Osteo Arthritis / Post-menopausal Arthritis

Osteo-arthiritis (OA) is the most common type of joint disease. It is also called as degenerative arthiritis, degenerative joint disease or osteo-arthritis.

It can occur in any joint of the body but it mainly affects joints such as elbows, knees, hips and spine. In Osteo-Arthiritis, there is breakdown and wearing out of the cartilage. The Cartilage is a hard and slippery tissue which covers the end of bones that are involved in the formation of a joint. It acts a smooth cushion between bones and provides gliding surface for free movement of the joint.

Due to wear out of the cartilage, bones rub against each other creating friction leading to pain, swelling and loss of motion of affected joint. Over a period of time, rubbing of bones may damage the joint permanently.

As Osteoarthiritis worsens overtime, joint may lose its normal shape. The growth of osteophytes or bone spur (small deposits of bone) may also develop on the edges of the joint. Due to excessive friction small bits of bone or cartilage may break off and float around in the joint causing more pain and damage.

Causes of Osteoarthritis:

• Obesity
• Advancing age(older adults are affected more)
• Repeated joint injury
• Certain occupation that requires prolong standing, bending, lifting heavy articles, etc
• Stress on joints due to sports
• Computer related repetitive stress injuries
• Genetic factor (hereditary)
• Post Menopausal Osteo- Arthritis etc.

Osteo Arthritis according Ayurveda:

According to Ayurveda, it is caused by old age, improper food habits like increased intake of heavy food (sweets, meat, bakery food), improper meals, excessive intake of milk and yoghurt with fruits or food, excessive intake of sea food, having sweet after meal, sedentary lifestyle, lack of proper nutrition, excessive physical activities and strain on joints, etc are some of the major factors responsible for the development of osteoarthiritis.

The above factors will increase the toxins in the body. These toxins if remained undigested start accumulating in one or multiple joints thus inhibiting the functioning and movements of joints. If detoxification is not done in this stage it can further lead to various types of arthritis and joint disorders. Thus, this all factors can deteriorate the body functioning leading to other chronic disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteo Arthritis:

• Pain and stiffness in joints
• The sound of bone rubbing on bone (called as Crepitus)
• Difficulty in movement of joints
• Restriction in joint movements
• Loss of flexibility
• Sleep issues
• Unsatisfactory or constipated bowel movements etc.

Ayurveda Body Cure’s treatment plan for Osteo Arthritis:

The treatment plan will be recommended by our Ayurveda specialist after your detailed consultation which will also include your other complains related to the disorder. Our treatment plan comprises mainly of herbal medication, herbal massage based therapies, detoxification/Panchakarma, diet and lifestyle and yoga postures and exercises.

Herbal Medication:

Herbal medications are recommended considering your body constitution, climatic changes, lifestyle, etc.. Herbs such as Shunthi (Zinziber officinale), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Guggulu (Commiphora guggul), etc. There are specific blend of herbs which are helpful in relieving pain.

Herbal Massage based therapies:

Due to degeneration of cartilage there is pain, difficulty in walking, and other symptoms are seen. These symptoms can be reduced by the herbal massage based body therapies.

These therapy comprises of Janu basti (Oil Pool over knee), Pind Sweda (Hot Poultice De-stress massage), Abhyanga (Ayurvedic signature full body massage ), Mardana (Deep tissue Ayurvedic massage), etc.

Detoxification/Panchakarma:

The accumulation of toxins deteriorates the functioning of joints so it is must to remove these toxins, which then helps in penetration of herbal medicines and also enhances its effect.

The Detoxification/Panchkarma may include Basti (Enema therapy), Nasya (Nasal medication), Mrudu Virechan (Mild Purgation therapy), etc.

Diet and lifestyle:

Unhealthy food and improper lifestyle aggravates the disease. So healthy lifestyle and dietary habits are recommended considering your daily routine and keeping the health issue in mind.

Have a glimpse of your dietary recommendations – Diet Osteo-arthiritis.

Yoga Postures, Exercises and Yogic Breathing techniques:

Yoga postures like Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose), Setu Bandha sarvangasana (Bridge Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward facing Dog Pose), Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose), Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend), Virbhadrasana II (Warrior Pose II), Utthita Hasta Padangustasana (Extended Hand-To-Big-Toe-Pose), Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose), etc.

Regular practice of yoga reduces the protein that causes inflammation. Yoga also improves immune response of the body. Both ways yoga can reduce the signs of inflammation such as pain and swelling and prevent joint damage. It also helps to improves digestion and resolves other health issues. Thus it increases your energy and fitness levels.

Breathing techniques or pranayam such as Kapalbhati, Anulom-villom, Bhramari, etc. help in doing the same.

Thus Ayurveda Body Cure’s holistic treatment plan will help you to get relieve from pain by reducing the friction between bones. It will also help you by enhancing your flexibility of joint and improving your overall quality of life.