Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are common medical conditions that cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. They affect the joints and connective tissue around the body.
Arthritis is redness and swelling (inflammation) of the joints. Joints are located where 2 or more bones meet. There are more than 100 different inflammatory arthritis diseases. Rheumatic diseases include any conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles or bones. Arthritis usually lasts long (chronic).
Arthritis is most common in women than men. It is often associated with old age. But it mostly affects people of all ages.
The two most common types of arthritis are-Osteoarthritis- This type of arthritis is very common. It is a chronic disease of the joints, especially the weight-bearing joints of the knees, i.e. hips, and spine. This destroys the end caps of the bones (cartilage) and narrows the joint space. It can also cause bone overgrowth, bone spurs, and decreased function. This happens to most people in old age. It can also occur in young people due to injury or overuse.
Rheumatoid arthritis- It is an inflammatory disease of the synovial membrane (joint lining). Inflammation can affect any joint. Organs such as the heart or lungs can also be affected.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Most common arthritis symptoms include-- Pain in one or more joints that doesn't go away.
- Warmth and redness in one or more joints.
- Swelling of one or more joints.
- Stiffness in one or more joints.
- Difficulty moving one or more joints normally.
Treatment for Arthritis
There is no cure for arthritis. The goal of treatment is often to limit pain and inflammation and help restore joint function. Treatment options include-
Medications- Short-term pain and inflammation relievers may include pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Hot and cold- Pain can be reduced by applying moist heat (warm bath or shower) or dry heat (heating pad) to the joint. Pain and swelling can be reduced by applying cold (ice packs wrapped in a towel) to the joints.
Joint immobilization- Using a brace or splint can help the joint relax and protect it from further injury.
Massage- Gently massaging sore muscles can increase blood flow and warm the muscles.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)- Pain can be reduced with a TENS device. This device sends mild electrical pulses to nerve endings in the affected area. It blocks pain signals to the brain and changes the perception of pain.
Acupuncture- Use of thin needles that are inserted into specific points on the body. It can stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the nervous system. This procedure is performed by a licensed doctor.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Arthritis
When the condition is very severe or even chronic, Ayurvedic treatment for arthritis can significantly reduce its debilitating effects or help prevent it from getting worse. When the disease is an intermediate stage of a chronic illness, Ayurveda can help reverse the disease process and lead to a state of remission. In many cases, Ayurveda can actually offer a good cure for the disease.
Since the disease process is well understood in the nature of Ayurvedic science, there are home remedies for arthritis treatments using herbs that can be provided to cure the root cause of the disease. These Ayurvedic herbs are-
Turmeric- Turmeric or Haldi has long been valued for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda. It has the most important bioactive compound – curcumin. This compound exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can relieve and protect against arthritis pain and joint degeneration. Turmeric is considered to be the most effective Ayurvedic medication for joint pain. Just try consuming turmeric with black pepper, because this will help the absorption of curcumin.
Ginger- Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which are good and effective in natural treatment for arthritis.
Ajwain- Ajwain is rich in medicinal properties like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which are helpful in treating joint pain. For quick relief, simply add a teaspoon of ajwain to a bowl of warm water for soaking. This will provide some relief in ten minutes.
Shallaki- Shallaki has long been used in Ayurvedic medicines to treat osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis. It can be administered either orally or topically but is most effective as an oral medication. It has been shown to relieve joint pain by lowering inflammatory effects and reducing swelling. It also improves joint mobility.
Eucalyptus- Its heating energy calms Vata and strengthens Pitta. It improves circulation and metabolism and reduces internal chills. To treat arthritis joint pain, eucalyptus is mainly used in massage oils and balms for quick relief.
Nirgundi- Nirgundi is mainly for pain relief, particularly for the joints. This herb is mainly used as an oil, which is then massaged into the joints for quick relief. It has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects, which reduces joint pain and protects against joint degeneration.
Guggulu- Guggulu is considered effective for arthritis due to its strong anti-inflammatory effects. This traditional use of Guggulu in Ayurvedic medicines for arthritis is beneficial in reducing knee pain and improving mobility.
Best Ayurvedic Medicine for Arthritis
The best ayurvedic massage oil for arthritis is Sandi Karma Ayurvedic Massage Oil. This oil is made using herbal ingredients rich in medicinal properties like anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties which effectively heals joint degeneration and treats arthritis pain.
Another arthritis best ayurvedic medicine that you can try is Sandi Joint Karma Yog Ayurvedic Arthritis Medicine. The tablets are much effective in improving joint mobility as well as in reducing the pain, inflammation, and swelling of joints due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
