What Causes Arthritis, and Can Ayurveda Help Manage Joint Pain Naturally?

Question

For the past year, I’ve been dealing with increasing arthritis pain, especially in my knees and fingers. Some days, it’s just mild stiffness, but other days, I can barely move without feeling discomfort. My doctor said it’s likely early-stage arthritis, but I don’t want to rely on painkillers for the rest of my life.

I’m trying to understand—what exactly causes arthritis? I know it’s related to inflammation in the joints, but is it always due to aging, or can diet, lifestyle, or genetics play a role? I’ve also heard that there are different types of arthritis, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis—how do you know which one you have?

Since I want to avoid long-term medication, I started looking into Ayurveda’s approach to arthritis. I read that Ayurveda sees arthritis as a Vata imbalance, which leads to dryness and stiffness in the joints. Are there Ayurvedic treatments that can help rebuild joint health instead of just masking the pain? I found that Ashwagandha, Boswellia (Shallaki), and Guggulu are supposed to be good for arthritis—has anyone tried these? Did they work?

Also, are there dietary changes that can help? I eat a lot of processed foods—could that be making my arthritis worse? Should I be avoiding certain foods and eating more anti-inflammatory ones?

If anyone has managed to reduce arthritis pain naturally, I’d love to hear what worked for you. Did you use herbs, change your diet, or follow a specific routine?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Arthritis, especially in its early stages, can be caused by various factors beyond aging, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle. Osteoarthritis (OA) is often due to wear and tear of the joints, while rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks its own joints. Identifying which type you have typically involves specific tests and symptoms like joint swelling, warmth, and morning stiffness, which are common in RA. In Ayurveda, arthritis is seen as a Vata imbalance, leading to dryness, stiffness, and pain in the joints. Ayurvedic treatments like Ashwagandha, Boswellia (Shallaki), and Guggulu are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may help restore joint function. These herbs, combined with practices like regular oil massages (e.g., Mahanarayan oil) and yoga, can improve mobility and reduce discomfort. Diet plays a major role as well—processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats can increase inflammation, so adopting an anti-inflammatory diet with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like omega-3s from flaxseeds or walnuts) could help manage symptoms. For anyone who has found relief naturally, consistent changes in diet, exercise, and herbal remedies have been effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life.

What Causes Arthritis, and Can Ayurveda Help Manage Joint Pain Naturally? - #15640

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