Osteoarthritis

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is one of the most popular chronic joint diseases, affecting millions of people all over the globe. Being known as a “wear-and-tear” arthritis, it refers to degeneration of cartilage near the ends of bones. When this cartilage, which works as a cushion, is not there, the ends of bones begin to rub against one another, resulting in joint pain, locking and swelling. Osteoarthritis predominantly affects the synovial joints bearing the weight, like knees, hips, and spine.

Types of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis classification may be carried out according to the age factor and the site:

Primary Osteoarthritis:  This type is a result of old age and wear and tear of the cartilage, which occurs naturally. It usually involves several joints and usually occurs in persons who are above fifty years of age.

Secondary Osteoarthritis:  It is induced by trauma or surgical procedures or other causes such as obesity, septic arthritis, and joint or bone deformity. It can affect people who are younger in age and can affect a person in one joint only.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Pain

Pain: Dull or sharp discomfort on the affected joint, particularly active movement.

Stiffness

Stiffness: Stiffness of the joints when one wakes up or remains in one position for long.

Swelling

Swelling: Swelling and tenderness in and around the affected joint due to inflammation.

Reduced Flexibility

Reduced Flexibility: Reduce the movements possible in a joint, making daily living activities difficult.

Rubbing

Rubbing: Performing any joint movement with a sensation or sound of rubbing.

Osteoarthritis Causes

Ayurveda: In Ayurveda, osteoarthritis is often linked to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which governs movement and dryness. As Vata aggravates due to poor lifestyle choices, lack of nourishment, or ageing, it leads to the drying up of the synovial fluid, causing friction in joints. The accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the joints exacerbates the condition, leading to inflammation and degeneration. Some more causes can be:

• Ageing: Cartilage naturally breaks down with age.
• Injury: Previous joint injuries can lead to faster cartilage wear.
• Obesity: Excess body weight puts more pressure on joints, accelerating wear and tear.
• Genetics: Family history of osteoarthritis can be one of the risk factors of this disease.
• Overuse: Constant stressing on the same few joints due to occupations or athletics may lead to the wearing down of the cartilage.

Risks & Complications

If neglected, osteoarthritis can bring several complications that may considerably reduce one’s quality of living:

• Chronic Pain: People experience pain and discomfort due to the constant breakdown of cartilage.
• Limited Mobility: In the progression of the disease, there may be progressively less movement at the joints.
• Joint deformities. Some of the more severe subtypes of OA result in joint disfigurements due to bone growth and functional cartilage loss.
• Disability: In the advanced stage, severe destruction of the joints may commence, and even performing simple tasks such as walking or climbing the staircase becomes impossible.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional:

• Continuous joint pain does not seem to go away even when a person is at rest or tries to use pain-relieving medicines.
• Improper motion of the joint.
• If you feel swelling, soreness, or tenderness in the joint for several weeks and the joint hasn’t recovered.
• Pain or swelling which worsens or does not improve with these changes.
• Usual daily activities like walking and going up and down stairs or gripping objects have become a strain.

Delayed therapy may lead to increased damage to the joint and deterioration of the condition of individuals. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further joint damage and improve your quality of life.

Osteoarthritis Treatment In Ayurveda

Ayurvedic treatment of osteoarthritis is not limited to alleviating the symptoms but is focused on thorough treatment of the disease. Ayurvedic treatment for arthritis includes:

Herbal Remedies

Anti-inflammatory ayurvedic herbs such as Guggul, Ashwagandha, Shallaki (Boswellia) and turmeric assist in osteoarthritis by aiding in reducing pain, swelling, and restoring the health of the joints.

Dietary Adjustments

A Vata-pacifying diet rich in warm, moist, and easy-to-digest foods is recommended. Cooked vegetables, soups, whole grains, and herbs like ginger and cumin can balance Vata and reduce symptoms.

Panchakarma Therapies

Using detoxifying procedures such as Basti (medicated enema) and Abhyanga (oil massage) helps clean the Ama, enhances the motion of the lower extremities, and eliminates swelling.

Lifestyle Modifications

In Ayurveda, lifestyle changes work best for joint disorders. You can simply follow some specific arthritis exercises, yoga, and daily routines (Dinacharya) that enhance joint flexibility and balance Vata.

Meditation & Yoga

Asana and Pranayama meditation help ease those situations that increase vata dosha. Mild stretching exercises keep the joints flexible.

External Therapies

Pizhichil (medicated oil bath), Kati Basti (oil treatment for lower back), and Janu Basti (knee treatment) are some of the popular Ayurvedic therapies taken from ancient science that aim to relieve pain and promote joint health.

By combining internal and external treatments, Ayurveda helps to manage osteoarthritis symptoms effectively, improve joint health, and prevent further degeneration.

Nature Care Ayurveda’s Evidence-Based Treatment Process

Nadi Pariksha

Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Nature Care Ayurveda's certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health, which is crucial for diagnosing Osteoarthritis accurately.

Prakriti Analysis

Understanding your unique physical and psychological pattern allows us to tailor an Osteoarthritis treatment plan that not only addresses symptoms but aligns with your inherent constitution for lasting health.

Samprapti Ghatak (Pathogenesis)

Our practitioners investigate the progression of osteoarthritis by examining hygiene, dietary habits, lifestyle, and mental health factors. This thorough analysis helps identify specific triggers that need to be addressed for targeted, individualised treatment.

Chikitsa Sutra - Personalised Treatment Plan

We then, create a detailed Osteoarthritis treatment plan, which consists of diet modifications, lifestyle adjustments, herbal medications, and specific therapies that aim to restore dosha balance and enhance joint health.

Continuous Monitoring & Amendments

Continuous tracking of treatment effectiveness allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that you achieve the best results from your personalised and Ayurvedic Treatment for Osteoarthritis with Nature Care Ayurveda's ongoing support.