Improvement in Knee Osteoarthritis and Weight Loss Through Integrative Ayurvedic Management: A Case Study

​ Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis worldwide, causing significant disability. Obesity further increases the risk and severity of Osteoarthritis. Current pharmacological treatments like NSAIDs often fail to halt disease progression and are associated with adverse effects. Integrative Ayurvedic management offers a holistic alternative for addressing underlying metabolic and inflammatory contributors to Osteoarthritis.

Methods: A 45-year-old obese female with moderate bilateral knee osteoarthritis, fatty liver, and other systemic complaints underwent a structured Ayurvedic treatment regimen. This included personalized Panchakarma therapies (Snehan, Swedan, PRDA, Janu Basti, Shali Shashti Sweda), oral Rasayana medications, a controlled 800-calorie high-protein/high-fiber diet, and prescribed physical exercise.

Results: The patient showed progressive improvement in functional mobility measured via the KOOS score (from 9% to 67%) and reported significant symptomatic relief. Weight reduction was clinically significant and associated with improved joint mobility and reduced pain. Fatty liver indicators and general systemic health also improved without adverse pharmacological side effects.

Conclusions: The integrative Ayurvedic approach provided holistic, patient-centered care with notable improvements in Osteoarthritis symptoms, body weight, and comorbid conditions. These outcomes support the role of Ayurveda as a complementary modality in managing musculoskeletal and metabolic disorders.