Management of Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) with Integrative Therapy: A Case Report

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a serious public health concern and is described as a disorder characterised by degradation of articular cartilage, bone remodeling and inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness and functional impairment, primarily affecting weight bearing joints and hands. KOA affects more than 650 million individuals worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. In India, 28.7% of adults ≥ 40 years of age and 45.5% of adults ≥ 60 years of age have KOA. The annual incidence rate of KOA in India is 2.4%. The management of KOA involves a comprehensive approach, including non-pharmacological management, pharmacological management, surgical management, alternative therapies and lifestyle changes. By combining these management strategies, individuals with KOA can effectively reduce pain, improve function, and enhance their quality of life. We present the case of a 55-year-old female patient with bilateral KOA, who presented to Department of Regimenal therapies, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru. The patient had taken NSAIDs and other measures intermittently for pain management from last 3 years. The symptoms have worsened from last 2 months despite taking medicines. The patient was assessed and examined clinically prior to intervention. The patient underwent treatment for 30 days with integrative therapy comprising of pharmacotherapy coupled with regimenal therapy. Prior and post intervention, the patient was assessed using multiple objective parameters. The patient reported amelioration of symptoms, which was also reflected by assessment parameters post intervention. The study found that integrative approach can be effective treatment for KOA.

Keywords: KOA, Integrative therapy, NSAIDs, Regimenal therapy.