Joint pain, stiffness, swelling and mobility issues can all be signs of arthritis. This painful condition affects millions of people around the world and can be extremely debilitating. Fortunately, Ayurvedic treatment & medicines for joint pain has got the solution. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of healing, offers Safe & natural treatments and herbal medicine that helps to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.
Causes of Knee pain Arthritis
- Osteo arthritis occurs commonly as person ages
- Genetic predisposition also is one common cause for osteoarthritis
- Joint Injury
- Joint surgery
- Obesity
- Irregular diet, Weak digestive system
- Lack of physical activities
Symptoms of Knee pain Arthritis
- Pain & stiffness of joint
- Swelling and warmth of joints
- Cracking sound from the joint
- Limited mobility of joints
- Stiffness is usually worse after long period of inactivity.
Ayurvedic View of Knee pain Arthritis
As age advances, the digestive processes slows down and influence of vata dosha progresses, resulting in the process of gradual degeneration of the body. According to Ayurveda, Osteoarthritis (Sandhigatvata) is caused when influence of Vata dosha increases in the joints. Because of dry quality of Vata, it absorbs the fluid (Kapha) from the joints and causes destruction of the cartilages and reduction in the Synovial Fluid inside the joint capsule. Sandhivata are of two types one is where ama is involved along with vata dosha and second is where there is dhatukshya janya (degenerative). Most of the cases of sandhivata are of dhatukshaya janya (degenerative) type occurring due to ageing process.
Ayurvedic Treatment of Knee pain Arthritis
Knee pain or Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the pathological changes in the joint are almost irreversible. Ayurveda medicine can alleviate the pain significantly and treat the root cause the disease completely. Most cases respond well as far as the long-term pain relief is concerned. Ayurveda medicines are definitely suggested for osteoarthritis, especially for early cases where the medicines can slow down the degenerative process and offer considerable pain relief.
Types of Joint pain
- Degenerative type of joint pain
This is one of the types of joint pain that is caused due to degeneration and eventually loss of the cartilage of joints. Cartilage is a tissue that covers the inside of the joints and acts as a cushion between the two bones forming a joint. When the cartilage starts undergoing degeneration, the bone becomes inflamed as its protective covering is lost. This causes pain during weight bearing activities such as standing, walking, etc. This condition usually affects the weight bearing joints such as the knees and hips; it can also affect other joints such as those of the hands, feet and the spine.
This type of joint pain is commonly known as Osteoarthritis . This arthritis occurs commonly as a person ages and it is frequently seen in persons above the age of 55 years though it can also occur earlier than this. Before the age of 45 years, it is more common in males. In Ayurveda it is known as Sandhigata vata.
2. Inflammatory type of Joint pain
This is another chronic type of joint pain commonly known as Rhuematoid arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints. It is an autoimmune disorder wherein the body’s immune system starts attacking the lining of the joints, causing swelling and inflammation. According to Ayurveda, Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused due to Amavata. Amavata is the accumulation of ama, a bodily toxin that accumulates within the joints. This gradual piling up of the ama between the body’s joints results in joint pain, swelling, and swelling. Additionally, it attacks multiple joints in the hands, wrists, and knees at the same time. Prolonged and severe arthritis can severely damage the arms and wrists and may even lose joint alignment and shape.
Lifestyle recommendation in Ayurvedic Treatment of Joint pain & Arthritis
- Avoid dry, preserved and packaged foods,
- Avoid carbonated drinks or cold food items.
- Choose foods that are easy to digest and warming.
- Excessive use of jointsand underuse are both problematic, so get some exercise each day, but do not overdo it.
- Try exercises that are easy on the joints such as walking, swimming and yoga.
- Watch your weight keep it at an optimum level.
- Do notwithhold natural urges (such as burping, urinating, releasing gas, etc.)
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Joint pain & Arthritis
- Use warm teel (sesame oil) to massage knees. Massage improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation and stiffness.
- Hot fomentation with decoction of tulasi helps reduce stiffness.
- Taking half teaspoon of fenugreek powder with water or buttermilk helps ti relieve pain.
- Boil half teaspoon of dry gingerin 4cups of water for 10 minutes. Drink this tea at a warm temperature throughout the day.
Take Away
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease and requires long term treatment. However a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce inflammation and pain. Regular exercise can also help reduce pain and improve joint mobility. And finally, getting enough rest and reducing stress can help reduce pain and improve overall health. If you are suffering from Joint pain, there are many Ayurvedic treatments that may be able to help. Talk to your doctor or an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine the best course of action for you.