Osteoarthritis is known as degenerative arthritis or a degenerative joint disease called Sandigata Vata in Ayurveda.

It is the most common kind of Arthritis because it’s usually caused by the wear and tear on a joint over a lifetime and causing pain, swelling and stiffness as bones rub together causing the gradual degeneration of the body. It is most usually found in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. The physical disability stemming from pain and loss of functional ability reduces the quality of life and rises in additional morbidity.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the second most common rheumatologic problem and it is the most regular joint disease with a prevalence of 22% to 39% in India. OA is observed more in women than in men. Closely, 45% of women over the age of 65 years have signs while 70% of those over 65 years show radiological evidence of OA.

Factors that lead to osteoarthritis include Heredity, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, joint overuse, and injury. Patients who already have rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis overlap with Rheumatoid arthritis, so it is necessary to schedule a consultation with a qualified physician who can diagnose your situation perfectly.

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis possess:

• Pain: During joint movement.
• Joint Stiffness and crepitation: Joint Stiffness after a period of not moving, such as in the morning or after sitting for a long time followed by crepitus is a distinct crackling and creaking sound during joint movement along with pain.
• Muscle weakness: Surrounding the arthritic joint, only for arthritis in the knee.
• Swelling: They will feel delicate and sore when osteoarthritis induces swelling in joints.
• Deformed joints: As rapid progress in osteoarthritis, joints may start to look crooked or misshapen.
• Less range of motion

Stages of Osteoarthritis

Stage 1 – Minor

Stage 1 Osteoarthritis patients will move to very minor wear & tear and bone spur growths at the end of the knee joints. However, at this stage, it is doubtful to feel pain or discomfort.

Stage 2 – Mild

In Stage 2, X-rays of knee joints will reveal more bone spur growth, though the gap between the bones seems normal, people will start fronting signs of joint pain. Normally, the area near the knee joints will feel stiff and uncomfortable, especially when sitting for a long period, after rising in the morning, or after a workout, even cartilage and soft tissues are in fit condition.

Stage 3 – Moderate

Stage 3 is where there is clear erosion to the cartilage surface between bones and fibrillation contracts the gap between the bones. Bones advances to create spurs at the joints as it becomes rougher.

With the rise of osteoarthritis of the knee, there is clear joint inflammation which induces frequent pain when walking, running, squatting, extending, or kneeling. Along with joint immobility after sitting for long or when waking up in the morning, there may be popping or snapping sounds when walking.

Stage 4 – Severe

During this stage the joint gap between the bones is greatly reduced, causing the cartilage to wear off, leaving the joint stiff. The breakdown of cartilage obliterates the soft tissue around the joint leading to a chronic inflammatory response, with reduced synovial fluid that induces friction, greater pain, and pain when walking or moving the joint.

The progressive stage of the disease shows the development of more spurs generating severe pain, which causes even everyday chores, including walking and descending stairs a challenge.

Ayurveda for Osteoarthritis Treatment

Ayurveda has concentrated not only on structural western diagnosis, but also evaluates the causative factors like physiological, metabolic, excretory, and mental functions, lifestyle, food habits, and other factors which direct to formation and progress of OA.

Ayurveda’s goal for Osteoarthritis treatment is not only to manage symptoms but also to stop disease progression, decrease disability, enhance the quality of life, and also to set right the above-said causative factors which lead to the formation of OA.
For Osteoarthritis, Ayurveda has widespread treatments based on the severity and stages of the disease from mild to severe.

Here are a few of the best medicines for Osteoarthritis in Ayurveda:

Ligacare, MSM (M) – Supports in Osteoarthritis and Knee Pain

This blend is clinically proven, safe, and effective. It is 100% natural, of tropical use, and a plant-based oil serums for Osteoarthritis and Knee pain. Useful for all ages, this powerful blend has properties that help in Osteoarthritis. A unique blend of pure steam-distilled therapeutic-grade plant extracts stimulates circulation, relaxation, and comfort in knee joints.

MSM(M) and Ligacare oil serum blends are also useful in the following:

• Supports reduction in pain on movement
• Supports reduction in stiffness
• Supports reduction in inflammation and swelling
• Ease in movement
• Improved joint health
• Clinically proven

It’s main ingedients are: 

Ligacare 

It is predominantly a blend of Cymbopogon Citratus, Origanum Majorana, Mentha Spicata, Citrus Limon, Ocimum Sanctum, Ricinus Communis, Sesamum Indicum, Helianthus Annuus, and other natural plant oils.

This joint pain oil is a unique blend of pure steam distilled therapeutic grade plant extracts that stimulate circulation and relax and comfort joint pain. Useful for all ages, this powerful blend has properties that help in pain management of different joints. The advantages of using this almost magical plant oil blend are many –it aids the healing process in a natural and holistic manner without any unwelcome side effects .

MSM (M) 

MSM(M) is predominantly a blend of Mentha Spicata, Ocimum Basilicum, Origanum Majorana, Thymus Srpyllum, Cedrus Deodara, helianthus Annuus, and Coconut.

To Conclude

Ayurveda has multiple medicines and therapies to offer in the treatment of osteoarthritis. These possess yoga, meditation, and the proper use of herbal therapies. These modalities offer their benefits without the substantial risks associated with conventional medical treatments. By treating the underlying imbalances and by integrating body, mind, and spirit, we can create a better connection to Self and a better sense of fitness and enjoyment.