Causalgia is also known as complex regional pain syndrome or reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. This is a chronic, progressive and painful condition in which the pain is intense and continuous, and completely out of proportion to the severity of injury. This condition mostly affects the entire extremity, which shows dramatic changes in color and temperature, accompanied by intense and burning pain, skin sensitivity, sweating and swelling. A dysfunctional sympathetic nervous system or a disturbed immune response are two causes believed to be responsible for causalgia.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for this condition is aimed at giving symptomatic treatment for pain, swelling and burning as also treating the root cause of the condition. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are therefore used which target the sympathetic nervous system and also bring about immunomodulation in the affected individual. Herbal medicines which remove inflammation and repair the damage done to nerve cells are useful in this condition, as also medicines which strengthen the nervous system. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which improve the blood supply to damaged nerves are also important and are used in the management of this condition.
Ayurvedic herbal immunomodulatory agents are also very useful in the management of causalgia, in order to boost the immune status of the affected individual, reduce treatment time and treat symptoms at the earliest. Immunomodulatory agents also bring about an early reduction in pain, inflammation and damage to the extremities as well as to the nerves supplying the affected extremity.
Oral medication can also be supplemented with localized therapy in the form of application of anti-inflammatory and soothing ointments, pastes and medicated oils. This can be followed by medicated steam fomentation, which brings about an early control of pain and swelling.
Most individuals affected with causalgia require treatment for about four to six months, depending upon the severity of the condition. Regular and aggressive treatment helps in bringing about a complete remission of symptoms. Ayurvedic herbal treatment is thus very useful in the management of causalgia.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
