My mother aged above 60, suffers from severe knee pain and possibly arthritis. She has joint pain and pain in her digits. She almost buckles down while climbing stairs or steps, and suffers terrible pain. Even while getting in and out of a car or some small steps, and at night or during the day, she suffers pain. She has been suffering for long. She is a diabetic too, and is now on insulin.

The doctors say her knees are weak, the kneecap bones have moved a bit or has rubbed against each other - am not sure of the medical language here.

We don't know if the solution to the problem is knee cap surgery only. My mother is not comfortable to go for it, particularly because the children are away working in other cities. We have tried ayurvedic treatment also, but not much helpful. Is there any other alternative therapy or cure?

Can you please advise? We would be very thankful.