Published in THE HINDU News Paper on Thursday 23rd June 2005 Written by Dr. VARDHAN, Founder & Chief Physician of Vardhan Ayurveda Hospital, Hyderabad.
Osteoarthritis is the most common condition, affecting the weight-bearing joints (e.g., knees, lower back, hips, etc), often described as “Wear and Tear Arthritis.”
In the human body, the ends of the bones in healthy joints covered with a smooth, slippery tissue called cartilage, which protects our bones. Joints also contain a fluid called a synovial fluid, which acts as a cushion or “Shock Absorber” and lubricates the joint. In people with osteoarthritis, the synovial fluid becomes thinner and loses its elasticity. The lighter synovial fluid does not provide a good cushion. For this reason, the cartilage covering the ends of the bones begins to break, which leads to pain and stiffness in the joint. Osteoarthritis is also known as Degenerative Joint Disorder, because of degeneration of cartilage covering the ends of the bones. In Ayurveda, this condition termed as “Sandhighat Vata.”
This condition can be a very mild disease or a severe disease that significantly limits everyday activity. For example, if a patient has Osteoarthritis of the knee, the patient may feel pain and swell in the knee area, and pain gets worse during movement of the knee. A patient may feel or hear crunching or cracking sounds on the movement of joints. X-rays usually confirm the diagnosis.
Ayurvedic Science mainly based on the principles of bio-energy. There are three types of bio-energies or doshas called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which control metabolism and all other functions of the human body. The equilibrium of the Doshas provides complete health and imbalance of these Doshas, and lead to various disorders. Osteoarthritis (Sandhighat Vata) is a Vata disorder in which excessive Vata energy causes dryness in the joints followed by Pain, Swelling Immobility, and Stiffness of the affected joints.
Ayurvedic Therapy in Osteoarthritis not only limits further decline in the joints but also rejuvenates the damaged cartilages. Ayurvedic treatment for Osteoarthritis in Hyderabad has firmly gained the success rate. Ashwagandha, Guggul, and Shilajit, one capsule or tablet each twice a day with a large glass of water for six months provides excellent outcomes in Osteoarthritis. These herbs do not produce any side effect even for long-term use. As acute pain may not felt in every case of degeneration, one must think of starting treatment at the very initial stage.
Ayurveda & Keraliya Panchakarma increases mobility and decreases disability in Osteoarthritis. The procedures include Abhyangam, Navarakizhi, Swedam, Elakizhi, Pizhichil, Janu Vasthi, Virecanam, Matra Vasthi, etc. These vary from person to person and are chosen by a specialist ayurvedic physician according to the age, severity, intensity, and disability of the patient.
As per the composition of the individual, ayurvedic diet, and lifestyle will be selected. One should evade being overweight because excess weight gains the load on the Joints. Routine exercises of knee joints help the patient to remain healthy.
Vardhan Ayurveda Hospital in Hyderabad - is the pioneer in Meru Chikitsa, Panchakarma Chikitsa & Kerala Ayurveda Panchakarma was established in 1999 to provide genuine health care. We are instrumental in successfully treating Chronic Ailments like Osteoarthritis, Sciatica, Slip disc, neuromuscular diseases, Cervical & Lumbar Spondylosis, Degenerative disc diseases, and severe spinal conditions.
We at Vardhan Ayurveda Hospital, since 1999 with 5 branches (Narayanguda, Tarnaka, Banjara Hills, Vijayawada, and Kurnool) across Andhra Pradesh & Telangana have treated more than 6 Lakh Patients and avoided 2.5 Lakh + Surgeries by giving The Best Treatments for “OSTEOARTHRITIS” with high success rates through Ayurveda.