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.

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.