Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis, affecting millions of individuals across the globe. It’s caused by a range of aspects including obesity, injury, and aging bones and presents symptoms like joint stiffness, tenderness, bone spurs, swelling, loss of flexibility, and pain. Treatment varies depending on the affected joint – whether it’s the back, neck, wrist, or hip – and included exercise and medication.

As mentioned earlier, factors like age, injury, and obesity can increase the risk of getting osteoarthritis. Sex, genetics, bone deformities, repeated stress on the joint, and certain metabolic diseases can also put one at risk. Osteoarthritis is degenerative and worsens with time – leading to chronic pain. Conventional treatments mainly focus on relieving symptoms and enhancing the functionality of the joint. Patients may need different (or a combination) of treatments before determining what works for them. In most cases, the doctors will prescribe medications like painkillers or NSAIDs, counterirritants, DMARDs, corticosteroids, and biologic response modifiers.

Osteoarthritis Ayurveda treatment involves the use of three modalities, including herbal treatments, yoga, and meditation, to address the condition.
Ayurveda provides a different herbal treatment for addressing osteoarthritis. The herbs present incredible anti-inflammatory properties, minus the side effects that are usually associated with the medications. As an example, Ayurvedic therapy can be as effective is addressing osteoarthritis of the knee as glucosamine and Celebrex, but with fewer side effects.

So, is Ayurveda good for osteoarthritis?

Ayurveda is the oldest medical system in the globe, and by far, the most used form of non-allopathic medication in India. Today, it is also widely practiced in North America and European countries and is one of the fastest-growing complementary and alternative medicines worldwide.

The herbs turmeric, Boswellia, ginger, ashwagandha, Guggulu, Shatavari, and Triphala have all shown to reduce inflammation by altering the production of the body’s inflammatory chemicals.

While numerous new treatments for different forms of osteoarthritis have been identified, they present various drawbacks like excessive side effects, lack of efficacy, and high cost. And since osteoarthritis requires the patient to be on treatment for the rest of their lives, the importance of having a safe, friendly, effective, and cheap treatment can never be overemphasised. This explains the uptake of Ayurveda herbs across the globe.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, Ayurved

• Encourages patients to love themselves
• Provides a nurturing approach to being healthy
• Gives a patient a greater understanding of their place in life
• Helps patients learn to clear up energy
• Provides better health a cellular level
• Offers a full circle philosophy
• Reduces toxins in the body
• Facilitates stronger digestion
• Minimises stress and provides a greater sense of well-being

Conclusion

Ayurveda uses herbs, Panchakarma treatments , yoga, meditation, and exercises to encourage good health. The ancient medicine is also effective in treating osteoarthritis.