Ayurveda treatment for Osteoarthritis
Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Ayurveda Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Our joints are the meeting place of 2 or more bones. Osteo means bones; ‘arthro’ means joints, ‘itis’ means inflammation. Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of the smooth ends of the bones – the protective cartilages -, which results in symptoms like inflammation of the joints leading to joint stiffness, mild swelling, joint pain, restricted joint movements, crepitus, or the grating sound from the joints while moving. Osteoarthritis affects mostly women after their menopause or after a hysterectomy. It is common in men too who are turning from middle age to old age. The incidence of osteoarthritis is on the increase due to unwholesome lifestyle and dietary factors. Genetic factors also play a role in the health of the bones and joints. People who are involved in lifting heavy weights, athletes who face repetitive strains and injuries, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, gout, are also more susceptible to suffer from early osteoarthritis.
Â
Sandhivata is the term commonly used by an Ayurveda doctor to denote osteoarthritis and Ayurveda offers an effective treatment for osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects other joints like knees, finger joints, neck, low back, hips, spine, shoulders etc. When Osteoarthritis affects our neck bones, the condition is called cervical spondylosis and involvement of low back bones is termed as lumbar spondylosis. Osteoarthritis of the knee can also result in conditions like meniscus tear, cruciate ligament tear, chondromalacia patella etc. Osteoarthritis of the shoulders can also lead to issues like impingement syndrome of shoulders, frozen shoulder etc.
Ayurveda offers several time-tested treatments for osteoarthritis:
Lepa:
Application of warm herbal pastes on the knees to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Upahana:
Bandage the affected joints with mixture of herbs, lentils with oils, rock salt for 12 hours. These mixtures generate warmth inside the bandage which reduces joint stiffness and pains.
Pinda Sweda:
Application of warm herbal compresses (kizhi or potali) on the affected areas which effectively reduces joint pain and strengthen the muscles and ligaments.
Abhyanga:
Oil applications on the joints with or without a massage therapy.
Janu vasti:
Retention of medicated oils on the knees.
Local dhara:
pouring a stream of warm oils and decoctions on the affected joints from a specific height
However, the ‘key’ is the right oil and right treatment at the right stage of the disease. Our Ayurvedic doctor in Abu Dhabi, after a detailed consultation suggests internal Ayurveda medicines, Ayurveda oil massages and therapies, self-applications. We will also recommend, supplements, tonics, and an exercise regimen for the effective treatment of osteoarthritis.
For chronic and severe cases of osteoarthritis, there are specific treatment approaches in Ayurveda like:
- Snehapana: internal use of medicated ghee and oils
- Niruha vasty: Administration of medicines through the anal route like an enema treatment. Vasty treatment is the best Ayurvedic panchakarma treatment for osteoarthritis which is chronic and severe in nature.
An active lifestyle, weight control, effective Ayurveda medicines and treatments help to slow down the wear and tear and they help to reduce joint pain and inflammation. Supplementation of vitamin D, and tonics like sesame seeds are effective for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.