Osteoarthritis of knees for the last 15 years - #26715
I am 75 years old and suffering from osteoarthritis of knees for the last 15 years. Please advise aryuvedic medicine. I have been advisedkk knee replacement. My weight is 73 kg. I don't take any pain killer but manage with regular exercise
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Doctors’ responses
Hello Ram ji,
Think of your knee joint as a cushion system where bones move smoothly over each other because of a slippery layer called Cartilage. In osteoarthritis, , this cartilage is significantly worn down so, -the bones start rubbing against each other - you feel pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes a crackling sound - walking, bending, or even standing becomes painful - your muscles around the knee weaken, worsening the pain - the joint may also look swollen or slightly bent
In Ayurveda, this is seen as Sandhivata, where Vata dosha(the energy controlling movement and dryness) becomes imbalanced, drying up the natural lubrication of joints.
WHAT GRADE 2-3 MEANS(assuming garde 3 OA because dr suggest you operation) -cartilage is mostly damaged -joint space is narrowed -pain is constant during movement - swelling or inflammation may be visible - may start affecting posture or balance -you may still avoid surgery with strict and consistent treatment
ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA, this condition occurs due to -vata aggravation-too much dryness and coldness in the body - low digestion power(agni) leading to toxin (ama) formation -weak joints and bones - asthi dhatu kshaya - lifestyle habits that dry out the body and increase wear and tear
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) YOGARAJ GUGGULU= 2 tabs twice daily after food with lukewarm water = anti-inflammatory, vata balancing
2) MAHARASNADI KASHAYA= 15 ml with warm water twice daily before meals =joint pain and stiffness
3) SHALLAKI= 1 tab 500 g twice daily after meals with lukewarm water = natural painkiller slows cartilage loss
4) ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm milk at bedtime =strengthens bones, muscle relaxant
5) GUDUCHI CAPSULES = 2 cap daily in morning = immunomodulatory, detoxifier
6) PUNARNAVA MANDUR= 1 tab twice daily after meals = reduces swelling improves circulation
EXTERNAL TREATMENT
1) OIL MASSAGE= MAHANARAYAN TAILA -warm oil application with gentle massage daily -promotes circulation and reduces stiffness
2) STEAM THERAPY -after massage give steam for better absorption -reduces inflammation, opens channels
PACHAKARMA ADVISED -BASTI THERAPY= most effective vat treatment, lubricates joints internally -JANU BASTI= warm medicated oil is retained over nee joint
DIET -warm, cooked food only-never eat cold or raw food -Ghee- 1 tsp / day(natural joint lubricant) - soups- bone broth, vegetables or moong dal soup with ginger - green vegetables= steamed or lightly sauteed -grains= wheat, rice, barley, millets- warm and soft - Milk- warm cows milk with turmeric or ashwagandha -spices= turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin, ajwain= helps digestion and inflammation -Fruits= ripe bananas, papaya, apples-stewed, figs
AVOID THESE STRICTLY -cold items= refrigerated food, cold water, ice cream -dry foods= popcorn, dry toast, chips, crackers -sour curd and yogurt= especially at night(it increases inflammation) -too much salt or sugar - nightshade vegetables in excess= like brinjal, tomato, potatoes -alcohol and smoking-they dry joints and worsen degenration -fermented food- pickles, vinegar
LIFESTYLE- DAILY HABITS -gentle walking or yoga every day- keep moving but avoid strain -use knee cap for support if walking is painful -take warm water sips throughout the day-helps vata and digestion -keep body warm-avoid exposure to cold air or water -practice slow deep breathing or meditation-reduces pain sensitivity -sleep early-helps tissue repair
AVOID -sitting in the same position for too long -high-impact exercises= like jumping, running, stairs - sleeping late at night -daytime naps= especially after heavy meals - sudden jerky movements -stress=it increases pain perception and vata imbalance
HOME REMEDIES -turmeric milk= 1 cup at bedtime -fenugreek seeds soaked overnight= eat in the morning -garlic in ghee= chew 1-2 cloves cooked in ghee = good for joints -castor oil= 1 tsp before bed once a week as mild detox
YOGA ASANA -tadasana -vrikshasana -setu bandhasana -supta padangusthasana -ananda balasana -marjariasana
SIMPLE STRENGTHENING EXERCISES -quad sets=10-15 reps -heel slides=10 reps each side - seated leg raises= 5-10 reps - ankle rotations -wall support squats
GRADE 3 OA does not mean surgery is your only option. but it does require consistent effort in: -Diet -Daily movement -Ayurvedic medicines -Local external therapy
You can definitely experience relief from pain, better mobility and delay or avoid surgery for years if you manage it and follow this consistently
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Ram It’s great that you manage it by exercise Just add 1) lukewarm bala tell---- for local aplication before doing exercises
2) syp. maharasnayograj gugulu 15ml+45ml lukewarm water Subha sham khane ke baad
3) syp.sandhaniya mahakashye 15ml+15ml lukewarm water subha sham khane ke baad
For 15 day’s
Result will be visible within 7-10 day’s
Hey Mahayograja guggulu 2 tab twice a day, after meal Rasanadi kwatha 20ml + 20 ml water twice a day, after meal Guggulu tiktak ghrita 1 tsp twice a day Mahanaryan taila+Mahamamsa taila - for local appllication Dashmoola kwatha- steaming the affect area Eranda patra +dashmoola=Hot foementation
Advice: Please visit you nearby Panchkarma centre for therapies like janu basti, snehan swadan, basti. These will provide better results.
Yeah it’s better to avoid painkillers at this age You can start on Yograj guggulu Peedantaka vati- 1 tab each twice daily after food with lukewarm water Mahanarayana taila- gentle massage over knees Avoid spicy sour cold foods Drink plenty of fluids If possible do walking regularly
Ayurveda views osteoarthritis (known as Sandhigata Vata) as a condition resulting from the imbalance of Vata Dosha. The dry, degenerative nature of Vata leads to the erosion of cartilage and the drying of synovial fluid in the joints. Your current management with regular exercise and avoiding painkillers is commendable and aligns with certain Ayurvedic principles.
Here are some general Ayurvedic approaches and remedies that are often suggested for osteoarthritis, categorized for clarity.
1. Diet and Lifestyle (Ahar Vihar) Vata-Pacifying Diet: Focus on warm, cooked, and easy-to-digest foods. Include healthy fats like ghee, sesame oil, and olive oil. Avoid cold, dry, raw, and processed foods.
Hydration: Drink warm water throughout the day.
Spices: Incorporate anti-inflammatory spices like ginger, turmeric, and black pepper into your meals.
Rest: Ensure adequate rest and avoid overexertion.
Exercise: Continue with your regular, gentle exercises. Yoga postures like Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose) can be benefit
2. Herbal Remedies (Aushadhi) Herbal remedies are often a cornerstone
3. External Therapies (Snehana and Svedana)
Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Regular self-massage with warm herbal oils is highly recommended. Oils like Mahanarayana Taila or Sahacharadi Taila can help to lubricate the joints, reduce stiffness, and pacify Vata.
Pinda Sveda (Hot Poultice Fomentation): This involves applying a heated poultice of herbs and rice to the affected joints. It helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Janu Basti: This is a specialized treatment where a reservoir of warm herbal oil is created around the knee joint using a dough ring. This allows the oil to penetrate deep into the tissues, providing nourishment and reducing pain.
4. Panchakarma Therapy
For chronic and severe cases, a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner may suggest Panchakarma therapies. These are detoxification and rejuvenation procedures that can provide significant relief.
Virechana (Purgation): This helps to eliminate toxins from the body, which can be a contributing factor to joint pain.
Basti (Herbal Enema): Medicated enemas are considered a primary treatment for Vata disorders and can be highly effective in nourishing the joints and reducing pain.
Regarding Knee Replacement Surgery
Given your age, weight, and the duration of your condition, it is understandable that knee replacement has been advised. Ayurveda can be a supportive therapy, but it is essential to have a realistic understanding of its limitations. While Ayurvedic treatments can help manage pain, improve joint mobility, and delay the progression of the disease, they may not be a complete cure for advanced degenerative changes.
Preventive Measures:
Avoiding or minimizing the use of Tikta, Kashaya, Karu rasa and sheeta virya ahara especially
Rasayan Sevana (intake of rejuvenation medicine) before 45 years
Regular practice of Abhyanga (massage)
Navarakhizi (Rice pudding massage) or Phizichil (Oil pouring) once in year after 40 years of age
Avoiding jerky movements
Avoiding continuous and excessive use of one joint
Avoid long standing, walking long distance
Maintaining a healthy weight may be the single most important thing you can do to prevent osteoarthritis
Protect your joints from serious injury or repeated minor injuries to decrease your risk of damaging cartilage
Exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Light- to moderate-intensity physical activity may prevent a decline in, and may even restore, health and function.
1) Amritadi/Punarnavadi Guggulu 2 tab. Before food ; 3times with Hot water
2 ) Chopachini Churna-1gm Pippalimula churna-½ gm Amalaki churna -1gm Gokshura churna-1 gm Shilajatu-250mg Guduchi Churna-1gm After food 3 times with Triphala Kashya 20ml+1tsf Madhu
3) Cap. Seacod 2 tab 2 times; after food with Water
Don’t worry,
You’ll definitely get Amazing results 😊 First of all avoid vatavardhak ahar vihar like excessive spicy,bitter, astringent food,pea,brinjal, cauliflower etc.
And start taking these medications,
1.Maharasnadi kwath 20ml with equal amount of Lukewarm water empty stomach twice in a day. 2.Mahayograj guggulu 2-0-2 for chewing 3.Tab.Rumalaya forte 1-1-1 4.vednahar vati 1-1-1
JANU BASTI WITH KSHEERBALA TAILAM FOLLOWED BY MILD FOMENTATION WITH DASHMOOL KASHAYAM ×15DAYS.
Follow up after 15 days.
TAKE CARE😊
Start Yograj guggul 1-0-1 after food with water Maharasnadi ghanvati 1-0-1 after food with Mahavatvidhvansh vati 1-0-1 after food with water Avipattikar tablet 1-0-1 after food with water Massage with mahanarayan oil twice daily. Avoid sour fermented foods.
Managing osteoarthritis, especially after 15 years, requires a comprehensive approach integrating Ayurvedic principles. Given your situation, considering Ayurveda to support your joint health alongside modern recommendations like knee replacement might be beneficial. First, it’s vital to acknowledge Vata dosha’s involvement in joint health, often aggravated in osteoarthritis. To pacify Vata, apply warm sesame oil to your knees daily in circular motions, ideally in the morning or before bath. This helps in improving circulation and reduces stiffness.
Internally, a classical formulation like ‘yograj guggulu’ may help. It balances Vata and supports joint health, but it’s essential to consult a local Ayurvedic practitioner for tailored advice before starting any medication. Ashwagandha and Shatavari powders, mixed in equal parts, taken with warm milk can nourish the dhatus (tissues), enhancing your body’s ability to handle stress on the joints.
Incorporate nirgundi (Vitex negundo) leaves paste on the knee joints, left for about 30 minutes daily. It can help reduce inflammation and pain. Also, introducing a simple diet that is light, warm, and cooked is crucial. Avoid cold, dry, and heavy foods, instead focus on steamed vegetables, lentil soups, and whole grains.
Continued regular exercise is good, but ensure it’s within your comfort zone, focusing on low impact activities like gentle yoga or walking, to keep the momentum without overstraining your knees.
Avoid using cold water on the knees directly as it might exacerbate Vata-related issues. Consider herbal teas like ginger or turmeric, renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, consumed twice daily to support overall inflammation reduction.
Remember, while Ayurveda provides supportive care, it shouldn’t deter critical medical interventions if deemed necessary by professionals. Stay attentive to changes in symptoms, and regular evaluations with healthcare providers is essential to manage the osteoarthritis effectively.
Given your long-standing experience with osteoarthritis, it is essential to address both the symptoms and underlying imbalances to manage your condition effectively. In Siddha-Ayurveda, osteoarthritis is often seen as a result of aggravated Vata dosha, which affects the bone tissue (asthi dhatu) among other systems.
To manage Vata and support joint health, you might consider starting with the herbal decoction of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) and Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). Prepare a decoction by boiling 5 grams of the dried herbs in a cup of water until it reduces to half, and consume it twice daily. This can aid in reducing inflammation and pain.
Additionally, you may apply Mahanarayan oil or Dhanwantharam thailam gently massaged onto the knees before a bath. Following with a warm compress can help improve local circulation and relieve stiffness.
In terms of dietary suggestions, favor warm, cooked foods and increase your intake of ginger and turmeric, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Consider a teaspoon of Ashwagandha churna mixed with warm milk at bedtime, which may support overall strength and bone health.
Maintain your regular physical activity, but ensure it’s gentle on your knees—swimming or cycling can be beneficial. Given your situation and the suggestion of knee replacement, it’s crucial to keep in mind that while these remedies may offer relief, they might not substitute for surgical interventions if deemed necessary by your healthcare provider. Ensure regular consultations to monitor the condition closely.
HELLO ,
patient with severe knee pain, liquid between knee is degenerated , ayurvedic treatment focus on reducing pain and inflammation, improving mobility and prevent further degeneration.
AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT
1) EXTERNAL TREATMENT
OIL MASSAGE= PINDA TAILA -daily or attest 4-5 times a week =reduces stiffness and improves lubrication of joints
POTALI SWEDANA -use herbal poultice prepared with erandamoola, nirgundi, area leaves -apply after oil massage =enhances circulation and reduces swelling
JANU BASTI(oil pooling on knee joint) -oils= ksheerbala taila -for 7-14 days regularly =created deep tissue nourishment and pain relief
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) SHALLAKI = 1cap twice daily after meals =anti inflammatroy
2) MAHAYOGARAJ GUGGULU= 1 tab twice daily after meals = useful in chronic joint pain
3) DASHMOOLA KASHAYA= 30 ml twice daily before meals with warm water = reduces inflammation
4) RASNADI KASHAYA= 15 ml twice daily after meals with warm water =helps in pain and swelling
5) ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 5 gm with warm milk at night = strengthens muscles ,reduces stress
6) TRAYODASHANGA GUGGULU= 1 tab twice daily after meals =strengthens joints, relieves stiffness
PANCHAKARMA IF FEASIBLE -basti chikitsa -kati basti -janu basti -virechana
LIFESTYLE AND DIET DO’S -Warm foods, soups, herbal teas - cooked vegetables with ghee -gentle yoga= pawanmuktasana, tadasana, setubandhasana -keep knee warm, avoid exposure to cold
DON’TS - avoid curd, refrigerated food, fried food, and sour substances - avoid excessive walking or climbing stairs - avoid sitting on floor
If denerative degeneration, joint deformity, and unmanageable pain persist after 3-6 months of this treatment TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT may be considered
TREATMENT DURATION
initial relief= 2-4 weeks sustainable improvement= 3-6 months of consistent therapy maintainance- long term support with diet and rejuvination
THANK YOU
DR. HEMANSHU MEHTA
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