Arthritis refers to inflammation of joints resulting in wear and tear of jointa causing swelling, pain and difficulty in movement. The most common types of arthritis encountered in Ayurvedic OPDs include-

• Osteo Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Gout Arthritis

Osteo Arthritis

Osteo arthritis is a very common condition occurring especially in elderly people, obese people, and women nearing menopause. It is a degenerative condition in which the protective cartilage present at the end of bone is reduced resulting in increased friction between the bones, narrowing the joint space and formation of bony spurs.

In osteo arthritis, pain of the joint is prominent symptom. The most commonly affected joints are weight bearing joints i.e., knee, hip, and spine. Ayurveda describes this condition as Sandhigatavata, where vata is prime involved dosha. Other symptoms and common complaints experienced by patients include: pain in the affected joint, swelling, stiffness of joint, difficulty in walking resulting in limping gait, unable to use Indian toilet, difficulty sitting down and getting up, pain worsening with day to day activities . In severe cases, there will be deformity of the joint, and patient can become bed ridden. Ayurvedic treatment for pacification of the vitiated vata, reducing the friction of the joint, and improving the cartilage can be achieved through appropriate internal medications and Panchakarmatherapy, thereby preventing the need for joint replacement surgeries.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is an autoimmune disease, in which the body cells destroy synovium (lining of the joint). The disease commonly affects the small joints of hands, legs, and sometimes large joints like the knees. Also it can affect the other parts of the body like eyes, heart, blood vessels and even the lungs. Old age people, women, persons with family history of RA, smokers, and obese people are mostly prone to RA.

Ayurveda describes this condition as Ama vata, which occurs due to genetic factors associated with improper dietary habits and irregular/nil exercise. It occurs due to accumulation of ama(toxins) in various joints and thereby vitiating the vatadosha present there. RA is a chronic condition causing severe morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness and pain in the joints which impairs day to day activities, on and off fevers, fatigue, tiredness and weight loss. In later stages, deformity of fingers, rheumatoid nodules, dry eyes and mouth, anemia, inflammation of lungs, heart, or/and blood vessels can develop. In Ayurveda, the treatment of ama vata includes certain lifestyle modifications along with internal medications and Panchakarma therapy. Recurrence of the condition and progression can be arrested. The patient can do all his day to day activities with regular ayurvedic medications.

Gout Arthritis

Gout arthritis occurs due to accumulation of uric acid crystals in joint spaces causing Inflammation, pain and swelling of the joint. Gout arthritis mostly affects the great toe. The other joints affected include- hands, legs, knees, ankle and so on. Pain, swelling, tenderness, redness of the joint are commonly symptoms. The pain is usually more at night time. Reduced range of motion of joint is also present. The symptoms usually flare up causing Recurrent attacks. In severe and chronic cases deformity of joint is seen. Men, persons with family history of gout, having foods rich in purines- including red meat, shellfish, alcohol; certain medications, and certain underlying conditions like diabetes, heart and kidney disease, obesity are mostly prone to Gout arthritis.

Ayurveda describes this condition as Vatarakta, where there is vitiation of rakta along with vatadosha. Ayurvedic management through internal medications and Panchakarma gives a permanent solution by reducing the symptoms, and preventing recurrence of the disease.