Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that primarily affects the knee joint. It is caused by cartilage damage in the joint. When cartilage is damaged, bones rub against each other, causing pain and loss of motion.

It is the second most frequent rheumatologic condition and the most common joint disease in India, with a prevalence ranging from 22% to 39%. Women are more likely than men to suffer from OA. Around 45 percent of women over 65 have symptoms, while 70% of those over 65 show radiological evidence of OA.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

• Irregular Sleeping Habits
• Consumption Of Dry, Cold, Or Stale Food
• Natural Urges Are Suppressed
• Exposure To Extreme Cold And Dry Weather
• Cartilage Degeneration As A Result Of Aging
• Excessive Squeezing Of The Joint

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

• Pain During Joint Movement
• Joint Stiffness
• Weakness In The muscles
• Swelling In The Joints (Tenderness And Soreness)
• Deformed Joints
• Reduced Range Of Motion

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis

• X-ray: Commonly Used To Examine Joint Structure And Deformities
• MRI Scan: In Rare Cases, It Is Used To Understand The Deformities Thoroughly

Stages of Osteoarthritis

Stage 1:

Patients with stage 1 osteoarthritis will experience minor wear and tear and bone spur growths at the ends of their knee joints. However, at this stage, it is unlikely that you will experience pain or discomfort.

Stage 2:

In Stage 2, X-rays of the knee joints will reveal more bone spur growth, even though the gap between the bones appears normal, and people will begin to experience joint pain. Even if the cartilage and soft tissues appear to be in good health, the area around the knee joints will feel tight and unpleasant, especially after a lengthy period of sitting, rising in the morning, or exercising.

Stage 3:

Stage 3 is characterized by visible erosion of the cartilage surface between the bones and fibrillation, which narrows the gap between the bones. As the surface of the bones becomes rougher, spurs form at the joints. As Osteoarthritis of the knee progresses, there is evident joint inflammation, which causes frequent pain while walking, running, squatting, extending, or kneeling. After extended durations of sitting or on getting up in the morning, walking may generate popping or snapping sounds in addition to joint stiffness.

Stage 4:

The joint space between the bones is reduced during this period, causing the cartilage to wear away and the joints to become stiff. The soft tissue is destroyed when cartilage breaks down surrounding the joint, resulting in a chronic inflammatory response with decreased synovial fluid, which causes friction, pain, and discomfort when walking or moving the joint.

Ayurveda for Osteoarthritis

The focus of Ayurveda has not been solely on western structural diagnosis but also on causative factors such as physiological, metabolic, excretory, and mental functions, lifestyle, food habits, and other factors that contribute to the formation and progression of OA. Osteoarthritis treatment in Ayurveda aims to not only control symptoms but also to prevent disease progression, minimize disability, and improve quality of life. 

Ayurvedic treatment for Osteoarthritis prevents further joint deterioration and rejuvenates damaged cartilages. Vata-relieving therapies based on specific herbs are recommended for joint pain, lubrication, and strengthening. The herbs used are Boswellia, Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Ginger, Triphala, Guggulu, and Shatavari and all of these substances have been found to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of inflammatory molecules in the body. Ayurveda has a wide range of treatments based on the severity and stage of the disease, ranging from mild to severe.

 Ayurveda treatments to cure OA

• Janu Basti– knee pain treatment in Ayurveda
• Bahu Basti– treatment for OA in the Shoulder joint
• Greeva Basti– treatment for OA in the cervical area
• Lepa- Herbs and its extracts to reduce pain and inflammation

The best ayurvedic doctor for Osteoarthritis based on the individual and stage of Osteoarthritis can provide proper guidance and best ayurvedic treatment.