Osteoarthritis

Definition of Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease is due to a lack of lubricating (synovial) fluid in the joints, leading to damage to cartilage, bone, joint capsule, ligaments, and muscle.

This illness is referred to as Sandhi Vata in Ayurveda. It is a Vata Dosha disorder that affects the joints, especially the knees, hips, spine (neck and lower back), and the joints of the hands. Imbalanced Vata dries up Kapha (synovial fluid-Shleshak Kapha) in the joints. This makes the smooth surfaces of the joints rough and subsequently, the bones rub against each other and movement becomes painful.

The disease gets progressively worse if not properly treated. No medical system currently has a known cure for this illness. Most modern medical treatments, while relieving pain, cause different types of side effects.

However, Ayurvedic treatment for osteoarthritis causes no side effects and provides longer-lasting results. In severe situations, surgical procedures like joint replacements provide pain relief and movement.

Typically, symptoms start out mildly and get worse over time.

They Understand:

  • Evil
  • Sensitivity
  • Rigidity
  • Loss of flexibility
  • Crushing sensation
  • Bone spurs

    • Osteoarthritis Risk Factors

    • Genetic predisposition
    • Constitutional Factors – Vata Constitution
    • Aging process – Vata lifetime after 50 years
    • Being female: Women are at a much higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.
    • Obesity
    • Recurrent Joint Injuries: Falls/Occupational Health Hazards

    Common Approaches And Drugs In Modern Medicine:

    • Break
    • Losing weight
    • Exercise
    • Apply heat and cold
    • Over-the-counter analgesic creams
    • Use assistive devices

    Medications:

    • Acetaminophen/paracetamol
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
    • Narcotics

    Therapy:

    • Physiotherapy
    • Occupational therapy
    • Orthotics or shoe insoles
    • Chronic pain management course

    Surgical And Other Procedures:

    • Cortisone injections in the joints
    • Arthroscopic hair removal of rough joint surfaces
    • Seal replacements
    • Spinal surgeries such as spinal fusion

    Alternative Therapies:

    • Thai Chi
    • Acupuncture

    Amazingly, people in most parts of the world have failed to recognize one of the oldest and most powerful systems, the Ayurvedic treatment for osteoarthritis.

    The Ayurvedic approach gives excellent results when treated at regular intervals with detoxification (panchakarma) and rejuvenation therapies combined with internal medicines.

    Lifestyle modifications with yoga and an Ayurvedic diet will significantly increase the quality of life by reducing pain.

    Going for Ayurvedic therapies once a year will give you great relief. In very advanced cases, surgery may be the only option, and patients are counseled accordingly.

    The principle of Ayurvedic treatments is to balance Vata and nourish Kapha in the joints.

    Therapies Include:

      • Panchakarma – Basti, Virechana • Abhyanga, Patra Pinda Sweda, Navarakkizi, Dhara, Lepa, Basti, and Pichu are examples of external therapies. • Internal medications – Glucosamine

    Activities:

    • Physiotherapy, Aqua Yoga, Pranayama (breathing exercises), and Yoga.

    Internal Medications:

    • Herbal Blends, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida Cordifolia), Eranda (Ricinus communis), Medicinal Butter, Sallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggulu (Commiphora Mukul).

    Diet And Lifestyle Changes:

    • Specific to the individual’s constitution, nature of work, and geographic conditions.