Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 30 (IANS): An old leg injury has forced Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to remain mostly indoors for the past two weeks and now an ayurvedic treatment is expected to put him well back on his feet.

Since Sep 16, Chandy is troubled by his nagging leg injury caused by a fall in Davos, Switzerland, in 2006, when he was headed for the World Economic Forum meeting.

Rested under the watchful eyes of his wife Mariamma Chandy since mid-September, the chief minister known for zipping across the state day in and day out got only a small break from home when he attended the swearing-in ceremony of Kerala's new chief justice at Raj Bhavan Wednesday.

For the past nine days, Chandy is undergoing a traditional ayurvedic treatment, which includes the application of 'kizhi' (medicated ayurvedic oils applied to muscles in a cloth bag).

"The treatment is being monitored by physicians from a renowned ayurveda centre and it will go on for another five days. Hence he will be forced to remain indoors. He is feeling much better now as the pain in his legs has subsided. Lack of rest led to this condition," a close aide said.

Speaking to IANS, Chandy said his condition was improving with each passing day.

"I will be going to my office after a long break on Wednesday. The doctors treating me have advised to cut my travels for a while. Am sure things will be fine," said Chandy.

The treatment requires application of 'kizhi' for over an hour and after that complete rest is advised to the patient.

"This much needed break appears to have come at the right time for him as his 69th birthday is fast approaching on Oct 31," the aide said.

Earlier, the ayurvedic oil treatment could not be completed given the busy schedule of the chief minister. Prayer meetings for his speedy recovery are also being held daily at his home, his aide said.