Ayurvedic treatment for Osteoarthritis

November 10, 2023

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA), known in Ayurveda as Sandhigata Vata (sandhi=joint), occurs due to degeneration of protective cartilage at the ends of bones over time. It is characterized by joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and restricted mobility.

Ayurveda attributes OA to a predominantly Vata dosha imbalance and depletion of Shleshak Kapha (synovial fluid). Aggravated Vata, caused by factors like aging, obesity, poor diet, stress, or lifestyle, accumulates in the joints, leading to dryness, stiffness, and pain.

Although osteoarthritis can affect any joint, it is predominantly seen in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine.

Apollo AyurVAID offers a holistic and highly individualized, protocol-driven approach (Precision Ayurveda) to manage arthritis by targeting the root causes of the disease rather than merely addressing symptoms.

Our whole-person health assessment identifies the underlying root cause of the condition. Based on this assessment, a specially trained team of Ayurvedic physicians develops a personalized protocol comprising classical Ayurvedic medications and therapies, targeted functional rehabilitation, and customized diet and lifestyle adjustments.

An integrative and multidisciplinary approach to arthritis potentially avoids the need for surgical interventions.

What Osteoarthritis Patients Can Expect from AyurVAID’s Approach

While the outcomes may vary from patient to patient, in general, patients can expect:

Symptom Relief
a. Significant reduction in pain and stiffness and improved mobility
b. Lowered inflammation and joint swelling
Improved Joint Health
a. Improved joint function with better flexibility, mobility, and strength.
b. Reduction of grinding or popping noises during movement.
c. Better posture and joint strength.
Avoidance of Surgical Procedures
a. Reduced dependency on pain medications.
b. Prevention of disease progression, reducing the need for surgical interventions.
Improved Overall Health and Wellbeing
a. Improved digestion, better sleep, and reduced stress.
b. Simultaneous management of comorbidities such as high blood pressure, triglycerides, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and obesity.

Causative Factors (Nidanas) for Osteoarthritis

The disease develops through a complex chain of physiological events involving the aggravation of Vata dosha and the depletion of Kapha dosha. Various dietary, lifestyle and environmental factors can contribute to the imbalance of Vata dosha, which varies from one individual to another.

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Symptoms (Rupa) of Osteoarthritis

Joint Pain (Sandhishoola):

Pain worsens during movement or with pressure and often impacts regular activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or holding objects.

Samprapti (Pathogenesis) of Osteoarthritis

Vitiation (Imbalance) of Vata Dosha:
The primary cause of osteoarthritis (OA) is the aggravation of Vata dosha. OA is a gradual and progressive condition, often triggered by a continuous imbalance in diet, lifestyle, and poor environmental factors, as mentioned earlier.
Weakened Digestion:
Weak digestion, or Agni Dushti, leads to the formation of Ama (toxins). These toxins circulate through the body and accumulate in the joints, causing inflammation by triggering an immune response.
Depletion of Shleshak Kapha:
An imbalance in Vata disrupts the balance of Kapha dosha, particularly Shleshak Kapha, the natural lubricant for the joints. This results in dryness, increased friction, reduced cushioning, and structural vulnerability in the joints.
Channel Obstruction:
Vitiated Vata blocks the bone-nourishing channels (Asthivaha Srotas), hindering the proper flow of nutrients and causing waste products to accumulate. This imbalance disrupts the body’s systems and leads to further complications.
Bone Tissue Depletion (Dhatukshaya):
As the channels remain blocked, nutrient deficiencies weaken the bones and joints.
Joint Inflammation and Damage:
The aggravated Vata lodges in the joints (Sthana Samshraya), interacting with weakened tissues (Dosha-Dushya Sammurchhana). This triggers inflammation, cartilage degradation, bone damage, and symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

AyurVAID’s 4-Step Approach to Determine Root Cause and Create Individualized Treatment Plan

Whole-Person Health Assessment
Conducted by our specially trained doctors, this assessment includes an in-depth evaluation of presenting complaints, past complaints, underlying causative factors (Nidana Panchaka), and disease pathways using clinical methods such as Ashta Sthana Pariksha (an 8-fold examination), Dasha Vidha Pariksha (10 factors), and Srota Pariksha. Relevant blood tests (CBC, CRP, Vitamin D) and imaging (X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs) are used for complete evaluation.
Disease Tree
A comprehensive disease tree, from root cause to all signs and symptoms, is derived from causative factors, imbalance in doshas, involved sub-systems, and progression.
Personalized Protocol-Based Care Plan
This enables us to create an individualized protocol-based end-to-end treatment plan to improve mobility, reduce pain and inflammation, and effectively reverse disease pathogenesis. The plan includes classical Ayurveda medication, therapies, and targeted functional rehabilitation, complemented by personal diet and lifestyle adjustments. It tracks all orthopedic and health parameters to focus on correcting mobility and reducing pain and inflammation.
Disease Monitoring Using Standardized Scales
Standardized scales, such as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), help monitor pain, stiffness, joint function, and disease progression.

Insurance Backed

Precision Ayurveda
Medical Care

The Apollo AyurVAID’s protocol-driven approach (Precision Ayurveda) focuses on controlling symptoms and aims to prevent disease progression, minimize disability, and enhance the quality of life.

Ayurvedic treatment for arthritis takes a holistic approach. It aims to balance the doshas, eliminate toxins, nourish the joints, and improve overall vitality. The type of treatment and its duration are tailored to the severity of the disease.

Pre and Post Ayurvaid’s Protocol-Based Treatment

AyurVAID follows a structured, protocol-driven approach to ensure effective treatment and sustainable recovery.

Pre-treatment
To ensure effective treatment and track progress, baseline values are taken using:

Disease Standard Scales: International scales like WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) and KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) to help evaluate pain, stiffness, and joint function.
Biomarkers and Imaging Techniques: To assess progress and improvements.
Patient-Reported Outcomes: To track improvement while maintaining transparency and avoiding bias.

Case 1: A 58-year-old female patient with a 2-year history of severe osteoarthritis

Case Summary: The patient presented with severe bilateral knee pain, multiple joint pain and stiffness, and restricted neck and shoulder movements, all significantly impacting her daily life. The initial assessment revealed severely compromised mobility, an inability to perform basic tasks like writing and holding objects, disturbed sleep, and a poor appetite. X-rays showed wear and tear with bony growths (osteophytes) in both knees, but Inflammatory markers were normal. The patient underwent an 18-day intensive Ayurvedic treatment (external therapies, internal medications, and specialized procedures). Post-treatment, pain levels were markedly reduced, functional improvements were noted, independence in daily activities was regained, and quality of life was improved with normalized appetite and improved sleep.

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Move Freely Again—Osteoarthritis Solutions Tailored for You

References

World Health Organization 2013. WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy; WHO traditional medicine strategy: 2014-2023

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