Knee pain refers to any discomfort in or around the knee joint. It can be acute or chronic and may affect people of all ages. knee is a weight-bearing joint and used in most daily activities like walking, climbing, sitting, standing, etc, in any standing activity, knee has to bear body weight. Slowly it gets damaged, and it becomes difficult for knee to bear weight and it gives pain. It can be short term in the beginning, but if not treated on time, it becomes regular problem.

Common 

Ache or sharp pain in or around the knee

Swelling or stiffness

Cracking or grinding sound

Instability and feeling like the knee might give away

Reduced range of motion

Sometimes locking after long sitting

Causes

Injury, ligament sprain, meniscus tear, fracture, dislocation

Due to overuse tendinitis, bursitis, runner’s knee

Degenerative changes due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis

Overweight, flat feet, poor posture, lack of muscle strength especially quadriceps & hamstrings

Home remedies

Rest and protection is needed. avoid activities that worsen pain

Apply cold packs for 15–20 min, two-three times a day for swelling

Keep leg raised on pillow to minimise swelling

Stretch and strengthen muscles around the knee 

Weight management reduces pressure on knees.

Anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger etc. 

Sujok & Seed Therapy

Press the knee correspondence point (see figure; point highlighted with red colour) with a diagnostic probe or blunt object. Apply moong seeds on the painful point. Hold them in place using a medical tape. Gently massage of the correspondence area for three to five minutes, two to three times daily till pain goes away. See doctor in case pain persists and there’s no relief.

(Rajshree Vora is an obesity consultant, dietitian and nutritionist, Sujok therapist, counsellor, and yoga therapist. You can write to her at enquiry@rajshreeyoga.com)