Knee pain

Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Apr 06, 2001 by Belinda Rowland

The following herbs may relieve knee pain and/or associated symptoms when used internally:

• celery (Apium graveolens) decoction or tincture: swollen joints and gout
• chamomile (Matricaria recutita): spasms and swelling
• deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) plaster: swollen joints
• devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) tablets: swollen joints
• flaxseed (Linus usitatissimum) oil: lubricates joints
• feranium (Pelargonium odoratissimum): chronic pain
• jamaican dogwood (Piscidia erythrina): pain and swelling
• lemon (Citrus limon) juice: swollen joints
• prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) tea: joint pain
• white willow (Salix alba) tablets or decoction: swollen joints and joint pain
• wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa): pain and swelling

Various other alternative treatments that can be helpful in relieving knee pain include:

Acupressure. Pressing the Stomach 36 point located below the knee caps tones muscles and relieves joint pain anywhere in the body. Pressing the Spleen 9 points located below the kneecap on the inside of each leg relieves knee pain. Acupuncture. Inflammation and pain may be relieved by acupuncture. The large intestine meridian is the most effective channel for pain relief. A National Institutes of Health consensus panel found that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain. Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy with essential oils is sometimes recommended. The essential oil of peppermint relieves pain and decreases inflammation. The essential oil of rosemary relieves pain and relaxes muscles. Chinese medicine. Knee sprain and contusion (bruise) are treated by application of Shang Ke Xiao Yan Gao (Relieve Inflammation Paste of Traumatology) and ingestion of Die Da Wan (Contusion Pill). Once the initial pain and swelling have been reduced, the patient can apply Shang Shi Zhi Tong Gao (Relieve Damp-Inducing Pain Medicinal Plaster). Exercise. Regular moderate exercise can reduce pain by improving the strength, tone, and flexibility of muscles. The endorphins released while exercising may also be helpful. Food therapy. Following a detoxification diet may restore nutritional balance to the body and relieve joint pain. Animal proteins may induce joint pain caused by inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, so following a vegetarian diet may be helpful. Homeopathy. Rhus toxicodendron is recommended for joint and arthritis pain that is worse in the morning and relieved by warmth. Kali bichromicum is indicated for persistent, severe pain. Other homeopathic remedies can be designed for specific cases by a homeopathic practitioner. Hydrotherapy. A warm compress can relieve joint stiffness and dull pain. A cold compress or ice pack can relieve sharp, intense pain. Magnetic therapy. Magnetic fields may increase blood flow and block pain signals. Massage. Joint pain may be relieved by massaging the area above and below the painful joint. Massaging with ice packs may interfere with pain signals and replace them with temperature signals. Reflexology. Knee pain may be relieved by working the knee reflex points. Rolfing. This deep, sometimes painful, massage therapy may speed healing and reduce pain. Supplements. Knee pain may be relieved by taking vitamin C to promote healing, the B vitamins to balance the nervous system, which reduces pain, and calcium to increase bone strength.