Ayurvedic Treatment For Arthritis In Kerala

Arthritis is the most common form of degenerative disorder which affects most of the joints present in our body. This inflamed condition of joints restricts the flexibility and easy movement of body parts and thus makes difficulty in doing daily activities gradually.

There are many kinds of arthritis according to their clinical manifestations and the severity of the symptoms vary according to individuals. Both genetic and environmental factors are responsible for the occurrence of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

It is the most common form of arthritis in old age people. Not even in older people nowadays it affects youngsters also. Joint pain and functional disabilities are the characteristic features of OA which target the weight-bearing joints such as hip and knees mainly.

Gouty Arthritis

It is inflammatory arthritis which is most common among people having a history of obesity and metabolic syndrome. The concentration of uric acid in body fluids increased in this condition. Other risk factors include excessive consumption of seafood, red meat, alcohol especially beer, etc. Severe joint pain pllp, swelling, redness, and shiny skin are the symptoms of gouty arthritis which affects joints of ankle, knee, wrist, elbow and small joints of hands.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

is an autoimmune disorder ( the body mistakenly attacks their own body tissues). It is characterized by joint pain, swelling and stiffness affecting smaller joints initially and then major joints gradually and thus leads to joint deformity permanently.

Spondyloarthropathies

It comprise a group of inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and enteropathic spondyloarthritis. Ankylosing spondylitis is a condition in which there is bony fusion of the spine will occur and it appears like bamboo in advanced condition. As a result of this,the person cannot walk steadily, can’t do day to day activities,etc.

Reactive arthritis is the inflammation of joints due to triggering factors such as bacterias and viruses. Joints of lower limbs are mainly affected associated with fever and weight loss. Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis associated with skin manifestations.

Enteropathic arthritis is an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease associated with inflammatory bowel diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Axial spondyloarthritis is the condition in which inflammatory changes occur in the entire axial skeleton and that may cause back pain, early morning stiffness, low back pain radiating to the buttocks region, etc.

Ayurvedic treatment for arthritis in Kerala

As per ayurvedic treatises,the signs and symptoms of arthritis can be correlated with vatavyadhi spectrum. Asper Sushrut Acharya, vata is the basic constituent of the body and that can be considered as self born( Swayambhu) and omnipotent due to its eternity.

The disease occurs due to the vitiation of vata is known as vatavyadhi. Excessive consumption of unctuous, cold,light food, improper therapeutic procedures, excessive fasting, excessive exercise, anger, day sleep, suppression of natural urges, falling down from fast moving vehicles,etc are the causative factors for the vitiation of vata dosha.

The exacerbated vata dosha enters into the body channels and envelopes the remaining two doshas ( pitta and kapha dosha) and that cause different kinds of ailments affecting the whole body or part of the body. Pain and stiffness in joints, spasticity, numbness,pricking pain, exhaustion,contraction,etc are the vatavyadhi lakshanas according to ancient literature.

Both internal and external therapies are required in these conditions. Internal medications such as samana or shodhana ousadas can be implemented by the physician while assessing the condition of the patient and disease.