Osteoarthritis (OA) involves degeneration of the smooth cartilage
which lines the long bones and forms joints. This can cause pain, swelling,
stiffness and limitation of movement. The knee, hip, spine and hands are most
commonly affected. OA is most commonly due to old age, obesity, trauma,
occupational hazards, and genetic influences; it is more common in women.
Treatment is with pain killers, physical activity, weight loss measures, local injections,
and surgery to correct bone deformity or joint replacement. Most affected
people do well with conservative treatment. Regular physical activity is
important to maintain stability of the joint, strengthen supporting muscles,
and reduce pain.
People usually try alternative treatment when they do not
get satisfactory relief or get only temporary relief with modern medicines and
conservative measures to treat OA. With moderate or advanced OA, the damage to
cartilage as well as the associated symptoms keeps progressing. Ayurvedic
herbal treatment is very effective in treating both moderate as well as
advanced OA. Depending upon the severity of the condition, Ayurvedic medicines
need to be given in high doses for about 3 to 6 months to get complete relief
from pain, swelling and other symptoms related to OA.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment is also very effective in
treating advanced OA, especially for those people who have been advised complete
joint replacement. Aggressive treatment with herbal medicines, combined with
local pain relief ointments, graded exercises, and weight loss measures have
resulted in stabilizing affected individuals to such an extent that joint
replacement is no longer required. Treatment duration for such patients is
usually about 6 to 12 months. Side effects or unwanted effects of Ayurvedic
medicines used for such patients are virtually nonexistent, even though high
doses are required to effectively treat advanced OA.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a very important role to
play in the treatment and management of OA.
