Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies to Manage Joint Pain in Ayurveda

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic joint diseases, affecting millions of people across the globe. This health condition is also known as “wear-and-tear” arthritis causing the deterioration of cartilage at the ends of the 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.

Types of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can be classified based on age and the specific location of the affected joints.

Primary Osteoarthritis:

This type is a result of old age wear and tear of the cartilage, which occurs naturally. Generally, it involves several joins and occurs in persons who are above fifty years of age.

Secondary Osteoarthritis:

It is caused by trauma or surgical procedures or other cases such as obesity, septic arthritis, and joint or bone deformity. It can affect young people and even in a single joint only.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of Osteoarthritis can vary based on the severity of the disease and the affected joint. These are different symptoms by which a person can recognize this Osteoarthritis. Some of the symptoms are as following:

1. Pain: The joint may feel tender to the touch and may hurt during use.
2. Stiffness: The joint may feel stiff, particularly in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
3. Swelling: The joint may be swollen and warm to the touch.
4. Limited range of motion: The joint may not move as easily as it once used to.
5. Bone spurs: Bony growths, known as osteophytes, may develop around the joint.
6. Creaking or popping sound: The joint may produce a creaking or popping sound when moved.
7. Weakness: Pain and limited movement can lead to muscle weakness around the affected joint.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

The exact cause of Osteoarthritis is still unknown, but a few factors may contribute to its development. Some of the factors that can cause Osteoarthritis are listed below.

1. Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases as cartilage naturally ages and degenerates.
2. Genetics: A family history of OA can increase an individual’s risk.
3. Joint Injuries: Past trauma or injuries to the joints can increase the risk of developing OA.
4. Obesity: Excess body weight causes additional stress on the joints, causing a breakdown of cartilage.
5. Repetitive stress: Jobs or hobbies that require repetitive movements may increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis has no cure, but it may not worsen over time. Various treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms of Osteoarthritis, prevent further deterioration in the joints, and rejuvenate improved cartilage.

Ayurveda is the traditional Indian system of medicine that uses a combination of herbal remedies, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes to address various health conditions, including osteoarthritis. Before trying any alternative treatments, it is always advised to consult a medical expert. Some Ayurvedic approaches for osteoarthritis management are following:

Purging therapy

Also known as “Virechana,” it is a purifying technique that helps restore the balance between the Doshas. It also helps reduce inflammation in the body and boosts overall internal well-being.

Bahya Swedana

This external sweating therapy consists of three main types:

1. Janu Basti includes the gentle application of oil to the joints.
2. Patra Pinda Sweds utilizes therapeutic plants for fomentation to address joint problems.
3. Janu Dhara includes a continuous flow of oil or herbal mixtures to nourish the joint, offering warmth and reducing pain.

Panchakarma therapy

It primarily uses “Abhangya,” an Ayurvedic massage that includes medicated oils applied to the body to enhance joints lubrication and restore function.

Natural herbs

Incorporating natural herbs like turmeric, ashwagandha, and shankhapushpi helps improve joint health, alleviate pain and stiffness, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation.

Conclusion

Treating osteoarthritis with Ayurvedic methods is very effective as Ayurveda aims to reduce pain using natural herbal oils and remedies. The treatments are planned individually based on the patient’s pain intensity, making them both effective and personalized.