Knee Joint: Why Is My Pain Getting Worse, and Can Ayurveda Help? - #14814

Sounds like you're going through a tough time with your knee. From an ayurvedic perspective, it does seem like an imbalance might be causing the pain to get worse. You're spot on thinking it could be related to Vata or maybe even Pitta. Vata aggravation often leads to dryness and stiffness in joints while Pitta could be causing some inflammation. Your habits, like a sedentary lifestyle and cracking your knees, could indeed be adding to the strain on your knee joints. First off, let's talk about sesame oil – it's fantastic for pacifying Vata dosha and great for joint issues. Warm a bit and gently massage your knee daily, ideally before a warm bath or shower. This can improve circulation and ease that stiffness you're dealing with. About diet, foods that are naturally lubricating can help— think ghee and oily, warm foods. Avoid very spicy, salty and processed foods as they might aggravate both Vata and Pitta. You mentioned salty ingredients can worsen the pain; that's pretty common with Pitta imbalances. Herbs-wise, Ashwagandha and Guduchi can be helpful. Ashwagandha strengthens and rejuvenates the tissues, while Guduchi acts as an anti-inflammatory. It could also be beneficial to include turmeric in your cooking, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Exercises & habits are key. Gentle yoga and stretching can keep your knee joints flexible. Consider poses like the cat-cow and mild twisting poses. A daily routine like a short walk could stop additional stiffness from developing. On cartilage, a precise Ayurvedic solution is to maintain a proper balance of Kapha, which governs growth and lubrication. Also, being hydrated is surprisingly vital for cartilage health, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. Results vary per person, of course. Some see improvements in weeks, while others might take months. Try to be consistent with these practices, observe how your body responds and remember these aren't quick fixes, but holistic ones. Lastly, don’t completely ditch what your doctor says. Regular check-ins are important to track the progression. Ayurveda can certainly complement your current treatment, helping you find a balance that sounds like it's missing.