A Comparative Clinical Evaluation of Marma Chikitsa and Agnikarma in Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: An Evidence-Based Ayurveda Approach

Abstract

Janusandhigata Vata is a Vataja vyadhi presenting with pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted knee movements, closely resembling knee osteoarthritis, a chronic degenerative condition causing progressive functional limitation. This study was conducted to compare the clinical efficacy of Marma Chikitsa and Agnikarma in the management of Janusandhigata Vata (knee osteoarthritis), An open-label randomized comparative study was undertaken to evaluate pain, stiffness, function, and range of motion to determine their relative effectiveness. Both therapies produced significant intra-group improvement in pain, stiffness, WOMAC score, tenderness, and ROM, with no consistent statistically significant intergroup difference, although statistical analysis  showed better symptomatic relief with Marma Chikitsa and sustained benefit with Agnikarma during follow-up.