Chondromalacia patella ayurvedic treatments may help to ease unbearable pain, tenderness, stiffness, locking, and help prevent progression. Chondromalacia patellae, also known as “runner’s knee,” is a condition where the cartilage on the undersurface of the patella (kneecap) deteriorates and softens. This condition is common among young, athletic individuals, but may also occur in older adults who have arthritis of the knee.
Chondromalacia patella Ayurvedic treatments include herbal remedies, meditation, and yoga (1). Chondromalacia treatment with current conventional medicine typically focuses on pain reduction and control of inflammation; however, these approaches have no effect on the natural course of the disease. Ayurveda uses herbs found in nature to cure various illnesses, knee pain, and joint pain which can be treated permanently with this indigenous method.
Chondromalacia patella Ayurvedic treatments have documented anti-inflammatory properties without the side effects of commonly prescribed medications (2). The severity of pain depends on the disorder and environment and may vary from person to person. Before using a supplement or herbal product, talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks. Check with your doctor if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have a scheduled surgery
- have diabetes
Ayurvedic treatments identify two major types of joint problems.
The first type is connected with inadequately supported joints or low bone density and overall weakness in the joints. This kind of problem begins with some discomfort, a cracking sound and if it is not taken proper care it can produce consequent immobilization of the joints. When the bone fails to get the nourishment that it requires it can start to degenerate.
The second type is associated with a toxic overload in the joints and is the result of too many toxins in the body. Ama gets stored in the joint and makes the joint rigid and heavy. If the ama stays there for a long time it can result in swollen and inflamed joints.
Using Ayurvedic treatments can help you tackle both types of pain and reduce the symptoms and heal chondromalacia patella.
Learn more about chondromalacia patella in the video below:
Chondromalacia Patella Ayurvedic Treatments
1. Nirgundi
Nirgundi is one of the most common herbs used to treat chondromalacia patella. Its potent anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsing, and antioxidant properties help the joints in many ways (3). The leaves of the plant Nirgundi are believed to have the most medicinal properties, followed by the stem and the seeds. It is easily available and is known to reduce swelling as well as excessive pain. It is bitter in taste and has hot potency, making it useful in this condition.
You can use the Nirgundi oil and apply it on joints, make a paste of the leaves and apply or also make a leaf decoction.
2. Jyotishmati
When vata dosha gets aggravated, the first type of joint pain can occur. Your ability to absorb food, circulation, and metabolism gets weak. The bone tissue fails to receive enough nourishment and eventually degenerates. Jyotishmati oil provides nourishment to bones and joints and supports the bone tissue (4). It effectively relieves acute and chronic inflammation of joints and provides relief from pain and morning stiffness
- You can use the Jyotishmati oil and apply it on joints
- Or make a paste of the leaves and apply or also make a leaf decoction.
3. Ginger
A study applied ginger to patients suffering from chondromalacia patellae found that warmth in the knee joint and reduces pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic property. It also provides overall vitality and stress relief. Ginger works as an anti-inflammatory by interfering with an enzyme (cyclooxygenase) that produces inflammatory chemicals in the body.
- You can make a paste using ginger and apply it to your knee.
4. Ajwain
Ajwain acts as a natural aid to chondromalacia patella due to the presence of anti-inflammatory components. It also contains anesthetic properties that further help in relieving excessive pain (5).
- Add a spoonful of carom seeds or ajwain in a tub of hot water and soak your aching joints in the water and sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Or crush these seeds and make a paste to apply it to your knees.
- You can also drink ajwain water every day
5. Cayenne Pepper
A pain message is transferred from knee joint to brain through a substance known as P. Cayenne Pepper. Cayenne Pepper is a good chondromalacia patella ayurvedic treatment. It can reduce the production and release of P and thus pain message is unable to reach in the central nervous system and thus pain symptom subsides (6).
- Topical application of cayenne pepper can help to reduce the pain symptom.
6. Dashmool
Dashmool is not one ayurvedic herb but a mix of ten medicinal herbs that are used to cure a variety of ailments. Dashmool literally translates to ‘ten roots’; out of which five roots are of trees and five are of shrubs. These include patala, gambhari, brihati, shalparni and more. Dashmool or Dashmula is effective in inflammatory conditions in the body. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and sedative properties help cure joint pain (7). It is available in the form of oil and powder.
- Topical application of Dashmool and internally can help to reduce the pain symptom.
7. Triphala
The anti-inflammatory ability of Triphala may help treat symptoms of chondromalacia patella. A study in rats has found that Triphala helped reduce inflammation caused by arthritis (8). The Ayurvedic herb Triphala has been used in India for thousands of years for the treatment of joint pain. Triphala is a formulary that consists of three herbs (amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki).
- Triphala can be taken internally to reduce pain and symptoms
8. Guggulu
Guggulu (Commiphora guggul) has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of the enzyme NFKB, which regulates the body’s inflammatory response. There are several studies that show decreased inflammation and joint swelling after administration of extracts of guggulu resin (9).
- Topical application of Guggulu and taken internally can help to reduce the pain symptom.
9. Shatavari
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an Ayurvedic herb that is considered to have a soothing, cooling and lubricating influence on the body. Because Shatavari is a gentle herb, acting as a systemic tonic and is calming, it is considered, along with Ashwagandha and Brahmi to be excellent for people of all ages. Studies have found that it has an inhibitory effect on chemicals that create inflammation in the body, such as TNF-alpha, and IL-1B (10).
- Topical application of Shatavari and can help to reduce the pain symptom.
Chondromalacia Patella and Balanced Doshas
In Ayurveda, the major cause of chondromalacia patella lies in vata dosha. Therefore, appropriate Ayurvedic runner’s knee treatment involves nourishing as well as hydrating the knee joints.
Herbs are useful allies when it comes to balancing the doshas. Ayurveda has a long history detailing the use of herbs and herbal combinations. Some Ayurvedic practitioners will customize herbal formulas to suit the unique constitutions of their clients.
Want to find other Ayurvedic treatments to support a healthy lifestyle. Check out our cheat sheet to Ayurveda.