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.
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.
Pain: Dull or sharp discomfort on the affected joint, particularly active movement.
Stiffness: Stiffness of the joints when one wakes up or remains in one position for long.
Swelling: Swelling and tenderness in and around the affected joint due to inflammation.
Reduced Flexibility: Reduce the movements possible in a joint, making daily living activities difficult.
Rubbing: Performing any joint movement with a sensation or sound of rubbing.
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:
If neglected, osteoarthritis can bring several complications that may considerably reduce one’s quality of living:
If you experience any of the following, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Asana and Pranayama meditation help ease those situations that increase vata dosha. Mild stretching exercises keep the joints flexible.
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.
Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Jiva's certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health, which is crucial for diagnosing Osteoarthritis accurately.
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.
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.
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 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 Jiva's ongoing support.
87% of patients rate us excellent in service.
78% of patients saw significant improvement in 3 months of treatment.
92% of patients stopped allopathic medicines completely.
Gentle yoga, warm compresses, and Ayurvedic herbal oils like Mahanarayan Oil can provide quick relief.
Yes, eating warm moist foods which is Vata pacifying and avoiding cold dry and junk foods helps in calming the symptoms.
Guggul, Shallaki or Boswellia and Turmeric are very effective in pain management in osteoarthritis.
First, stay within a healthy weight. Second, try to follow a well-balanced diet. Third, do yoga. Fourth, perform regular Panchakarma detoxification procedures.
While Ayurveda can't completely reverse osteoarthritis, it can help slow the progression and improve quality of life through proper diet, lifestyle, and treatment.
Yes, cold weather tends to aggravate Vata, leading to stiffness and increased joint pain.
Gentle stretching, yoga, and low-impact exercises like swimming are beneficial for improving flexibility and reducing pain.
Yes, stress aggravates Vata, leading to increased pain and stiffness in the joints.
It is recommended that patients undergo Panchakarma therapies once or twice a year for effective management of symptoms.
Not necessarily. Ayurvedic treatments, when started early, can help manage pain and improve joint function, potentially delaying or avoiding the need for surgery.
