Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is a degenerative joint disease. It is more likely to affect weight bearing joints like knee joints. A joint is where two bones come together. Cartilage is the protective tissue that covers the ends of the bones. With OA, this cartilage breaks down, causing the bones within the joint to rub together.

This can cause pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. Approximately 80% of older adults, ages 55 years and older, have evidence of osteoarthritis. Of these, an estimated 60% experience symptoms. It is estimated that 240 million adults worldwide have symptomatic osteoarthritis. Post-menopausal women have an increased incidence of knee osteoarthritis compared to men due to loss of oestrogen during menopause.

Osteoarthritis as per Ayurveda

Osteoarthritis is called Sandhigata vata in Ayurveda.It comes under vata vyadi mentioned in Ayurvedic classical texts. This disease mainly gets aggravated in old age as all dhatu undergo kshaya (degeneration) and this leads to the aggravation of vata. Vata is dry and light in nature and its variation in any of the joints dry up the lubricating synovial fluid and depletes it. As a result, the cartilage wears away due to the friction leading to pain and limited joint mobility.

In this condition, the large weight bearing bones and joints such as knee, ankle, and spine are the most affected. During early stages of the disease, one can experience joint discomfort cracking of the joints. If left untreated, it could progress to advanced stages leading to deformity, destruction of the articular surface.

Management of Osteoarthritis

Available treatment options include use of NSAIDs, Calcium supplementation and ultimately joint replacement. Being safe, devoid of adverse effects, Ayurvedic management is a better option to avoid painful intervals, advancement of the disease and repeated use of painkillers (NSAIDs).

According to Ayurveda, Snehana (oleation), Svedana (fomentation), Dahana (Agnikarma or heat therapy) and Upanaha (poultice) are the prime modalities of treatment in the management of Sandhigata vata or Arthritis.

Janu Basti:

Janubasti is one of the modalities of treatment commonly adopted in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee. Research has shown that Janubasti with Taila like Murivenna or Balashwagandhadhi taila gives encouraging results in relieving the signs and symptoms. Delaying surgical interventions by a few years by external therapies like Janu basti offers the additional advantage of reducing systemic exposure due to oral use of medications.

Acupuncture:

Yoga Therapy:

Yoga Therapy has shown significant reduction in pain, improved strength, balance and gait. Psychological components such as anxiety are important aspects to be addressed in pain management and yoga enhances the management.

Typical yoga practices consist of

• Yogic Sukshma Vyayama: These are safe repetitive stretching movements synchronized with breathing which mobilize and strengthen particular muscles and joints.
• Asana: Asana are featured by effortless maintenance in the final posture. Asana is selected suitable for patients which relax and strengthen the knee joints.
• Relaxation Techniques: To relax whole body.
• Pranayama: The practice of voluntary regulated breathing (Nadi shuddhi pranayama) while the mind is directed to the flow of breath to balance the autonomic system.

Do it Yourself kit:

DIY kit for knee pain is meant to manage pain in one or both knees .It includes 6 pads for oil padding and 4 Potli for fomentation and a bottle of medicated oil. Based on instructions provided this treatment can be carried out by you from the comfort of your home.