Ayurvedic approach to Osteoarthritis 

Ayurveda considers osteoarthritis as Sandhigata Vata, which happens due to aggravation of Vata Dosha. This aggravated Vata due to various factors lodge in the Sandhis (joints) and lead to Sandhigata Vata.  

Ayurveda has described osteoarthritis treatment to prevent further deterioration of joints and to protect the cartilages. Various ayurvedic medicines for osteoarthritis treatment are mentioned in the classics that help heal this condition and strengthen the joints. 

Osteoarthritis treatment at Sitaram Beach Retreat 

Osteoarthritis treatment in Ayurveda includes various panchakarma therapies and localized treatments done to the affected joints. Various joint pain treatments are – 

• Abhyanga – applying oil to the site and massaging to the affected joint helps in reducing pain. The use of specific oil can alleviate the excess Vayu and soften the tissues. 
• Janu Vasti – Janu Vasti is a specialized ayurvedic treatment where medicated oil is pooled and kept over the knee, done by creating a round compartment over the knees. The oil will be retained for some time, and when it becomes cool, it is again reheated and poured. Some of the best ayurvedic oil for knee pain are karpooradi tailam, mahanaryana tailam, dhanwantaram tailam, ksheerabala taila, ashwagandhabalalakshadi tailam, sahacharadi tailam, kottumchukkadi tailam, pinda tailam etc.
• Patra Pinda Sweda – the leaves of medicinal plants are heated with medicated oils and medicated powders, tied into a bolus, and applied to the affected area. The bolus is frequently warmed by dipping in warm oils to maintain a uniform temperature. This offers quick relief to patients suffering from osteoarthritis or knee pain arthritis. By doing Patra Pinda Swedana, the blood vessels become dilated and improve the local circulation. 
• Lepana – applying the thick medicated paste over the joints helps to reduce swelling and pain quickly. The Lepa applied locally gets easily absorbed by the skin and exerts its effects locally. 
• Upanaha (hot poultice – a type of fomentation) – Upanaha Sweda is one of the best osteoarthritis ayurvedic treatments. It helps to relieve the pain and stiffness in the joints immediately.
• Raktamokshana: in severe cases, a procedure called Raktamokshana is also carried out. It is an effective blood purification therapy, where a small quantity of impure blood is removed, and the patient gets immediate relief from pain. 

Along with these treatments, internal medications, breathing techniques, and yogasanas are advised to patients.

What are the causes of Osteoarthritis?

• obesity – obesity is one of the main reasons for this degenerative disease. Being overweight, more pressure is applied over knees and hip joints, resulting in wear and tear.
• lack of sufficient nutrition – due to nutritional deficiency, the joints tend to develop osteoarthritis.
• increased joint stress – increased pressure in the weight-bearing joints increases the risk of osteoarthritis. Using high heels in women can aggravate the condition. Dancers and sportspeople who undergo vigorous training are also under the high-risk category.   
• joint injuries – any injury that occurred during any activity or accident that affected the joints is another leading cause of osteoarthritis.
• hereditary – people who have osteoarthritis in their family are at high risk.
• age – as age progresses, the chances of degeneration would be high.
• gender – studies found that females are more prone to get affected with osteoarthritis after 50.
•  genetics – genetically, few individuals inherit a chance to develop osteoarthritis.
• bone deformities – people who have any malformed joints or cartilage problems are more likely to be affected by osteoarthritis
• associated diseases – individuals with diabetes, rheumatic diseases, and gouty arthritis have an increased risk of getting osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

• pain – severe pain in the joints primarily associated with burning sensation is the most common osteoarthritis symptom. Pain may be constant or occasionally occurring while doing any activity.
• tenderness in the joints is experienced while pressure is applied over the joint.
• stiffness in the joints – the joints get stiff due to inactivity. It can be either due to inactivity or while getting up after sleep.
• loss of flexibility in the joints
• muscle weakness – the muscles around the affected joints generally get weaker. This is most commonly seen in the knee joints.
• inflammatory signs in joints – swelling is not very common, but mild swelling can be seen in a few cases.
• deformity in the joints – joints tend to lose their standard shape when the condition worsens.
• decreased mobility of the affected area – the natural movements in the joints will gradually reduce. As it progresses, the symptoms get worse, and cannot bend, flex or extend the joints. Due to this decreased activity, the range of mobility is further affected.
• cracking sounds from the joints – joints make cracking sounds while walking or climbing stairs.
• insomnia – due to unbearable pain and stiffness, the quality of sleep may be compromised.
• spinal stenosis – this is a condition where there is a narrowing of spaces within the spine. Due to this, pressure is generated, which causes pain, weakness, and numbness.
• spur formation – rarely, there may be extra growth over the bones around the affected area.
• other symptoms may include – heaviness in the body, loss of appetite, warm and numb joints, occasionally fever.