Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), referred to assandigathavatam in Ayurveda, is the most common chronic degenerative condition of the joints. OA can affect any joint, but it occurs most often in knees. Hips, lower back and neck, small joints of the fingers and the bases of the thumb and big toe are the other joints affected.

A kapha-dominant rubbery material called cartilage covers the end of each bone. In normal joints, it is the kapha which gives it a firm hold. The cartilage provides a smooth, gliding surface for joint motion and acts as a cushion between the bones. In OA, the cartilage breaks down due to dryness,malnutritionand injury, causing vitiation of vata, leading to pain, swelling and problems while moving the joint. As OA worsens over time, bones may also break down and develop growths called spurs or adhyasthi. Bits of bone or cartilage may chip off and float around in the joint. In the body, an inflammatory process occurs due to pitta predominance and cytokines (proteins) and enzymes develop, further damaging the cartilage. In the final stages of OA, the cartilage wears away and bone rubs against bone leading to joint damage,deformity and more pain. Vedagram provides best ayurvedic treatment for osteoarthritis.

Treatment

A tailor-made approach to treatment, considering various factors like age, general health, exercise tolerance, effusion,tenderness,hot feeling,obesity, deformity if any,digestive power, etc.,is to be planned. It varies from patient to patient. Reduction of inflammation, joint mobility, correction of deformity, rejuvenation of joint and weight control are the targets. Outpatient treatment with medical and external modalities will be helpful in early days. In severe and chronic cases, in-patient treatment with panchakarma procedures is needed.IIncreasing age, obesity, previous joint injury, overuse of the joint are the negative factors.