Ayurveda Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Despite lot of research and effort, an effective cure is still not possible. All that can be offered are the anti inflammatory and analgesic(pain killer) drugs.
Ayurveda can offer some effective, long lasting and safe remedy for this chronic disease.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is known to be caused by the vitiation of Vata Dosha.
The causative factors- in vitiation of Vata Dosha are like - consumption of dry, cold or stale food, irregular sleeping habits, suppression of natural urges, and exposure to severe cold, and dry weather.
Local causative factors- such as degeneration of the cartilages due to ageing, excessive strain on the joint, any kind of injury to the joint, are the frequent causes of arthritis.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Main symptoms of arthritis, irrespective to the joint affected, are as follows:
Moderate to severe pain at the affected joint.
Joint stiffness observed especially after long spans of rest to the affected joint.
Restricted and painful movements of the joint.
Localized tenderness is observed in severe cases along with swelling and increased local temperature at the affected site.
The treatment can be divided in following categories.
Diet for Osteoarthritis
Fresh cooked and hot food should be consumed in regular diet.
Hot soups of lentils, pulses and meat should be taken with powder of ginger, black pepper and long pepper added to them.
Ghee and oils in moderate amount are necessary in daily diet, as these keep the normal joints properly lubricated and also provide lubrication to the dried up joints.
All the spicy, deep fried and very oily and pungent food recipes should be avoided, since these are believed to cause damage to the degenerated joints.
Exercise for Osteoarthritis
Moderate regular exercise to keep the affected joint mobile and to prevent further damage, should be carried out.
