Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that causes severe pain in the joints. It is best described as an inflammatory disorder that affects one or more joints, causing swelling, pain, tenderness, and stiffness, particularly in the mornings. It usually affects the joints in the hands, hips, and knee, but can also affect the shoulders. It is a debilitating condition that worsens with age, making it difficult to carry out everyday chores.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Ayurveda describes osteoarthritis as a condition of the Vatha dosha. Vatha has a predominantly dry and light disposition, and its vitiation creates an imbalance of the Kapha dosha, leading to the deterioration of cartilages in the joints. This degradation creates friction in the joints, which causes pain. The condition only worsens with time, but early intervention with the proper treatment can be helpful.
Osteoarthritis treatment in Ayurveda
Ayurveda offers a holistic treatment for the cure of the condition. Osteoarthritis treatment in Ayurveda is safe and effective and shows positive results.
Causes of Osteoarthritis:
As mentioned, osteoarthritis caused by the vitiation of Vatha dosha. Several contributory factors cause the vitiation of Vata, such as:
Osteoarthritis treatment in Ayurveda
- Regular intake of foods which describe in Ayurveda as having drying properties.
- Consuming fewer calories as a practice—means eating less food that is unable to sustain the body for long periods.
- Having an inadequate diet lacking in proper nourishment.
- Suffering from continuous bouts of indigestion.
- Having to travel too often.
- Not going to bed on time, thereby preventing the body from getting adequate sleep.
- Being overactive through the day and not allowing time for rest.
- Other factors that can sometimes disturb vatha are:
- High-stress levels—mental, physical, and emotional.
- Trauma—physical, mental, and emotional.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Withholding natural urges.
- Living in dry weather conditions.
- Living in frigid climatic conditions.
- Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:
- The symptoms of osteoarthritis do not show up altogether. They
- often develop slowly and become worse as time progresses. Symptoms of
Osteoarthritis include:
- Pain: The pain can be mild to severe and is generally experienced in the affected joints during or after movement.
- Tenderness: Affected joints and the adjoining areas feel tender to the touch.
- Stiffness: Joint stiffness is most severe in the morning and after being idle for a long time.
- Loss of flexibility: The joints become rigid as the condition worsens, making it impossible to flex them completely.
- Crepitus: It is common to hear the joints cracking or popping upon movement or experience a grating sensation.
- Swelling: The soft tissue around the joints becomes inflamed and causes soreness.
- Bone Spurs: Small hard masses of bone form on the affected joint’s bones, causing severe discomfort.
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Osteoarthritis treatment in Ayurveda