ABSTRACT

Introduction-Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative joint disorder characterized by progressive loss of articular cartilage, subchondral bone changes, and synovial inflammation. Clinically, it presents with pain, tenderness, stiffness, swelling, crepitus, and restricted mobility. The overall prevalence of knee osteoarthritis is approximately 28.7%, with higher incidence in women (25%) compared to men (16%), and the risk increases with age. Conventional treatments—such as analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, physiotherapy, and surgical interventions like arthroscopy, osteotomy, or arthroplasty—provide symptomatic relief but are often associated with side effects, complications, high costs, and lack a definitive cure.In Ayurveda, knee osteoarthritis can be correlated with Janusandhigata Vata, a condition where vitiated Vata dosha localizes in the knee joint (Janusandhi, a Marmasthana), resulting in structural damage and functional impairment.Ayurvedic management includes therapies like Sthanik Snehana, Swedana, Sthanik Lepana, Janubasti, Panchatikta Ghrita kshir Basti, Raktamokshana, Agnikarma, and internal medications such as Yograj Guggulu, Rasnadi Guggulu, Ashwagandha, and Dashmoola Ghanvati,etc. Similarly, Viddha-Agnikarma, a combination of Viddhakarma and Agnikarma,can offer an alternative therapeutic approach. Methodology-In this single case study, a 48-year-old female patient presented with pain, tenderness, and restricted joint mobility was diagnosed with Janusandhigata Vata (Knee Osteoarthritis). She was treated with two sittings of Viddha-Agnikarma, performed at 15-day intervals at specific tender points around the knee joint under aseptic precautions, along with oral administration of Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu 250mg 2 tablets BD for one month.Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), tenderness grading, stiffness, crepitus, and range of motion (goniometric measurement) before and after the intervention. Results-The patient showed marked clinical improvement with this specific treatment regimen. Pain reduced from moderate to no pain by the second sitting of Viddha-Agnikarma. Similarly, tenderness decreased from moderate to absent and stiffness improved from moderate to mild. Range of motion improved from partial limitation to full, pain-free mobility.Conclusion- The findings suggest that Viddha-Agnikarma (locally) along with Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu (internally) is an effective, economical, and minimally invasive intervention for Janusandhigata Vata (knee osteoarthritis), providing both symptomatic relief and functional improvement However, studies involving a larger sample size are recommended to further validate the efficacy of Viddha- Agnikarma in the management of Janusandhigata Vata. Keywords – Viddhakarma, Agnikarma,Vidhha-Agnikarma, Panchatikta Ghrita Guggul, Janusandhigata Vata, Osteoarthritis.