Knee pain is normal in old age, but can occur in people of any age. The main reason for knee pain in old age is wear and tear and degenerative changes in the structures of the knee joint. The most common reason behind knee pain in the elderly is osteoarthritis, in which the knee cartilage (a cushion with a rubbery consistency that allows smooth movement of the bones in the joints) degenerates, resulting in the bones that make up the knee joint rubbing against each other. forms. . In addition, overweight and obese older adults and those with a family history of osteoarthritis are at greater risk. In addition, older people can develop knee pain due to various forms of arthritis (joint inflammation), such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Rheumatoid arthritis refers to an autoimmune disease that results in swelling, pain and stiffness of the joints, usually starting in the small joints and then affecting the large joints from the knee down. Gout refers to an inflammation of the joints caused by an increase in uric acid levels and the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals in the joints.
Pseudogout, meniscus tear and bursitis are other causes of knee pain in old age. Pseudogout is a type of joint inflammation caused by the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals in the joints. A meniscus tear refers to a tear in the meniscus, that is, the cartilage present between the femur and the tibia (that is, the shin bone in the leg). knee joint. Bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa, that is, the fluid-filled sac around the joint that lubricates the joint and allows easy and smooth movement of the bones of the joint when the joint is moved. Knee pain in old age may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms depending on the cause behind it. These include swelling, stiffness of the knee, reduced mobility of the knee joint, and crackling sounds from the knee that are heard with knee movements.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy is very effective in treating knee pain in old age. Homeopathic medicines are excellent in controlling knee pain and other associated signs and symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, redness and heat of the knee. These medicines also help reduce any inflammation in the knee joint. Although these medications cannot reverse the damage/degeneration that has already occurred in the joint structures, they can help halt further progression of joint damage. These medications are completely safe to use as they are prepared from naturally occurring substances. These have zero side effects. Homeopathic medicines are selected individually for each individual case after a detailed case evaluation based on the symptom presentation which varies from case to case. Therefore, it is advised to use homeopathic medicines under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor and avoid self-medication.
Homeopathic medicines for knee pain in old age
1. Bryonia – For knee pain that is made worse by movement
Bryonia is a highly recommended medicine for treating cases of knee pain in the elderly. The characteristic feature of the use of this medicine is aggravation of knee pain by the slightest movement and relief by absolute rest. In addition to pain, redness and swelling may be present in the knee. The nature of the pain in most cases is of the stitching type. It is felt more when walking. The knees are also red and swollen. The inside of the knee is also sensitive to touch. A tense feeling in the knee bend may also be felt. Knee pain is worse in the evening in most cases where this medicine is needed.
2. Rhus Tox – With marked knee stiffness
Rhus Tox is an effective medicine for treating knee pain when the knees are very stiff and causing pain. A notable feature of using this medicine is when knee pain worsens at rest and when starting to walk. There is relief when walking continuously. A burning or tearing pain occurs in the knees. Also, when standing after sitting, a stabbing pain in the knee is felt. Heaviness is felt in the hollow of the knee and calf muscles. With the above complaints, the knees are also swollen. When stretching the leg, a cracking sound can be heard from the knee. The knees may also be tender to the touch.
3. Calcarea Carb – When swelling, redness and heat are accompanied by pain
This medicine is useful when the knees have swelling, redness and a warm feeling in addition to pain. This is mainly observed at night. The knees become sensitive to touch. The nature of the pain varies from case to case and can be stabbing, tearing or stabbing. Pain also occurs when sitting and walking. There are crackling sounds from the knee on the right side when walking. Cramps can be felt in the back of the knee.
4. Causticum – With creaking sounds from the knees while walking
Causticum is a useful medicine for knee pain with crackling sounds from the knees while walking. There is a pulling pain in the knees that reaches to the ankles. Stiffness is marked in the hollow of the knees. Knees become stiff when walking. The tendons of the knees feel short.
5. Arnica – For knee pain with light touch
Arnica is highly considered when pain in the knees arises from a light touch on the knee. When touched, a tingling pain is felt in the knee. The knee can bend while standing. The knees feel swollen. Tension is felt in the knees as if caused by contracted tendons.
6. Benzoic Acid – For pain due to high uric acid levels
This medicine is suitable for knee pain and high uric acid levels. The swelling of the knee is clearly visible in the places where this medicine is needed. Knees feel dry, accompanied by a crackling sound when moving the knee. Pain initially occurs in the right knee, followed by the left knee. Tick pain is felt mainly in the knees when this medicine is needed.
7. Osteoarthritis Nosode – For cases of osteoarthritis
This medicine is especially useful in cases of osteoarthritis of the knee. In cases where this is necessary, knee pain is accompanied by swelling. In addition, there is stiffness in the knees and a limited range of motion.
8. Kali Carb – with difficulty going up and down
Kali Carb is a great help if you have difficulty walking up and down stairs and with knee pain. A tearing pain is felt in the knees. A dull pain appears on the sides of the knee. It occurs while walking and stretching the legs.
9. Ledum Pal – For knee pain, better with cold applications
Ledum Pal is a beneficial medicine for cases where knee pain is relieved by cold applications to the knee. The knees feel sore (painful to the touch). When moving, pressure is felt on the knees. Knee joints also feel weak, forcing the patient to sit down. Swelling on the knees occurs while walking, along with pain. In some cases, pain from the knee can extend to the hip joint. Stitching or pressing pain is usually felt in the knees where this medicine is needed.