Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the tissues of the joint. Historically, osteoarthritis (OA) was known as a “wear and tear” condition, generally associated with aging OA can affect any joint, but typically affects hands, knees, hips, lower back and neck. Its signs and symptoms typically show up more often in individuals above 50 years of age, but OA can affect much younger people, too, especially those who have had a prior joint injury.

CAUSES:

●    Age: The risk of developing OA increases with age and symptoms generally, but not always, appear in people over 50.

●        Joint injury:  A bone fracture or cartilage or ligament tear can lead to OA, sometimes more quickly than in cases where there is not an obvious injury.

●         Overuse: Using the same joints over and over in a job or sport can result in OA.

●     Musculoskeletal abnormalities: Misalignment of bone or joint structures can contribute to faster development of OA.

●         Gender: Women are more likely to develop OA than men.

●      Environmental Factors: Modifiable environmental risk factors include things like someone’s occupation, level of physical activity, quadriceps strength, presence or absence of prior joint injury, obesity, diet, sex hormones, and bone density.

SYMPTOMS:

●         Pain or aching in a joint during activity, after long activity or at the end of the day

●         Joint stiffness usually occurs first thing in the morning or after resting

●         Limited range of motion that may reduce after movement

●         Clicking or popping sound when a joint bends

●         Swelling around a joint

●         Joint instability or buckling

SITE SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS:

●         Hips: Pain in the groin area or buttocks and sometimes on thigh.

●         Knees: A “grating” or “scraping” feeling when moving the knee and Painful movements

●    Fingers: Bony growths (spurs) at the edge of joints can cause fingers to become swollen, tender and red, sometimes with pain at the base of the thumb.

●         Feet: Pain and tenderness in the big toe, with possible swelling in the ankles or toes.

DIAGNOSIS:

Medical history, a physical examination and imaging techniques help in diagnosing OA.

·         X-ray: X-rays can show Joint space reduction and changes related to osteoarthritis.

●         MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gives a better view of cartilage and soft tissues involved in a joint.

AYURVEDIC CONCEPT

According to Ayurveda, all Joints (Sandhi) are the seat of Vata and Kapha dosha.  Kapha acts as the lubricant while Vata dosha is responsible for the movement. Major reason for Osteoarthritis (Sandhigata Vata) is aggravation of Dryness in the joints due to depletion of Kapha dosha.

TREATMENT ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

Treatments aim at restoration of lubrication in joints, improving joint space, and increasing the ease of mobility. For long standing results Ayurveda prefers Shodhana (Purification), Shamana (Pacifying) and Brimhana (Nourishing) treatments to restore the balance.

●      Shodhana (Purification): Treatments like Virechana (Purgation) and Kashaya Vasti (Medicated decoction enema) is the common modality to normalise Vata and correct the Metabolism which helps in improving nourishment.

●      Shamana (Pacifying): Internal Medications and localised oil therapies helps to bring back the lubrication at joints and to have relief from symptoms. Treatments like, Thaila Dhara (Continues Pouring of Oil) and Upanaha (medicated Bandage), reduces inflammation, increases joint space and restores mobility.

●      Brimhana (Nourishing): As one of the major reasons for OA is aging, nourishing therapy helps to reduce the depletion of Cartilage tissues and improves nutrition to joints. Internal medication and regular oil application helps in joint nourishment.