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What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It is the most common type of arthritis and primarily affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, spine, and hands. OA typically occurs as a result of aging but can also be influenced by joint injuries, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
What Causes Osteoarthritis?
- Age: The risk increases as you get older because cartilage naturally wears down with time.
- Joint Injury: Previous injuries or repeated stress to a joint can accelerate the development of OA.
- Obesity: Extra body weight increases pressure on weight-bearing joints, especially the knees and hips.
- Genetics: Family history of osteoarthritis can increase your likelihood of developing the disease.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after menopause.
- Inflammation: Chronic low-level inflammation can contribute to cartilage breakdown.
- Abnormal Joint Structure: Misaligned joints or developmental issues can make certain joints more prone to OA.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
- Joint Pain: Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
- Stiffness: Especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Swelling: In and around the affected joints due to inflammation.
- Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the joint fully, or the joint feeling “locked.”
- Crepitus: A sensation of grating or popping when the joint moves.
- Tenderness: Affected joints may feel tender to touch.
- Joint Deformities: In advanced stages, the joint may appear misshapen or out of alignment.
Types of Osteoarthritis
Primary Osteoarthritis
This type is age-related and occurs without an obvious underlying cause. It generally affects multiple joints, including the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Secondary Osteoarthritis
This type is due to an underlying condition, such as joint injury, obesity, or metabolic disorders. It tends to affect specific joints that have been previously injured or stressed.
Generalized Osteoarthritis
A form of OA that affects multiple joints in the body, often seen in people over 50 years old.
Erosive Osteoarthritis
A rarer, more aggressive form of OA that causes rapid cartilage loss and joint destruction, primarily affecting the hands.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Panchakarma Therapies
- Abhyanga (Oil Massage): A full-body massage with herbal oils to increase circulation, reduce pain, and promote relaxation.
- Shirodhara: A therapy where warm oil is poured over the forehead to reduce stress and calm the nervous system, which can help alleviate pain.
- Kati Basti: A therapy targeting the lower back where warm oil is placed over the affected area to reduce stiffness and pain.
- Pizhichil: A warm oil bath therapy for overall relaxation and pain relief.
- Virechana (Purgation): A cleansing process that removes toxins and restores balance to the body, aiding in joint healing.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Osteoarthritis
- Guggul: Reduces inflammation and supports joint health by promoting the healing of damaged tissues.
- Ashwagandha: Known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Turmeric (Curcumin): Reduces inflammation and promotes joint health.
- Boswellia (Indian Frankincense): Known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
- Shallaki: Used for joint health and reducing pain associated with arthritis.
- Triphala: A blend of three fruits that aid in detoxification and reducing inflammation.