ARTHRITIS  is a term often used to mean any disorder that affects joints. Arthritis is not one disease alone but an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, especially joints where two or more bones meet. The joints connect various parts of our body and enable free movements. We are assembled as one piece because of the joints, which hold onto the bony ends participating in that joint. Our daily life activities like sitting, standing, jumping, running, walking, bending, stretching, etc depend upon the natural and healthy condition of our joints. It is very difficult to lead a life with painful, swollen, and stiff joints. One such common type of arthritis is OSTEOARTHRITIS. It is one such chronic disease which makes us feel that life is definitely a curse. Osteo meaning Bones and Arthritis meaning painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints.

Osteoarthritis or Degenerative joint disease 
Pathologic features : 

1.  OA occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over a period of time.
2.  Thickening of bone underneath the cartilage.
3.  Formation of spurs or osteophytes.

Causes:

1. Excessive weight or obesity.
2. Joint injury.
3. Repetitive kneeling or squatting.
4. Repetitive weightlifting.

Signs and Symptoms : 

1. Pain.
2. Abnormal sound due to damage of joints or crepitus.
3. Swelling.
4. Painful movement of joints including extension and flexion.

According to Ayurveda: It is called SANDHIGATA VATA. It means invasion and localization of Vata Dosha in the joints thereby producing pain, swelling, and disturbed movements.

Treatment given at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic: We emphasize the cause and pathogenesis of a disease. Ayurveda has the best remedies and treatments to offer towards the effective management of Osteoarthritis.

EXTERNAL TREATMENT

1. Abhyanga (Therapeutic Herbal oil massage). An oil used are :

1. Tila oil.
2. Ksheerbala Thailam.
3. Mahanarayan Tailam.
4. Mahamasha Tailam.
5. Dhanwantaram Tailam.
6. Guggulutiktam Ghrita.

2. Sweden  It is usually done after Abhyanga. In this method sweating is induced - maybe by steam or by Bolus fomentation. It can be

1. Vashpa Sweda.
2. Ekanga Vashpa Sweda/ Nadi Sweda.
3. Pinda Sweda.
4. Churna pinda Sweda.
5. Janu Basti.
6. Sandhi Pichu.
7. Sandhi lepa
8. Upanaha.
9. Udvartana

INTERNAL TREATMENT

Various Herbal Veggie Capsules are available at Life Line Herbal Clinic which have fast-acting and long-term positive effects on joint disease. :

1. Shallaki.
2. Guggul
3. Ginger.
4. Haridra.
5. Triphala 
6. Shatavari
7. Ashwagandha

Ayurvedic Herbal formulations used are :

1. Kaishore guggul
2. Rasnadi churna.
3. Yograj guggul
4. Dasamoola kashaya
5. Guluchyadi kashayam.
6. Aswagandharishtam
7. Dasamoolarishtam

Yoga : 

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as gentle yoga have been shown to improve Osteoarthritis symptoms.

1. Mountain Pose
2. Warrior Pose.
3. Staff Pose
4. Bound angle

Lifestyle Management :

1. Losing weight- relieves pressure on joints and may slow down the loss of cartilage as well as pain.
2. Exercise- The gentle range of motion exercises may increase flexibility. Our ayurvedic doctor may recommend proper exercise according to patient body type and need.
3. Nutrition and Dietary supplements- What specific supplements your body requires, for that proper ayurvedic assessment are done at our clinic.

Here are a few Ayurvedic health tips to follow :

1. Eat food that decreases inflammation such as garlic, onions, celery, nuts, and seeds.
2. Avoid refined food e.g. white bread, pasta, and sugars.
3. Eat less red meat.
4. Avoid eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes.
5. Use healthy cooking oil such as cold pressed olive oil for low-heat cooking and mustard or coconut oil for high-heat cooking.
6. Reduce baked goods like cookies, cakes, French fries, donuts, etc.
7. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
8. Drink 6-8 glasses of water.
9. Exercise moderately.

The information provided here is not to diagnose or treat any person, for a complete diagnosis & the proper treatment, book an appointment with our Ayurvedic experts Sandeep Kumar and Anupam Vasudeva, they can give you the best and safest Herbal Ayurvedic treatment.