Arthritis, knee and joint pain - Ayurvedic / herbal medicines

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition where there is inflammation of the joint. Arthritis may occur in any joint. Usually, most of the individuals do misunderstand that arthritis is only related to Knee joints. As arthritis involves the breakdown of supporting cartilages which normally protect joint and with the presence of other connective tissues such as synovial fluid, these cartilages and other supportive connective tissues collectively help to maintain healthy joint with smooth functioning, and these cartilages act as shock absorbers. If there is any variation of cartilages, there may be chances of swelling or inflammation, stiffness, redness, pain when bones rub together due to friction.

There are possible causes such as any trauma like broken bone, or An autoimmune disease, due to general wear and tear on joints, and any kind of Infections in generalized form or locally.

Forms of Arthritis

Spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematous, juvenile arthritis, or gout are various forms of arthritis where the origin is of the disease is different and commonly affected parts are joints.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and restricted movement and sometimes with visible redness and rough in texture.

Treatment for Arthritis

Usually, The goal of treatment is to manage pain and to improve functioning of the joint, and to prevent further damage due to wear and tear.

Ayurveda approach is the same and other alternative therapies involved are having similar goal of treatment.

It is already mentioned in ancient science of medicine and traditional healers regarding prevention and the same is believed by modern science.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

• Lifestyle modification is very important in managing osteoarthritis. Consuming moderate amount of food and moderate activities is helpful to reduce stiffness, pain, and muscle fatigue and to improve strength of supporting muscles and bones by performing exercises.
• Alternative therapies do mention the same in one or other way. Yoga poses are very helpful when combined with breathing techniques called pranayama which helps to give proper relaxation of associated muscles and give flexibility of the joints. similarly, Traditional Panchakarma Treatment is recommended for the arthritis called as Janu Basti or supporting with oil treatment. In naturopathy, mudbaths are recommended.
• Other issues like Obesity of weight gain, metabolic disorders are triggering factors for arthritis of knee and one should take precautions for the same.
• Aerobic activity with low-impact is also recommended.
• Heat therapy or Ice therapy, or Wax therapy are the practices for reducing inflammation of the joints which are found effective for osteoarthritis.
• Using supportive splints, or knee caps or any orthotics are recommended for different types of arthritis.
• Life style modification include having good sleep, and proper rest is important for osteoarthritis.
• One should avoid standing for too long hours or staying in on position for long time which may aggravate osteoarthritis.
• One should be cautious about habits, which is also important like avoiding smoking, alcohol, or tobacco chewing which is very important.
• Even one should not consume excess beverages.

Diet

Healthy diet with full of vegetables and fruits are indicated which contain vitamins and minerals, foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, fish like salmon herring etc,. consume flaxseed, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, walnuts etc.

As mentioned earlier, if a patient or an individual who is suffering from weight issues, one should put a goal to reduce weight also as it is important factor.

Arthritis according to Ayurveda

In ayurvedic texts also, diet and lifestyle is highlighted for controlling arthritis. One should be choosy about food for intake. And lifestyle as mentioned earlier.

Following treatments are recommended in ayurveda such as Panchakarma such as JanuBasti which is traditional practice and Dhara where pouring of medicated decoctions or medicated oil.

In classical texts, following constituencies like VATA, PITTA, or KAPHA and treatment is based on these Doshas treatments like Rheumatoid arthritis, swelling in joint etc.

Following ayurvedic herbs are indicated for arthritis such as Shallaki, Haridra, Guggulu, Ashwagandha, Shilajit are the herbal medications.

In order to strengthen cartilages and to maintain support to joints, one can have these medications which are helpful.

Stress or anxiety may also aggravate arthritis and hence, one can practice yoga and pranayama.

MEDICATION

Following medicines are helpful for controlling arthritis such as R Compound which contains guggulu etc.

Rheumartho Gold, Yogaraja Guggulu, Maharasnadi Kashayam, Singhnad Guggulu, are the medicines which are helpful for controlling pain and inflammation of the joints.

For external applications, following medicines are helpful such as Divya Pidantak Taila for pain, Rhuma Oil for external application.

For chronic arthritis, one can consume Divya Brihad Vata Chintamani Ras in smaller dosage with honey such as 100mg or below that or in the form of combination.

Ashwagandha is also important medicine for strengthening joints and bones.

If there is any kind of swelling, there is medicated applications such as Nagaradi churna, Jadamayadi Lep, or Kottamchukkadi Lep which are very helpful.

The above mentioned medications are recommended for arthritis, however, one can consult doctor for expert advice clarify for any doubts regarding your health issue which is very important.

Ayurvedic medicine and precaution

One can consume few medications though they are not suffering from osteoarthritis, in order to prevent future complications and to strengthen joints, cartilages and supporting ligaments. There is no harm in consuming some herbs like Shallaki, Guggulu, or Ashwagandha as a supplement and in few cases like during menstruation, or pregnancy, one can consume some herbs which are very helpful.

One should apply regular medicated oil to avoid arthritis which maintains proper strength and flexibility of the joints.