A 65-year-old female patient, Mrs. Urmila, consulted us with severe knee pain that was significantly affecting her daily activities.

Before starting treatment, even simple activities such as standing, walking and climbing stairs were painful. She reported that she was unable to comfortably walk even approximately 50 metres because of her knee pain.

The problem had reached a point where her mobility and independence in routine activities were considerably affected.

After clinical assessment, we planned an 18-day individualized Ayurvedic and Panchakarma treatment programme according to her condition.

Our Ayurvedic Treatment Approach

Rather than relying on a single therapy, a combination of Ayurvedic procedures was selected according to her clinical presentation.

1. Snehan – Ayurvedic Oleation

Snehan was incorporated using suitable medicated Ayurvedic oil. The aim was to provide local soothing care and prepare the body for subsequent Panchakarma procedures.

2. Swedana – Therapeutic Fomentation

Swedana was performed following Snehan. Controlled therapeutic heat is commonly used in Ayurveda to help address stiffness and muscular tightness and support comfortable movement.

3. Local Basti Therapy

A suitable local Basti therapy with warm medicated Ayurvedic oil was included as part of her treatment plan to provide localized care to the affected region.

4. Agnikarma

Agnikarma was performed at clinically selected points. Agnikarma is a classical Ayurvedic procedure involving controlled therapeutic heat and may be considered in selected musculoskeletal pain conditions.

5. Leech Therapy – Jalaukavacharana

Leech Therapy (Jalaukavacharana) was also incorporated in selected sessions after assessing suitability. It is a classical method of Raktamokshana used in Ayurveda for selected clinical conditions.

Changes Observed After 18 Days

The improvement in her functional capacity during the treatment period was encouraging.

Before treatment, Mrs. Urmila had severe pain while standing and walking, could not comfortably walk even around 50 metres, and found climbing stairs very difficult because of pain.

After completing 18 days of treatment, she reported that she could stand and walk much more comfortably, walk approximately 2 kilometres without significant pain or strain, and climb stairs comfortably without the pain that had previously restricted her.

For this patient, the most meaningful change was not simply a change in pain—it was the improvement in what she could actually do in her everyday life.

Why Functional Improvement Matters in Knee Pain

In older adults with knee problems, assessing treatment only by asking, “How much pain is there?” may not provide the complete picture.

We also look at practical improvements such as:

Can the patient stand comfortably? Can they walk farther? Can they climb stairs? Has stiffness reduced? Are everyday activities becoming easier?

In Mrs. Urmila's case, the change from struggling to walk around 50 metres to reporting the ability to walk approximately 2 kilometres comfortably represented a substantial improvement in her functional mobility.

Our Approach to Knee Pain at Ayurveda Gokulam

Knee pain does not have the same cause or severity in every patient. Age-related degeneration, osteoarthritis, inflammation, previous injury, muscular weakness, body weight and other medical conditions can all influence symptoms.

Therefore, at Ayurveda Gokulam Panchakarma Kendra, Vijay Nagar, Indore, treatment is planned after individual assessment rather than applying the same Panchakarma programme to everyone.

Depending on the patient's condition, an Ayurvedic treatment plan may include Snehan, Swedana, Janu Basti or other local Basti procedures, Basti Therapy, Agnikarma, Leech Therapy, Ayurvedic medicines, exercise and lifestyle guidance.

Important Note

This article describes the clinical experience of one individual patient. Improvement and treatment duration can vary considerably depending on the diagnosis, severity, age, associated medical conditions and individual response. Persistent or severe knee pain may also require appropriate investigations and orthopedic evaluation.

Dr. Chaitanya Gupta (B.A.M.S.)

Ayurveda Gokulam Panchakarma Kendra

Vijay Nagar, Indore

Personalized Ayurvedic & Panchakarma Care for Knee and Joint Problems