How to Manage Osteoarthritis Naturally with Ayurveda

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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterised by the progressive breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, reduced joint function, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis primarily affects weight bearing joints such as the knee hips and spine and other joints as well. It is influenced by a combination of genetics, environmental factors and mechanical factors. This disease is commonly associated with aging and other risk factors include obesity, joint injury contributes to its development. It involves the degradation of cartilages, synovial inflammation, and alterations in the subchondral bone that results in joint deformity and functional impairment. In this article we will discuss its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment and we will also discuss its ayurvedic overview and its management.

Introduction

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It is a degenerative joint disease where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bone gradually wears away, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased range of motion. It primarily affects older adults  but it can also occur in younger individuals. This disease typically impacts weight bearing joints such as the knees, hips and spine; it can also affect the joints like the hand and fingers.

Types

Osteoarthritis is classified into 2 main types based on their cause

1. Primary Osteoarthritis : This type of OA is the most common type and is primarily related to the natural aging process. As people age their cartilages in their joints begin to wear down over the time due to normal wear and tear. There are no specific underlying causes other than aging but genetic factors may play a role in how quickly the disease develops.
2. Secondary Osteoarthritis : This type happens because of something else that’s damaging the joints, like an injury, overusing a joint, or conditions such as obesity or other diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. It can develop earlier in life and affect more joints than primary OA. Treating or managing the underlying causes of secondary OA can sometimes help slow it down.

Causes and Risk Factors

Osteoarthritis develops due to a combination of factors. The main causes and risk factors includes

Causes

1. Old Age
2. Joint injury
3. Genetics

Risk Factors

1. Obesity : Lifting extra weight puts more stress on weight bearing joints like the knees, hips and spine. This extra pressure can wear down the cartilage faster and increase the risk of developing OA.
2. Gender : women are more likely to develop OA than mens
3. Overuse and repetitive Stress : Repetitive movements and putting strain on certain joints. Can lead to joint wear and increase the risk of OA over time
4. Joint Abnormalities : people who are born with joint problems like ,misaligned bones or abnormal cartilage that makes them more prone to OA.
5. Other Diseases : Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic disorder can lead to joint damage.
6. Lack of physical activity : Inactivity can lead to weak muscles and less support for the joint.

Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis may vary from person to person and usually develop slowly over time. The most common symptoms includes:

1. Joint pain
2. Stiffness
3. Swelling
4. Reduced range of motion
5. Crepitus (crackling sound )
6. Tenderness
7. Instability

Diagnosis

Diagnosing osteoarthritis (OA) typically involves a combination of a physical exam, a review of symptoms, and imaging tests. Here’s how doctors generally diagnose OA:

1. Medical History and Symptoms Review

1. Symptom Description: Duration of the symptoms and whether they interfere with daily life
2. Risk Factors: Age, weight, physical activity level, or any other medical conditions that could affect joints.

2. Physical Examination

1. Joint Examination: Check for the  signs of OA, such as tenderness, swelling, warmth, and limited movement and  also check for any deformities or signs of joint instability.
2. Range of Motion Test: Move the joint in different directions to see if there is any pain or stiffness

3. Imaging Tests

1. X-rays:  X-rays can show the narrowing of joint spaces, bone spurs (osteophytes), and other signs of cartilage damage. In the early stages, X-rays may not show much, but they can help to monitor the progression of the disease.
2. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): In some cases, an MRI may be used to provide a more detailed view of the cartilage, bones, and soft tissues around the joint. This can help in detecting early signs of OA or evaluating the extent of joint damage.

4. Lab Tests (Occasionally)

1. While there is no specific blood test for OA, your doctor might order lab tests to rule out other conditions that could cause joint pain, like rheumatoid arthritis or gout. For example, they might check for markers of inflammation (like C-reactive protein or ESR) or test for uric acid levels in the case of gout.

5. Joint Fluid Analysis

1. In some cases, your doctor may use a needle to remove a small sample of fluid from the affected joint. This is done to check for signs of infection or other types of arthritis that could mimic OA, like gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment

Osteoarthritis can’t be cured, but there are treatments that can help reduce pain and make it easier to move around.

Lifestyle changes

1. Eat healthy food
2. Quit Smoking
3. Improve sleep duration
4. Reduce stress
5. Exercise regularly
6. Lose weight
7. Maintain a balanced diet

Medications

1. Acetaminophen
2. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti inflammatory drug)
3. Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Therapies

1. Physical Therapies : Exercises that help in strengthening muscles. Activities like Swimming and Walking
2. TENS therapy (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations) :  It involves using low voltage electrical currents to relieve pain.

Surgeries  and other procedures

1. Cortisone injections
2. Lubrication injections (Hyaluronic acid)
3. Osteotomy (Realigning bones)
4. Joint replacement

Ayurvedic overview

According to Ayurveda, Osteoarthritis is correlated with Sandhigata vata. This means  in this condition Vitiated Vayu (Vata) is Located in the joints and it destroys the joints. In This condition vata is increased pathologically. It is because of consuming vata vitiating food and activities. This vata gets vitiated beyond limits and tends to move all over the body in a violent way. Vitiated vata can get lodged in any weak dhatu (tissue) and damages the tissue and bony joints (Asthi- Sandhi).  Asthi Dhatu (Bone Tissue) and Vata are always related to each other in an Adobe- resident (Ashyara- Ashrayi) relationship. Dhatu kshaya (Depletion of tissue) is also a direct cause for  aggravation of Vata. So, in Sandhigata Vata there is a depletion of tissue.

Causes

Osteoarthritis is caused because of Vata Vitiation. Factors that cause vata Vitiation are

1. Vyayama (Excessive Exercise)
2. Apatarpana (Excess Fasting)
3. Bhagna (Fracture)
4. Papatna (Fall or injury)
5. Ratri Jagran (Awakening at night)
6. Vega Dharan (Suppression of natural urges )
7. Ati Suchi (Excess administration of Panchakarma procedures)
8. Traasaat (Fear)
9. Kshobha (Irritation)
10. Kashaya, tikta, katu food (Astringent, Bitter, Pungent food intake )

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Sandhigata vata are

1. Shoola (Pain)
2. Atopa (Crepitus)
3. Shotha (Swelling)
4. Prasarana Ankunchana pravritti savedana (Painful movement of the joints on flexion and extension)

Treatment

Treatments for Sandhigata vata (Osteoarthritis) involves External and internal treatment

Bahya Chikitsa (External treatment)

1. Abhyanga (Oil Massage)

Oils best for Abhyanga Are

1.    Tila Taila (Sesame Oil)
2.    Mahamasha Tailam
3.    Ksheerabala Tailam
4.    Mahanarayana Tailam
5.    Yashtimadhu Tailam
6.    Guggulutiktam Ghritam

2. Swedana (Sudation Therapy)

3. Sthanik Vasti

1. Kati vasti (Pooling liquid Round lumbo- sacral region)
2. Janu Vasti (Pooling liquid around Knee joint )
3. Sandhi Vasti (Cotton swab dipped in medicated oil and kept on affected joint )

4. Upanaha (Poultices)

Abhyantra Chikitsa (Internal Treatment)

1. Snehapana (Internal Oleation)

 Some medicines used in Snehapana Are :

1. Guggulutiktam Ghrita
2. Bala Tailam
3. Rasnadi Ghrita
4. Mahamasha Tailam
5. Amritprash Ghrita

2. Virechana (Purgation)

Some medicines used in Virechana are :

1. Gandharvahastadi Kashayam
2. Nimbamritadi Eranda Tailam
3. Higutrigun Tailam
4. Trivrit leha
5. Triphala Churna
6. Narayana Churna

3. Vasti (Medicated Enemas)

1. Vasti is given in below mentioned forms
2. Asthapana Vasti (Decoction Enema)
3. Anuvasana Vasti (Medicated Oil Enema)
4. Matra Vasti (Enema in small dosage)

Herbal Formulations for Sandhigata Vata (Osteoarthritis)

1. Dasamoolarishtam
2. Balarishtam
3. Lakshadi Guggulu
4. Yograj Guggulu
5. Vata Vidhwansani Rasa
6. Akik Pishti

Herbal Remedies for Osteoarthritis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a well known brand for offering a range of natural, Herbal products. It is a GMP certified company. Planet Ayurveda  promotes overall wellness and treats various health conditions. The company is committed to produce high quality herbal supplements based on traditional Ayurvedic principles. All their formulations are formulated under the supervision of MD (Ayurveda) scholars. Planet Ayurveda’s products are 100% pure, chemical free and safe to use. One of their best  formulations is OA care pack , which is specially formulated to help manage Osteoarthritis (OA).

OA (Osteoarthritis) Care Pack

Product Description

1. Bone support Capsule

Bone support capsule is pure extract of Shudh Laksha (Laccifer Lacca), Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna), Mukta (Compound of pearl Calcium), Hadjod (Cissus Quadrangularis), Praval pishti (Corallium rubrum) and Sohanjana beej (Moringa Oleifera). All these herbs  used in this formulation helps to increase calcium absorption. It is a combination of herbs that helps to support overall bone and cartilage health. Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) have Anti inflammatory and Analgesic properties. Hadjod (Cissus Quadrangularis) helps in cartilage Regeneration and joint lubrication. Praval Pishti (Corallium Rubrum) helps to increase bone density and promotes bone and joint health. All these herbs have properties that help in Osteoarthritis.

Dosage : 1 capsule two times a day with normal water after a meal.

2. Joint Aid Plus Capsule

This Capsule is a pure extract of Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata), Nirgundi (Vitex Negundo), Sonth (Zingiber Officinale), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Guggul (Commiphora Mukul). All these herbs have anti-inflammatory properties.  This capsule improves joint mobility, reduces inflammation and promotes overall cartilage health. It also helps to improve Circulations, rescue toxins and enhance nutrition in the joint. Thus this capsule helps in Osteoarthritis.

Dosage : 1 capsule two times a day with normal water after a meal.

3. Coral Calcium Complex

This capsule is an extract of Praval pishti (Corallium rubrum), Akik pishti (Agate), Mukta Pishti (Perl), Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia), kamdudha Ras etc. All these herbs are rich in calcium. This complex is derived from fossilized coral, which are rich in calcium and trace minerals that are essential for the maintenance and strengthening of bones and joints. A well balanced calcium intake helps to regulate inflammatory response. Unlike synthetic calcium supplements the calcium derived from coral is believed to be more easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Thus this is very beneficial in Osteoarthritis.

Dosage : 1 capsule two times a day with normal water after a meal.

4. Lakshadi Guggul

Lakshadi Guggul tablets are the pure extract of Laksha (Laccifer Lacca), Asthisamharaka (Cissus Quadrangularis), Arjuns (terminalia Arjuna), Nagabala (Grewia Populifolia), Shuddh Guggulu (Purified Commiphora Mukul), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera). It is traditionally used for its Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic and joint strengthening properties. It also improves joint flexibility and mobility. Thus it is used in osteoarthritis.

Dosage : 2 tablets two times a day with normal water after a meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes ayurveda can help to manage Osteoarthritis (OA)  by offering a natural holistic approach to reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Ayurveda focuses on strengthening the body with natural remedies. Ayurveda helps to treat Osteoarthritis through internal and external treatments . This combination of internal and external treatment along with Planet Ayurveda’s OA care pack can help to reduce pain and further degeneration of bones.