Arthritis

Author:

Vd. Veena (Ayurvedic Physician)

The word arthritis originates from the Greek word "arthron," meaning "joint," and the Latin word for "inflammation." Arthritis encompasses many types, each with specific causes. Here's a detailed overview of some common types:

Arthritis:

Inflammation of joints caused by infectious, metabolic, or constitutional factors.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

A chronic autoimmune disease characterized by pain, stiffness, inflammation, swelling, and joint destruction.

Osteoporosis:

A condition, especially prevalent in older women, characterized by a decrease in bone mass, reduced bone density, and enlargement of bone spaces, leading to porosity and fragility.

Osteoarthritis:

Arthritis typically occurs in middle age and is characterized by degenerative changes in bone and cartilage of one or more joints, resulting in progressive wearing down of opposing joint surfaces and joint distortion without bone stiffening.

Gout:

A metabolic disease marked by painful joint inflammation, urate deposits in and around joints, and often an excessive amount of uric acid in the blood.

Now, let's delve into each of these conditions in detail, starting with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system erroneously attacks healthy tissues. Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect body parts beyond joints, including eyes, lungs, and heart. It leads to damage to bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

Causes:

Genetic factors, Lack of antioxidants in the diet, High coffee consumption, Obesity, Sleep deprivation, Hormonal influences (more prevalent in women), Smoking, Infections, Stress, and strain. Research suggests that Periodontitis, a bacterial molecule, could be a cause.

Incidence Pattern:

Occurs more in women than men, with a ratio of 3:1. Typically manifests between 35 to 50 years of age. Family history might contribute to its occurrence.

Symptoms before Manifestation of the Disease:

Fatigue, debility, anorexia, and vague musculoskeletal symptoms may persist for a month.

Symptoms after Manifestation of the Disease:

Joint pain and morning stiffness are common, affecting both sides of the body simultaneously. Other symptoms include flexion deformity, discomfort, inflamed tendons, involvement of small joints like wrists, ankles, and knees, symptom exacerbation in cold conditions, finger and wrist inflammation, and fever.

Extra Symptoms:

Rheumatoid nodules, small painless tissue lumps under the skin.

Natural Home Remedies (Orally):

Crush 3 to 4 Vayvidang and mix with half a glass of ginger juice and a pinch of rock salt. Consume this mixture thrice daily.
Eat 2 to 3 Amla fruits daily.
Drink ginger juice daily, diluted with water if necessary.
Consume one teaspoon of flaxseed daily.
Incorporate omega-3-rich foods like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and trout into your diet.
Eat 2 figs daily.
Consume 1 to 2 teaspoons of Castor oil daily.
Include vegetables like sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, and cabbage sprouts in your meals.
Add one teaspoon of ghee to warm milk and consume before bedtime.
Use turmeric, garlic, and ginger in cooking.
Ensure adequate rest and engage in well-designed exercises under medical guidance.
Consume fruits rich in Vitamin C, such as strawberries and kiwi, and foods high in starch and fiber.

AVOID:

Foods are known to increase cholesterol levels.
Curd at dinner, cold water, cold drinks, ice cream, and stale food exacerbate Vata Dosha.
Dry roasted nuts, eggplants, red peppers, and tobacco.
High-sugar and high-sodium foods.

Granthokta Medicines:

Include Aamvatari Ras, Mahayograj Guggulu, Maharasnadi Kadha, Vat Chintamani Ras (Brihat Swarna yukta), Vatgujankush Ras, Khanjankari rasa, Ras Raj Ras, Sanjiwani Bati (Not suitable for individuals with Pitta Constitution).

External Natural Home Remedies:

Apply onion juice mixed with mustard oil to the affected area.
Perform steam fomentation with a cloth on the affected area.
Boil 3 to 4 garlic cloves in sesame oil, then apply the lukewarm oil to the affected area.
Apply Triphala Ghrit on a betel leaf and place it on the affected area for an hour.
Practice relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
Combine Mahamash Oil and Prasarini Oil in equal parts and gently massage onto the affected area.
Apply Saindhvadi Oil locally.
Apply a paste of Turmeric on the affected joints twice daily.
Warm a leaf of Ricinus communis with sesame oil and place it on the affected joints for an hour, twice daily, or as advised by an Ayurvedic physician.
Always use a cloth between the skin and cold or heat packs.
Soak a cotton towel in hot water and cover the shoulder with it for 5 to 10 minutes to relieve pain and stiffness.

Note: Always consult a doctor or Ayurvedic physician before trying these remedies, and seek guidance for proper dosage. Laboratory tests such as Rheumatoid factor and ESR may be necessary.