your mental well-being. Chronic stress triggers inflammation that can worsen your condition of knee pain. Continuously practising the art of relaxation, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, can improve your outlook on life, thereby mitigating stress in general. 

Conclusion

The blog taught you different treatments for knee pain. The various methods that the conventional medical system had for you were discussed. You also got an idea about the Ayurvedic approach to managing knee pain and some common home remedies that you can consider. Now, it is your turn to decide which way you want to manage your condition. You can even try to merge an alternative approach with that of the conventional one. Get advice from your health expert and choose what suits your needs best.