Symptoms
Patients with knee arthritis usually describe:
- Pain going down stairs, often worse than going up
- Stiffness on standing after sitting a while, easing after a few steps
- A grating sound on bending the knee
- Swelling and warmth, especially after walking more than usual
- Difficulty sitting cross-legged or using a squat toilet
If a knee suddenly swells badly, becomes very red and hot, or is painful with fever, this may be infection or an acute attack of arthritis — see a doctor immediately.
How treatment works at Arogyam
The consultation establishes whether the pain is from wear (osteoarthritis) or linked to another condition such as raised uric acid or rheumatoid arthritis — because both the treatment and the diet change accordingly.
Acupuncture
Needles at points around the knee and at distal points work to reduce pain and stiffness. Where there is significant swelling, sittings are kept lighter.
Weight management
Walking loads the knee at several times body weight, so even a few kilograms less makes a noticeable difference to pain. A gradual, sustainable diet plan is given in line with M.Sc (Food & Nutrition) training.
Safe exercise
The most useful work for the knee strengthens the quadriceps and is done lying or seated. Deep squats and postures that fold the knee under load are avoided.
Nutrition
Where uric acid is raised, specific dietary changes are needed; in ordinary osteoarthritis a balanced, inflammation-reducing diet is advised.
Therapies used