Imagine waking up each day to the stiffness and pain in your joints, the simple act of climbing stairs becoming a daunting ordeal. Osteoarthritis commonly known as OA, is that silent thief, stealing the ease of movement from over 300 million people worldwide.
Understanding OA
The word OSTEOARTHRITIS is derived from the Greek word OSTEO meaning 'of the bone', ARTHR- meaning 'joint' and ITIS- meaning 'inflammation '. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative (wear and tear) joint disease , in which the tissues in the joint break down over time that is it results from the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone.
The most commonly involved joints are the two near the ends of the fingers and the joint at the base of the thumbs, the knee and hip joints, and the joints of the neck and lower back. Usually the symptoms may progress over the years interfering with work and normal daily activities.
Ayurveda considers SANDHIGATA VATA as a counterpart to OSTEOARTHRITIS due to the proximity to symptoms. The term SANDHIGATA VATA comprises of three words 'SANDHI' meaning joints 'GATA' meaning lodging in or affecting and 'VATA' signifies the dosha that has become imbalanced and lodged in the joints ("Sandhi").
Thus SANDHIGATA VATA refers to the invasion and localization of morbid Vata in the joints causing pain, swelling, and disturbed movements.
Causes
In the condition of Sandhigata Vata, the primary dosha involved is Vata. However, the other two doshas, Pitta and Kapha, can also be affected or involved in the progression and manifestation of the condition.
Secondary causes : obesity, abnormal joint or limb development, endocrine disorders, inherited factors and all kinds of arthropathies like RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS, SEPTIC ARTHRITIS, GOUTY ARTHRITIS and TRAUMATIC ARTHRITIS can also in turn lead to SANDHIGATA VATA.
Factors aggravating Vata includes
Diet : irregular eating habits, consumption of dry and cold food excessively
Lifestyle: Excessive physical exertion, sedentary habits, improper sleep patterns.
Aging: Natural increase in Vata with age, leading to degeneration of joint tissues.
Emotional Stress: High levels of stress and anxiety
Environmental Factors: Exposure to cold and dry climates, wind.
Improper Digestion: Weak digestive fire (Agni) leading to toxin (Ama) accumulation.
Symptoms
Pain: People with sandhigata vata usually complaints of joint pain ,after rest or periods of inactivity
Morning stiffness: that may last for a short period of time (may be less than 30 min).
Crepitus: The degeneration of cartilage and increased friction result in a crackling or grating sound during joint movement especially shoulder and knee joint.
Reduced mobility: A person may also complain of joint locking and joint instability.
Other symptoms may include joint swelling, decreased range of motion, and, when the back is affected, weakness or numbness of the arms and legs.
What happens in SANDHIGATA VATA
Due to imbalace of Vata dosha , the aggravated Vata gets accumulated in the joints leading to impairment of lubricating mechanism of the joint. The lack of lubrication increases friction between the bones leading to pain and further degradation of the joints. The body's response to this damage leads to inflammation and swelling in the joints.
Progression of Sandhigata Vata
Initial Stage:
Mild pain and stiffness.
Occasional discomfort in the joints, especially after activity or in cold weather.
Intermediate Stage:
Increased frequency and intensity of pain.
Mild swelling around the affected joint.
More pronounced stiffness and reduced joint mobility.
Crepitus becomes noticeable.
Advanced Stage:
Severe and constant pain.
Significant stiffness and difficulty in performing daily activities.
Severe swelling and joint deformity.
Marked reduction in joint function and range of motion.
Risk Factors
Older age : The risk of SANDHIGATA VATA increases with age.
Sex : Women are more likely to develop.
Obesity : Increased weight adds stress to weight-bearing joints, such as your hips and knees. Also, fat tissue produces proteins that can cause harmful inflammation in and around your joints.
People suffering from systemic disorders like DIABETES, HYPERPARATHYROIDISM and arthropathies like ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, TRAUMATIC ARTHRITIS, SEPTIC ARTHRITIS are also under risk of developing OSTEOARTHRITIS.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically based on signs and symptoms, with medical imaging like X rays and other tests used to support or rule out other problems.
Management of SANDHIGATA VATA : The Ayurvedic Promise
Ayurvedic management of SANDHIGATA VATA offers a non-invasive and holistic alternative to conventional treatments.
Ayurveda sees SANDHIGATA VATA not just as a physical ailment but as a disharmony of the TRIDOSHAS —specifically, the Vata dosha, the element that governs movement and flexibility of the body.
The goal is not merely to alleviate symptoms but to restore the body’s innate balance and vitality depending on the underlying CAUSE for the condition, the DOSHA involved and the individual's PRAKRITI.
To manage and prevent the aggravation of Sandhigata Vata, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that includes Panchakarma or detoxification procedures, dietary changes and lifestyle modifications to balance the imbalanced Vata dosha.
1. PANCHAKARMA THERAPIES or detoxification procedures
Various Panchakarma therapies like SNEHANA, SWEDANA, VIRECHANA and many more are tailored according to the individual's PRAKRITI, the predominant dosha imbalance, and the severity of the condition.
These treatments aim to detoxify the body, reduce inflammation and stiffness, improve joint health and flexibility thereby preventing further joint degeneration and promoting tissue regeneration.
Additional supportive treatments like PIZHICHIL, PATRA PINDA SWEDAM , CHOORNA PINDA SWEDAM, PICHU, UPANAHAM, LEPAM, DHARA and many more are also done to provide a holistic approach to manage SANDHIGATA VATA by addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying dosha imbalances and overall lifestyle factors.
2. Diet and nutrition
Include warm, well-cooked meals like soups, stews, and porridges in your diet.
Warm, cooked beets, carrots, asparagus and sweet potatoes are good choices for reducing Vata.
Choose natural mineral salt instead of common table salt for cooking.
Amongst fruits, go for melons, berries, summer squash, etc. Veggies such as zucchini, avocado, coconut and olives must be eaten along with a normal range of bottle gourd, ridge gourd and others.
Include healthy fats like ghee, sesame oil, and olive oil in your diet to lubricate joints.
Include spices like cardamom, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, mustard seed and black pepper in moderation.
Drink plenty of warm or room-temperature water throughout the day.
Eat at regular intervals to maintain digestive health and prevent Vata imbalance.
Avoid Vata-Aggravating Foods that are cold and dry, left over refrigerated foods.
Vegetables like radish, turnip, eggplant, raw onion, broccoli, cabbage,dark leafy greens, cauliflower, legumes like chicken pea, black eyed peas, black beans, soybeans and dark chocolates should be consumed in lesser quantities as these can aggravate Vata.
Reduce intake of bitter, astringent, and pungent tastes rich foods.
Avoid fruits like cranberries and pomegranate as they are capable of aggravating Vata.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
Engage in gentle, low-impact stretching YOGIC exercises like TADASANA, TRIKONASANA, VRIKSHASANA and many more simple asanas regularly in order to maintain or improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and support overall well-being.
Daily walking or swimming for 15-20 minutes can help in strengthening the muscles and improving flexibility of the joints.
Avoid excessive physical exertion that can aggravate Vata.
Maintain a regular daily schedule for waking, eating, and sleeping.
Ensure you get enough sleep and rest to rejuvenate your body.
Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness to reduce stress and anxiety.
Keep yourself warm, especially in cold weather.Use warm clothing and avoid exposure to cold and wind.
An integrative approach combining both external and internal Ayurvedic treatments is considered most effective for managing Sandhigata Vata. External therapies offer immediate relief from symptoms and enhance the quality of life, while internal medicines address the underlying imbalances, support long-term health, and prevent the progression of the disease.
Recovery time
The recovery time varies based on the severity of the condition. Generally patients can expect the following timelines:
Initial relief within 1-2 months
Intermediate progress within 3-6 months
Long term management 6 months and beyond
Precautions
Avoid repetitive motions and heavy lifting that can strain joints.
Take precautions to avoid joint injuries, such as using proper techniques during physical activities and wearing supportive footwear.
Maintain good digestive health to prevent the formation of toxins (Ama).
Follow a balanced diet and lifestyle to support digestive fire (Agni).
Opt for Warm, Cooked Foods.
Avoid Exposure to Cold.
Listen to your body and rest when you feel fatigued or experience increased pain.
Stay well-hydrated with warm water and herbal teas.
SAKALYA AYURVEDA opens the doors to a realm where healing is as natural as the earth beneath our feet. It’s a path that leads to rejuvenation, where each step is pain-free, and each movement is a celebration of life.
Embrace the Ayurvedic way and embark on your journey to joint health through SAKALYA AYURVEDA . Let the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda guide you back to a life of movement and joy. Dive into the world of holistic healing and discover how Ayurveda can transform your battle with joint pain into a victory dance of wellness. Start your journey today—your joints will thank you.
For more details or to know more about the condition and treatment please feel comfortable to call +91-9388099009 or mail sakalyahospital@gmail.com or chat online with our doctors through www.sakalya.com.
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