Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Osteoarthritis (OA)

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.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at  www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com   and      www.ayurvedaphysician.com    You can start treatment for this condition here

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a medical condition involving a mix of several autoimmune diseases. Patients typically complain of Reynaud’s phenomenon, swollen fingers, joint pain, hardening skin, pulmonary hypertension, difficulty in swallowing, and painful muscles. The presence of U1 RNP and snRNP antibodies is diagnostic of this condition. Women are affected more than men. The presence of pulmonary hypertension and other symptoms related to the cardiovascular system indicate an adverse prognosis.

Most patients are managed with drugs to treat pain and swelling, low dose steroids, and immune suppressing agents. Symptomatic treatment is given for difficulty in swallowing and acid reflux. Patients with pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease as well as heart involvement require special attention.

The Ayurvedic treatment of MCTD involves detoxification, reduction of generalized inflammation, and special rejuvenation therapy for the cardiovascular system and musculoskeletal system. Once the symptoms gradually start subsiding, immune modulating herbs are introduced slowly. Special care is required since most patients are already on steroid and immune suppressant therapy. As inflammation decreases, the body gradually starts accepting immune modulation and immune strengthening treatment.

Treatment is continued till all symptoms are completely in remission; at this stage, modern medicines like steroids and immune suppressant drugs need to be tapered off gradually. This stage is highly sensitive, since the patient may experience an aggravation of symptoms for about 1-2 months.  Counseling and encouragement needs to be given to the patient at this stage to continue with the treatment. Once the aggravation subsides, then further treatment can be given to treat any residual symptoms and build up the immune system of the body so that it works to the patient’s advantage.

Treatment is then gradually reduced in dosage and frequency so that the patient can start living a life free of medication. Most patients with MCTD, or for that matter, any autoimmune disease, require regular treatment for a period of about 12 to 18 months for a complete remission of the disease with complete cessation of all modern drugs.   It is important to educate the patient to adopt a healthy life style and healthy eating habits, as well as avoid stress, so as to prevent a relapse of the condition.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a specific role to play in the successful management and treatment of MCTD.

The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and  www.ayurvedaphysician.com for Ayurvedic herbal treatment of MCTD, kindly click here