Chigungunya after effects - #800
I have had chigungunya in July and still experience joint pain . There is swelling also in my fingers. It's very painful to get up and sit. Can't bend my knees without pain and painful who,e climbing steps too. Have been taking turmeric , berberine and shalaki tablets . Still there is lot of pain.i am 50 years old. Another side effect is weight gain and water retention. Any remedy for the same Please advise
100% Anonymous
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Post-Chikungunya joint pain, along with swelling and discomfort in the fingers and knees, can be quite challenging, particularly as you approach menopause. In Ayurveda, this condition can be addressed through a holistic approach focusing on balancing Vata and Kapha doshas, which are often aggravated during such situations.
Continue with your intake of turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but consider enhancing its efficacy by combining it with black pepper (Piper nigrum) to improve absorption. Berberine and Shalaki (Boswellia serrata) are excellent choices, but you may also want to include Guggulu, which is recognized for its ability to reduce swelling and pain in joints. Additionally, Ashwagandha can be beneficial for managing stress and promoting overall vitality during this transitional phase.
Incorporate dietary changes by emphasizing warm, easily digestible foods that are low in salt and sugar to reduce water retention. Foods like moong dal (split yellow lentils), cooked vegetables, and warm spices (ginger, cumin, and coriander) can aid digestion and alleviate bloating. Staying hydrated with warm water or herbal teas can help flush out excess fluids.
For external relief, consider applying a warm mustard oil infusion with garlic on the painful areas to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Gentle joint exercises, along with yoga, focusing on stretching and flexibility, can help maintain mobility without aggravating pain.
Oh, that sounds really tough, dealing with joint pain and swelling after chikungunya can be quite distressing. Since you mentioned you’re 50 and experiencing lingering pain and swelling, it’s crucial we try to tackle this from the root, Ayurveda way. So, our main focus would be on balancing the vata dosha here, which often amplifies such discomfort.
Firstly, let’s work on the anti-inflammatory part. You’re already taking turmeric, which is great! You might also wanna try a tea with dry ginger and tulsi. Just a cup in the morning and one before bed, not hotter than your usual tea. It can act as an excellent vatta pacifier too.
For your joints, consider gently massaging them with warm sesame oil daily If you can get it, “Mahanarayan Taila” is a classic choice. Just warm it up slightly, and massage your fingers, knees and any other painful areas. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before washing it off. It can help with mobility and reduce swelling.
About the weight gain and water retention. Light exercises — even a simple daily walk — can help a lot. But don’t push it, listen to your body’s cues. Incorporating Triphala at night (about a teaspoon with warm water) would help with detoxification and might ease the water retention.
Diet-wise, stay away from cold or raw foods; warm, cooked, moist foods really aid digestion and balance agni. Think soups, stews, or khichri, with spices like cumin and coriander to assist.
Hydration is key. Drink water stored in a copper vessel overnight — it balances all three doshas and could help with detox.
But yeah, be sure to check with a healthcare provider to make sure there’s no serious underlying condition! Always good to just ensure all scopes are considered.
Hope some of these tips help you find relief! Remember, little by little, it’s about healing over time.

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.