What is Osteoarthritis?

When arthritis refers to inflammation of joints, Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, commonly known as wear and tear arthritis. It is a common chronic joint condition that affects millions of people all over the world. When cartilage, the protective, smooth, and slippery tissue (that facilitates smooth movement of bones in a joint) covering the bone-ends breaks down, it leads to rubbing of bones in a joint. It causes stiffness, pain, and other symptoms. The medical condition is called Osteoarthritis. It can affect any joint in the body but is most likely to affect the joints that bear the bodyweight, like knees and feet. Joints like hands, which we use very often, are also prone to develop Osteoarthritis.

What are the causes of Osteoarthritis?

• Old age: When people grow old, they may develop Osteoarthritis. We have come across many seniors who complain about joint pain. That may be a case of Osteoarthritis.
• Hereditary: Some people inherit the disease genetically. People with inborn joint abnormalities are more likely to develop chronic joint pain, and those with inborn spine abnormality are likely to develop spine Osteoarthritis.
• Obesity: Knee, hip, and spine of obese people are prone to develop Osteoarthritis.
• Joint overuse: Some people are bound to overuse the joints, which may be a part of their job or daily routine. It increases the risk to develop Osteoarthritis.
• Injuries: People who had a severe back injury, or athletes who had knee injuries are more likely to develop Osteoarthritis.
• Certain metabolic diseases: Certain metabolic diseases like diabetes may be one of the causes of Osteoarthritis.
• Poor posture: Take care to stick on to healthy body postures
• Gender: Women are known to have higher OA rates than men

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Symptoms develop gradually and worsen over time.

• Pain: You experience pain in the affected joins during movement or after movement.
• Stiffness: You might notice stiffness in the affected joint after a long time of inactivity
• Tenderness: The affected joints appear to be tender when you apply a slight pressure
• Grating sensation: You may experience a grating sensation while you use the joint. You may hear a popping or a crackling.
• Bone spurs: Extra bits of bones appear around the affected joints.
• Swelling: Swelling around the affected joint is one of the most common symptoms.

Osteoarthritis-Ayurvedic explanation  

According to Ayurveda, when Vata, the governing factor that maintains equilibrium in the body as well as the universe, aggravates in the bones and bone-marrow leads to dry joints and cracking of bones. The condition causes piercing pain in the joints, diminution of muscle tissue and strength, causing weakness and pain. The more you grow older, the more the influence of Vatadosha. Gradually, the body degenerates. Osteoarthritis is one of the consequences of this process. Osteoarthritis is prevalent among women after menopause in India.

Ayurveda treatment for Osteoarthritis

Ayurveda treatment for Osteoarthritis depends on the symptoms, severity, patient’s medical history. The most effective Ayurveda treatment procedures for Osteoarthritis are,

• Virechana

Virechana ensures the best absorption of Ayurvedic medicaments as the process thoroughly cleanses the body aids to open different channels in the human body. Virechana helps to maintain or restore the optimum equilibrium of Tridoshas.

• Abhyanga

Abhyanga is the authentic Ayurvedic massage technique with warm medicated oil to benefit the mind, body, spirit, and immune system. It helps your body to get rid of all toxins accumulated from chaotic lifestyles. Vatadosha at the joints causes dryness initiating tissue degeneration. Ayurveda abhyanga treatment stimulates blood circulation. It assists the lymphatic system for the better elimination of waste from throughout the body.

Absorption of Ayurvedic medicaments through the skin can be enabled by suspending the drug in an oily vehicle and rubbing it on the skin.

• Swedana

Swedana is a proven Ayurveda therapy that aids to reduce symptoms of  theOsteoarthritis stiffness in the joints due to Osteoarthritis and facilitates smoother joint movements. Swedana helps to open the pores in the body, eliminate waste materials,

and increase absorption of Ayurveda medicaments.

• Upanaha

Upanaha is the best Ayurvedic therapy for pain and inflammation due to Osteoarthritis. Upanaha therapy takes advantage of bandaging a warm herbal Ayurveda paste to the affected body parts. ‘Sweda’ means sweat, and the therapy induces sweating.

• Vasthi

Vasthi is the Ayurvedic enema therapy using medicated oils. Vasti treatment in Ayurveda is meant to expel body toxins and vitiated doshas by administering medicated oils/liquids through the anus. Rectal and colon regions are rich in capillary blood vessels that enhance quick absorption of the medicine.

• Jalookavacharanam

Jalookavacharanam improves local blood circulation which accelerates tissue repair against tissue degeneration due to Osteoarthritis.

Diet practices

Here are a few Ayurveda recommended diet alterations for patients.

• Have a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants.
• Low-fat dairy foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can help to reduce inflammation in joints.
• Increase the intake of healthy oils.
• Try to avoid processed foods
• Reduce foods that contain added sugar
• Reduce unhealthy fats like trans fats, saturated fats, and red meat from your diet

Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala for osteoarthritis pacifies the aggravated Vata. At

Ayurveda healing ashram, we follow an authentic approach to treat Osteoarthritis. We follow customized treatment plans for each individual that best suits their symptoms, and health conditions. Our Team of experienced Ayurvedic Physicians and trained

therapists ensure a sure shot, but gradual recovery from the chronic condition. Our authentic Ayurveda treatment for Osteoarthritis prevents further deterioration of the affected joints. Ayurveda healing ashram is the expert in the domain for the past few decades. Our tailored treatment combinations reduce the symptoms associated with the condition and rejuvenate the body.

Ayurveda Physicians at Healing ashram are patient and compassionate to hear you in detail. They understand your health condition and advise on the need for strengthening of joints through regular oil massages.

A complete detox treatment plan is suggested for curing severe conditions. A full course of detox and strengthening therapies

performed regularly, once a year can prevent further damage to the joint tissues and keep them strong and rejuvenated. We offer a comprehensive treatment plan that integrates Yoga and Physiotherapy to affirm holistic healing.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis, both debilitating joint conditions, can benefit significantly from Ayurvedic treatments. Ayurvedic treatment for Osteoarthritis focuses on alleviating pain and enhancing joint mobility through personalized herbal remedies and dietary adjustments. Likewise, Ayurvedic treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis aims to reduce inflammation and manage pain by addressing the underlying causes. Remarkably, Ayurveda’s holistic principles extend to diverse conditions such as back pain, arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis. In cases of back pain and arthritis, Ayurvedic therapies target root imbalances, offering relief through herbal treatments and lifestyle modifications. For eczema and psoriasis, Ayurveda identifies and addresses the root causes of skin issues, providing relief through customized dietary plans and herbal remedies. Fortunately, we provide Ayurvedic treatment for eczema, Ayurvedic treatment for Psoriasis, and Ayurvedic treatment for back pain also.