Alternative treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

by Gagan Kaur

Alternative treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common type of arthritis of knee. It’s a condition in which the natural cushioning between joints and cartilage of the knee wears away. When this happens, the bones of the joints rub with each other. The rubbing results in pain, swelling, stiffness, inflammation and thus decreased ability to walk or stand.

What are the symptoms of Arthritis of knee?

  • Pain in the knee that increases when you are active, but gets a little better with rest
  • Swelling around the knee
  • Stiffness of the knee joint specially in the morning, which makes it difficult to bend and straighten the knee
  • Feeling of warmth in the joint
  • Decrease in mobility of the knee, making it difficult to get in and out of chairs or cars, use the stairs, or walk
  • Creaking, crackly sound that is heard when the knee moves
  • Weakness in the knee

Why choose alternative treatments for arthritis of the knee?

Patients with osteoarthritis of knee experience high levels of pain, psychological distress and have limited therapeutic options. Various pharmaceutical drugs provides options for alleviating pain and symptoms however, the side effects associated with these painkillers may limit their use.

Emerging evidence from clinical trials suggests that alternative therapies can play an important role in management of arthritis of knees.

Evidence based herbal treatment

A search for safer alternatives to pharmacological therapy in Osteoarthritis management has gained momentum in the 21st century. Number of clinical trials have identified various herbs for the management of arthritis.

There is evidence that the Ayurvedic herb Boswellia serrata, also called Indian frankincense, alleviates joint pain and inflammation.

Another Ayurvedic herb, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), has known anti-inflammatory effects. A recent study by Sumantran has demonstrated its analgesic effects in patients with knee OA. The anti-inflammatory effects of ginger (Zinziber officinale) have also been documented. Ginger works as an anti-inflammatory by interfering with an enzyme (cyclooxygenase) that produces inflammatory chemicals in the body. Another herb Devil’s claw has been widely used in Europe for treatment of arthritis pain, headache and low back pain. A number of scientific studies have found that it can help relieve the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis particularly when it affects the knee or hip.

An herbal formulation named Dr. Kohli's JointTone capsules contain extracts of Bosewellia, Turmeric, Zinger and Devils’s claw, which have proven to be a very effective herbal supplement to relieve joint pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. The formulation is traditionally used in Ayurveda as an anti-inflammatory to help relieve joint pain. This formulation is a unique combination of herbs used in age old Ayurveda and Western Herbalism for the management of arthritis. Many patients using this formation reported significant reduction in knee pain without any side or unpleasant effects.

Massage knees and legs

Massaging around the knee, lower leg and around the outer ankle can relieve the related symptoms of knee osteoarthritis by promoting blood circulation around the joints, improving the tension of the muscles as well as increasing the flexibility of the joints.

Effect of massage can be further enhanced by applying Dr Kohli’s Muscle & Joint Pain Oil  which contains more than a dozen herbal ingredients to cover wider spectrum of topical pain relief. Combinations of herbs are carefully selected considering its efficacy and safety. This is a  poly herbal formulation containing Cayenne Pepper, Black pepper, Ashwagandha , Arnica, Juniper, Nettle, Bishop’s Weed, Zinger, St John’s Wort, Wintergreen, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Camphor and Sesame Seed oil. A large number of patients reported a drastic reduction in pain when they were massaging this oil around the knee along with Dr. Kohli’s JointTone Capsules taken orally.

Healthy Eating for Knee Osteoarthritis

Eating healthy and balanced food should be an important part of management of arthritis of knee. When you keep your weight under control your knee will feel better. When you drop those extra pounds, you'll put less stress on your joints. A good way to lower your calorie count: Take smaller portions, avoid sugary foods and drinks, and eat mostly plant-based foods.

Hydro Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

Patients suffering from osteoarthritis are often unable to perform traditional land-based exercises due to increased pain created by the impact. In a supportive medium such as water, patients can perform similar strengthening or endurance exercises with the benefit of gentle resistance, and also a reduction in pain.

References

  1. Ahmed S, Anuntiyo J, Malemud CJ, Haqqi TM. Biological basis for the use of botanicals in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: a review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2005; 2(3):301-308.
  2. Srivastava KC, Mustafa T. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in rheumatism and musculoskeletal disorders. Med Hypotheses 1992; 39(4):342-348.
  3. Majeed M., Majeed S., Narayanan N.K., Nagabhushanam K. A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel Boswellia serrata extract in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee.  Res. 2019;33:1457–1468. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6338. [PMC free article][PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
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