Yoga for knee problems

Yoga Discussion
#1

I have osteoarthritis 3rd stage on my right knee. My left knee is not too bad but had an injury many years back. Both the knees do swell up if i stand very long. I cant walk more than a km at a stretch, need to rest then start again. What asanas are recommended to cure or to prevent pain. Please help

#2

Degenerative joint diseases, particularly in the knees, often need surgery to correct. This is the nature of the knee joints, and the lack of blood flow around the connective tissues. I’ll let your doctor elaborate on the anatomy of this, but

  1. Avoid Poses that make your knee problem worse.

  2. You can modify for most poses by doing 2 things: 1 Lessen your range of motion, or 2. Decrease the intensity of your action.

  3. Strengthening all areas around your problem places can provide additional support and alleviate the overall speed that the joint degenerates. People often assume that they cannot exercise when they have these types of problems, but you have to use it or lose it. Doing something is better than doing nothing.

  4. It would be really worthwhile for you to seek out private instruction from a very knowledgeable anatomy based yoga teacher or personal trainer. Do your research as not any teacher will be able to fill this role. Don’t let cost be the determining factor on who you choose for private instruction. Depending on the severity of your knee problem, you need to seek out someone very knowledgeable and able to address your limitations specifically.

Good luck on your search!

#3

What is your age and fitness/yoga background please?
What is your current diet?
Therapeutic yoga questions require intake information.

Neither asana nor yoga is a “cure” for anything at all. Yoga is a support system and it’s effectiveness relies on its comprehensive adoption. Postures are not pills you pop to make inflammation go away. That’s what turmeric is for. :slight_smile: