Charcot's joint is a medical condition in which neurological dysfunction in the form of reduced or absent pain sensation in the joint leads to neurogenic arthropathy, which is a chronic, progressive and degenerative disease involving one or more joints. Charcot's joint can be caused by neurological disorders, diabetic neuropathy, and leprosy. Symptoms of this condition include gross joint swelling, joint instability, bleeding, heat, and atrophic or hypertrophic changes in the bones of the joints.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Charcot's joint involves treating the damaged joint as well as treating the neurological cause for the condition. Damage to the involved joint can be halted or reversed using Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have an anti-inflammatory and bone-strengthening action. However, medicines which normalize neurological dysfunction form the mainstay of treatment for this condition. Known causes for the condition such as diabetic neuropathy and leprosy as well as diseases of the nervous system need to be treated comprehensively and aggressively. Herbal medicines which treat the damage to the central nervous system, help in healing of the nerve cells, and normalise the neuro-transmission between the nerve cells are used in high doses and for prolonged periods in the management of this condition.
Joint damage is treated with oral medication as well as localised therapy, which is given in the form of application of medicated oils and pastes around the affected joint, supplemented by medicated steam fomentation. The overall effect of this combined treatment is to preserve the joint to the maximum extent possible and also prevent further damage by normalising pain perception.
Depending upon the severity of the condition, most individuals affected with Charcot's joint require treatment for periods ranging from 6 to12 months, in order to benefit significantly from treatment. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can definitely improve the quality of life of individuals affected with this condition. Ayurvedic treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of Charcot's joint.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
