Arthritis as it means is the inflammatory condition of the joints. The term arthritis is used to describe around 200 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint, and other connective tissue but the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). Other common rheumatic conditions include gout, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia. Arthritis can impair a person’s ability to perform day to day activities too, if not identified, diagnosed and treated early and correctly. Rheumatic conditions are typically characterized by pain, aching, stiffness and swelling in and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body. Arthritis is more common among adults aged 65 years or older, but people of all ages (including children) can be affected.

According to Ayurveda, arthritis is mainly caused due to the vitiation of Vata dosha. Factors in the development of arthritis include injury, abnormal metabolism, genetic makeup, infections and immune system dysfunction. Arthritis in general, is caused due to ingestion of too cold, dry, light, bitter, spicy, astringent foods in excessive quantity; also due to ingestion of excessive amounts of oily, salty, sour foods, Black gram(urad dal), curds, alcohol, junk foods, incompatible foods such as taking fish and curds, hot and cold items together; indulging in activities such as too much of exercise or walking by persons who are delicate in nature, following unnatural sleeping patterns and travelling too much on scooter/bike.

In order to reduce the vata imbalance which is the basis of arthritis, regularity in our daily routine can be extremely effective. Diet should include juices/soups of carrot, beetroot; fruits like apples, papayas, sweet lime, oranges and pomegranate before meals. Spices such as cumin, fenugreek, coriander, ginger, garlic, fennel, turmeric are few of the spices which may be used regularly in our cooking. Avoid eating spicy, sour, salty, oily foods, vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, brinjal, cauliflower; pulses such as Bengal gram(chana), black gram, dried peas; too much of tea/coffee, alcohol and chocolates. Also avoid excessive smoking, sleeping during day time, staying up late in the night, and emotions like worry, anxiety, fear, stress and grief etc. Physical activity has a positive effect on arthritis and can improve pain, function and mental health. Regular oil massage at least twice or thrice a week should form part of our daily routine. The most common comorbid condition experienced with arthritis is heart disease.

Treatment for arthritis aims to control pain, minimize joint damage and improve or maintain quality of life. Arthritis is treated with a combination of medications, patient education and support. The treatment is a combination of oral medication, Panchakarma treatment, physical therapies, diet and lifestyle changes. Ayurvedic therapies for joint pains may include Panchkarma treatment procedures mainly Basti karma(therapeutic enema)and Virechana karma(therapeutic purgation) and External therapies for joint pains may comprise of treatments like Abhyanga, Patra Pinda Sweda, Shastika Shali Pinda sweda, Dhara, Lepa, Janu basti and Pichu.

MSRICAIM has specialized consultants who can suggest the right management approach for this condition.

For more details and booking:

Contact:
M S Ramaiah Indic Centre for Ayurveda and
Integrative Medicine (MSR ICAIM)
A unit of Gokula Education Foundation (Medical)
New BEL Road, MSR Nagar
Mathikere PO
Bengaluru – 54

Tel:   +91-80-22183456/ 23606545
Mob: +91-9632128544 /+91-9900581203