Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
Can Ayurveda really help with chronic knee pain? Seeking alternatives to surgery
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Orthopedic Disorders
Question #1557
272 days ago
143

Can Ayurveda really help with chronic knee pain? Seeking alternatives to surgery - #1557

David

For the past year, my knee pain has been getting progressively worse. The ache is constant, and there’s a sharp pain whenever I try to stand up or walk for more than a few minutes. An orthopedic doctor suggested that surgery might be needed down the road, but I’m not ready for that. I’ve heard about Ayurveda for knee pain and how herbal oils, massages, and therapies like Janu Basti can offer relief. Does anyone have experience using Ayurvedic treatments for severe knee pain? Is it possible to avoid surgery with a consistent Ayurvedic approach?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
261 days ago
4.83

Ayurvedic treatments can be highly effective for managing knee pain, even in cases of chronic conditions, and in some instances, they can help avoid the need for surgery. Janu Basti, which involves the application of warm herbal oils around the knee joint, is a key treatment for alleviating pain and inflammation in the knee. This therapy helps to nourish and lubricate the joint, reduce swelling, and improve mobility. Additionally, a combination of internal Ayurvedic medicines, such as Maharasnadi Kwath or Rasnasapthakam Kashayam, can help reduce inflammation and support joint health. Abhyanga (oil massage), Swedana (steam therapy), and Basti (medicated enemas) are other therapies that may be helpful, as they detoxify the body, enhance circulation, and promote healing. Alongside these treatments, dietary adjustments focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, along with strengthening exercises, can support long-term relief. While Ayurveda provides comprehensive management for knee pain, the effectiveness varies from person to person, and it is important to work closely with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to create a tailored plan. With consistent treatment, it is possible to manage and, in some cases, significantly improve the condition, potentially avoiding surgery.

13739 answered questions
68% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Ayurveda can absolutely be a part of managing chronic knee pain and in some cases, even help avoid surgery. It’s not a magic bullet, but given time and consistency, it can bring relief. The key is to look at the imbalances that may be causing or aggravating your pain. In Ayurveda, knee pain can often be related to vitiation of Vata dosha, which is leading over dryness, lack of lubrication, and causing that pain and stiffness.

Start with your diet—pay attention to nourishing food that’s easy to digest and pacify Vata. Include warm, cooked meals like soups, stews, and ghee—yes, good old ghee actually helps in lubricating the joints. Regularly consume turmeric and ginger, they have anti-inflammatory benefits that are wonderful for joint pain.

External therapies like Janu Basti, where warmed medicated oil is pooled around the knee, can be exceptionally relieving. Do this therapy at least thrice a week if you can. Following this with Abhyanga, a warm oil massage can further alleviate stiffness and pain. You mentioned trying herbal oils—have you tried Mahanarayana or Dhanwantharam oil? They’re known for joint healing properties.

Exercise customed for your dosha and current pain levels; gentle movements like yoga or tai chi can maintain flexibility and strength. Don’t push it hard, it should be relaxing. Focus on postures that emphasize gentle stretching of the leg muscles.

Don’t forget to focus on mental peace too. Stress aggravates Vata so practices like meditation, following a regular sleep schedule, and listening to soothing music can help keep your mind calm, thus your body too.

Remember, avoid anything too cold, and insulation of your knee during colder weather is key to keeping Vata in check. These recommendations are not to be taken as a one-size solution. I’d really suggest consulting directly with an Ayurvedic physician too, it’s good to have personalized guidance considering the chronic nature of your condition. Stay patient and give time for Ayurvedic treatment to work its rhythm. If the pain severely restricts you or worsens whilst trying these suggestions though, be sure to check back in with your doctor.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Ayush Varma
Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.
4.95
20 reviews
Dr. Deepali Goswami
I am Dr. Deepali Goswami, BAMS graduate n working mainly around women's health. Right now m running my own clinic where i treat all kind of gyne problems—from irregular periods to PCOD, white discharge, fertility-related issues, menopausal symptoms n lot more that affects everyday life of females. I usually try to keep the language simple while dealing with patients cause honestly half of them come already confused or like really scared of what's happening inside their body... and if I use too much technical terms it just make it worse. I’ve been practicing in this space for couple of years now—don’t remember the exact month, maybe two or three year back? but anyway, what matters is I’ve seen how many of these problems get ignored till they turn serious. That’s something I feel strongly about. My goal is to help women understand their symptoms early and explain how Ayurveda can help gently but properly, whether it’s hormonal stuff or pain or cycle issues. I use classic Ayurvedic concepts like dosha analysis, ritucharya, n yoni vyapad chikitsa wherever it fits, but sometimes modern lifestyle really needs to be factored in too. Like if someone working night shift, no point telling them to wake up at 5am and do abhyanga daily—it won’t work. I’m practical about it. Anyway, I try my best to create a space where women feel heard. Lot of them said nobody actually explained them what’s going on before. And that’s like the saddest part. I feel my biggest strength is really just listening n tailoring the treatment to her routine, diet n stress pattern. Some cases are harder of course... things don’t always go fast, esp when it’s been neglected for yrs. But then Ayurveda’s not magic. It takes a little time—but results feel real n lasting when done right.
5
7 reviews
Dr. Ankit Khandelwal
I am practicing Ayurveda since 3 years now, and tbh even though that number looks small on paper—it sure feels way more intense when you think of the daily exposure to different conditions, people, energies. I focus mainly on holistic wellness, with a strong bend toward balancing the body-mind equation. Sometimes ppl ask if I only give herbs but truthfully it’s more about understanding the why behind the illness... not just the what. My work usually involve personalized treatment planning, where I mix classical Ayurvedic concepts—like dosha analysis, ahara-vihara (diet & lifestyle), and detox via Panchakarma—based on how the person is living right now. That dynamic bit matters. One patient with acidity might need total food overhaul. Another? Just better sleep and breath practices. I learnt to not jump into “fixing” unless I’m hearing fully. The past 3 years taught me to observe subtle signs more deeply. Like the small fatigue before full-blown fatigue. I don’t claim big breakthroughs, but I’ve seen lives shift—chronic migraines fading, IBS calming down, periods regularising, skin healing slowly from inside-out. And that feels huge. Every day kinda grows me. Whether it’s a simple consultation, or longer therapies, I try to keep things real, rooted, and not rushed. And yes there’s still lot to explore. But I’m in this for the long run and I want ppl to know that healing doesn’t mean perfection—it just means balance, awareness, and the willingness to start.
0 reviews
Dr. Hemanshu Mehta
I am Dr. Hemanshu—right now a 2nd year MD scholar in Shalya Tantra, which basically means I’m training deep into the surgical side of Ayurveda. Not just cutting and stitching, btw, but the whole spectrum of para-surgical tools like Agnikarma, Viddhakarma, and Kshara Karma... these aren’t just traditional, they’re super precise when done right. I’m not saying I know everything yet (still learning every day honestly), but I do have solid exposure in handling chronic pain issues, muscle-joint disorders, and anorectal conditions like piles, fissures, fistulas—especially where modern treatments fall short or the patient’s tired of going through loops. During clinical rounds, I’ve seen how even simple Kshara application or well-timed Agnikarma can ease stuff like tennis elbow or planter fasciatis, fast. But more than the technique, I feel the key is figuring what matches the patient’s constitution n lifestyle... like one-size-never-fits-all here. I try to go beyond the complaint—looking into their ahar, sleep, stress levels, digestion, and just how they feel in general. That part gets missed often. I honestly believe healing isn’t just a “procedure done” kind of thing. I try not to rush—spend time on pre-procedure prep, post-care advice, what diet might help the tissue rebuild faster, whether they’re mentally up for it too. And no, I don’t ignore pathology reports either—modern diagnostic tools help me stay grounded while applying ancient methods. It’s not this vs that, it’s both, when needed. My aim, tbh, is to become the kind of Ayurvedic surgeon who doesn't just do the work but understands why that karma or technique is needed at that point in time. Every case teaches me something new, and that curiosity keeps me moving.
5
115 reviews
Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
ChatGPT said: I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.
5
173 reviews
Dr. Ayush Bansal
I am a dedicated Ayurveda practitioner with 1 year of hands-on clinical experience, committed to providing effective and holistic healthcare solutions. I began my professional journey as a VOPD (Virtual Outpatient Department) doctor at Hiims Hospital under Jeena Sikho Lifecare Limited, where I served for 6 months. During this time, I gained valuable experience in patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning while managing a variety of acute and chronic health conditions through Ayurvedic principles. My role involved virtual consultations, customized treatment protocols, and continuous patient follow-ups, allowing me to sharpen my diagnostic and counseling skills in both preventive and curative aspects of Ayurveda. Following this, I worked as a Resident Doctor at Chauhan Ayurved and Panchkarma Hospital, Udaipur, where I further strengthened my clinical expertise. Here, I was actively involved in the management of patients undergoing traditional Panchakarma therapies, Ayurvedic detoxification procedures, and personalized treatment regimens. My responsibilities included in-depth patient consultations, planning and executing Panchakarma therapies, and collaborating closely with senior Ayurvedic consultants to ensure safe and effective patient care. This role enhanced my understanding of classical Ayurvedic therapies, lifestyle modifications, and integrative approaches tailored to individual patient needs. With experience in both OPD and Panchakarma settings, I approach each patient with empathy, attentiveness, and a commitment to delivering authentic Ayurvedic care. My goal is to help patients achieve long-term wellness through natural healing methods rooted in traditional Ayurvedic knowledge.
5
135 reviews
Dr. Manjula
I am a dedicated Ayurveda practitioner with a deep-rooted passion for restoring health through traditional Ayurvedic principles. My clinical approach revolves around understanding the unique constitution (Prakruti) and current imbalance (Vikruti) of each individual. I conduct comprehensive consultations that include Prakruti-Vikruti Pareeksha, tongue examination, and other Ayurvedic diagnostic tools to identify the underlying causes of disease, rather than just addressing symptoms. My primary focus is on balancing the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—through individualized treatment plans that include herbal medicines, therapeutic diets, and lifestyle modifications. I believe that healing begins with alignment, and I work closely with my patients to bring the body, mind, and spirit into harmony using personalized, constitution-based interventions. Whether managing chronic conditions or guiding preventive health, I aim to empower patients through Ayurvedic wisdom, offering not just relief but a sustainable path to well-being. My practice is rooted in authenticity, guided by classical Ayurvedic texts and a strong commitment to ethical, patient-centered care. I take pride in helping people achieve long-term health outcomes by integrating ancient knowledge with a modern, practical approach. Through continuous learning and close attention to every detail in diagnosis and treatment, I strive to deliver meaningful, natural, and effective results for all my patients.
5
64 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
ChatGPT said: I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
267 reviews
Dr. Narendrakumar V Mishra
I have been practicing as a Consulting Ayurvedic Physician since 1990, with over three decades of clinical experience in treating a wide range of chronic and lifestyle-related health conditions. My core areas of focus include hair disorders, skin diseases, and lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, and stress-related imbalances. Over the years, I have developed a patient-centric approach that emphasizes deep-rooted healing through authentic Ayurvedic principles. My treatment philosophy is based on understanding the unique constitution (prakriti) and imbalance (vikriti) of each patient, allowing me to craft individualized care plans using classical formulations, diet corrections, detox therapies (shodhana), and lifestyle modifications. Whether it’s persistent hair fall, recurring skin allergies, or long-term metabolic disorders, I aim to address the root cause rather than just suppress symptoms. In the management of lifestyle disorders like diabetes and arthritis, I integrate Ayurvedic medicines with structured dinacharya (daily routines) and ahar (dietary guidance), focusing on sustainable results and long-term wellness. I also work extensively with stress-related concerns, offering holistic strategies that incorporate mind-body practices, including meditation, herbal support, and counseling rooted in Ayurveda. With a strong foundation in traditional Ayurvedic texts and decades of hands-on experience, I remain committed to providing safe, natural, and effective healthcare solutions. My goal is to guide patients toward a balanced life, free from chronic ailments, through personalized treatment protocols that restore harmony to both body and mind.
5
359 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, an Ayurvedic physician from Maharashtra, committed to promoting authentic and effective Ayurvedic healing. I completed my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College, Kharghar, where I built a strong foundation in classical Ayurvedic science. After graduation, I was fortunate to be selected for the prestigious Certificate Course of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi. Through this program, I had the unique opportunity to learn traditional and authentic Kerala Ayurveda under the mentorship of my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan, a highly respected name in the field. Currently, I am pursuing my MD in Panchakarma from the renowned Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This advanced training is enhancing my understanding of specialized Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies, allowing me to integrate classical Panchakarma techniques into modern clinical practice effectively. My clinical approach combines deep-rooted traditional knowledge with scientific understanding to offer personalized care for a variety of chronic and lifestyle disorders. I am passionate about utilizing Ayurveda not just for disease management but also for preventive healthcare and wellness promotion. I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve sustainable health by addressing the root cause of ailments through holistic treatments, Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle counseling, and dietetics.
5
40 reviews
Dr. Keerthana PV
I am a passionate and responsible Ayurvedic doctor, having completed my internship at the renowned VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, Kerala. My clinical journey has been shaped by the rich traditions of Kerala Ayurveda, where I gained extensive hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients with authentic Ayurvedic therapies. I am dedicated to delivering personalized and holistic healthcare, with a focus on preventive medicine and positive lifestyle modification. I actively counsel my patients on achieving optimal health through balanced diet, daily regimen, stress management, and natural therapies. Additionally, I am a certified Smrithi Meditation Consultant from the Kottakkal Ayurveda School of Excellence, which allows me to integrate meditation and mindfulness techniques into my treatment protocols, promoting mental well-being along with physical health. My approach is rooted in compassion, responsibility, and a commitment to empowering patients on their journey towards complete wellness.
5
97 reviews

Latest reviews

Isaac
1 hour ago
This answer really cleared up my confusion. Felt like they really understood my issues and gave some practical steps. Thanks a ton!
This answer really cleared up my confusion. Felt like they really understood my issues and gave some practical steps. Thanks a ton!
Wyatt
1 hour ago
That advice was super clear and so helpful! Thanks for the detailed recommendations and explanation, feel more confident about what to do next.
That advice was super clear and so helpful! Thanks for the detailed recommendations and explanation, feel more confident about what to do next.
Anthony
1 hour ago
This was super helpful and impresively detailed, understanding both modern and Ayurvedic perspectives was insightful. Thanks for the guidance!
This was super helpful and impresively detailed, understanding both modern and Ayurvedic perspectives was insightful. Thanks for the guidance!
Victoria
2 hours ago
Really appreciated this answer! It was super detailed and made me feel more hopeful about managing things naturally. Thanks so much for the guidance!
Really appreciated this answer! It was super detailed and made me feel more hopeful about managing things naturally. Thanks so much for the guidance!