Osteoarthritis is a joint disease, most common types of arthritis. It is characterized by a breakdown of the joint's cartilage. Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of bones. Cartilage breakdown causes bones to rub against each other, causing pain and loss of movement. Osteoarthritis can range from very mild to very severe, and most commonly affects middle-aged and older people. It affects most of the all joints of the body such as knees, hips, feet and the back.
Causes
According to Ayurveda excessive consumption of dry, cold or stale food, exposure to severe cold and dry weather, excessive use of joint, obesity, joint injury, heredity and old age are the main causative factors.
Symptoms
Pain in the joints
Tenderness around joint
Inflammation/Swelling on joint
Stiffness and pain when moving or working
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, Osteoarthritis occurs due to aggravation of Vata Dosha and is known as Sandhivata (Sandhi means the joint and Vata stands for Vata Dosha). Vata is an Ayurvedic humor that symbolizes air or wind and governs all movements in the body as well as mind. The condition of Sandhivata is caused when the activities of Vata increase inside the Sandhis or joints. Because Vata is dry in nature, it absorbs the fluidity from any part of the body. It is also destructive or catabolic in nature, which is why it causes destruction of the cartilages and reduction in the Synovial Fluid inside the joint capsule.
Ayurvedic treatment of Osteoarthritis not only prevents further deterioration in the joints but also rejuvenates damaged cartilages. Vata-alleviating treatments through specific herbs are also suggested for lubrication and strengthening of joints.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
Avoid carbonated drinks, preserved and packaged foods, and dry or cold food items.
Choose foods that are easy to digest and warming.
Excessive use of joints and underuse are both problematic, so get some exercise each day, but do not overdo it.
Try exercises that are easy on the joints such as walking, swimming and yoga.
Keep your weight at an optimum level, neither too overweight nor too underweight.
Do not withhold natural urges (such as burping, urinating, releasing gas, etc.)
Author:
Dr Nirav Joshi, Ayurvedacharya
