What is the best Sikaai for Joint swelling in arthritis? - #12937
I am doing knee sikaai with balu and sendha namak potli at night . But did not get any relief from past 3-4 month. Not able to do oiling on swelling and hot potli sikaai is not giving relief. I can walk properly in this condition but stairs ghost me. Using pirant oil on joints. (Not on swelled joints) Can we do hot and cold therapy on joint?
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Doctors’ responses
In cases of chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), managing joint pain and swelling can be challenging, and it’s important to be cautious with therapies. While hot and cold therapy can provide temporary relief for pain, it’s essential to use them strategically. Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and swelling, while hot therapy can relax muscles and alleviate stiffness. However, alternating hot and cold compresses can sometimes be too intense, so it’s best to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner who can personalize your treatment plan. Instead of using heat on swollen joints, focus on cooling therapies like a cold herbal compress or anti-inflammatory oils. Additionally, strengthening your immune system and improving circulation through herbs like Ashwagandha, Guggulu, and Turmeric might help manage RA symptoms more effectively in the long term. Consider exploring more targeted Ayurvedic treatments like Vata-balancing therapies, external oil applications, and specific palliative measures for RA.
Mixing hot and cold therapy for joint swelling in arthritis can really make a difference, believe it or not. Let’s get into it a bit – though it’s kinda strange that the hot potli ain’t giving you any relief. So, here goes…
First, let’s talk about that hot sikaai. Usually, heat helps to relax muscles and improve circulation, but in your case… hmmmm, maybe try this twist: alternate between hot and cold just to see how your body responds. Here’s a suggestion - for around ten minutes, apply a hot potli to the joint, then switch to something cold, like ice wrapped in cloth, for another 10 minutes. Keep rotating between them for about half an hour each session, but do it carefully & avoid too much pressure on the joint.
You mentioned using balu and sendha namak… that’s solid stuff! They tend to remove stiffness, but sometimes the heat can aggravate inflammation – especially if the doshas are outta whack. Maybe, look into using taruni patra or eucalyptus leaves instead, if you can, within the potli, coz they soothe and may aid in reducing inflammation.
I’m also thinking… give some rest to those knees, especially if they’re tired from stairs! It’s actually kind of wild that stairs feel like ghosts – lots of folks feel you on that 🙃. If walking feels doable – great, just don’t overdo it. Ayurvedically speaking, gentle joint movement is helpful, but extended strain isn’t.
And hey, about the oil, Pirant’s not bad, but if not much relief is coming your way, maybe explore other oils – like Sahacharadi Tailam, known for reducing inflammation. But be careful not to put it on swelling if it’s causing irritation or redness.
Ultimately, make sure your diet is aligned with reducing inflammation too. Include ginger, turmeric, more veggies and avoid excessively sour, salty or spicy food. Hydrate well, really essential for maintaining fluid in joints.
In case the relief remains elusive, it might be worth seeking more tailored in-person advice, especially if pain persists or intensifies. Safety comes first, of course!

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