Management of Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis through Siddha Medicine and Peechu Maruthuvam (Therapeutic Enema): A Case Study

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease causing significant pain, disability, and reduced quality of life, particularly affecting the knees. Conventional treatments often focus on symptom management, but many patients seek alternative therapies due to concerns about long-term pharmacological side effects. This case report presents the application of Siddha medicine, specifically Peechu Maruthuvam (therapeutic enema), in managing a 54-year-old female patient with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. The therapeutic enema, composed of castor oil, milk, and honey, was administered on alternate days over seven sessions. Clinical evaluation showed substantial improvements in pain, swelling, and joint mobility, with pain scores decreasing from 8-9 (severe) to 2-3 (mild). Complementary therapies, including Thokkanam (massage therapy), were also employed. The results align with recent studies supporting the efficacy of traditional and integrative treatments in OA management, highlighting the potential of Siddha medicine in providing holistic and effective care.