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Ayurvedic treatment of arthritis is safer


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Lila was the most active member of our community. She had always been a lively and outgoing person, but one day she started experiencing pain and stiffness in her joints that persisted over time. Suddenly she was no longer the free spirit, she used to be. She spent most of her time indoors and the pain made it hard for her to do simple tasks, affecting her mental health. Despite trying various treatments, Lila still faced challenges. Lila was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the young age of 45.


Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that cause joint inflammation, resulting in pain, and joint stiffness (1). Around 15% of Indian population suffer from arthritis, which is approximately around 18 crore Indians. Osteoarthritis is the most common type (2). It is more prevalent among women and increases with age. Contributing factors include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, poor nutrition, and lack of awareness (3).


Symptoms of Arthritis (1)


  • Joint pain, which may be worse during or after activity

  • Joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity

  • Difficulty moving the affected joint

  • Warmth or redness in the joint

  • Fatigue, fever and weight loss are seen in some cases


Treatment and management 


Currently, there is no cure for arthritis, however, there are various treatment options available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment for arthritis usually involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. When the condition becomes severe, your physician might recommend a joint replacement surgery (1).

Medications commonly used to manage arthritis include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Although these medications are proven to reduce pain and inflammation, they are often associated with serious side- effects. They are known to cause gastric ulcers and other acid peptic disorders. Furthermore, Osteoarthritis is mostly a disease of the elderly, who may also have other health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, which can complicate the treatment. There is a need for more effective and safer therapies that can slow down or stop the progression of the disease while being safer on the patient health (4,5).


Are there any natural remedies?


Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that believes arthritis is caused by an imbalance in the three doshas, especially Vata, which affects join movement. The imbalance in Vata dosha is known to cause dryness, stiffness, and pain in the joints (6).


Ayurvedic herbs such as turmeric, ginger, ashwagandha, and Boswellia are used traditionally for the treatment for arthritis. These natural ingredients are known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints (7-10).


Recent studies have found that Boswellia and its extract may significantly relieve pain and stiffness, and improve joint function in patients with osteoarthritis with improvements seen after 4 weeks of continuous treatment with at least 100-250 mg doses (4,9). Ayurvedic preparations with turmeric, ginger, ashwagandha, and Boswellia can be an effective alternative to manage the symptoms while controlling the progression of the disease. 

Rumalaya Forte is an Ayurvedic herbal supplement that is proven to support joint health and relieve joint pain and inflammation. The supplement contains a blend of natural ingredients, including Boswellia, Guggulu, Indian Bdellium, and Licorice, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (11). Along with the benefits in relieving pain and inflammation this preparation is safer compared to other modern pain killers and anti-inflammatory agents. 


The focus of this article is to educate readers and improve awareness about natural ayurvedic preparations that are considered to be safer compared to other analgesic preparations. Readers are advised to consult a doctor before considering any treatment recommendations. 

About the Author


Dr Geetika Gupta is a quirky wordsmith with a toothy grin. She has done her Bachelor of Dental surgery degree from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health sciences and is a gold medalist. Oral cancer, bone pathologies and implantology are some of her favorite topics. When she’s not busy filling cavities and perfecting smiles, she makes time to write articles on various healthcare topics.


References


  1. Arthritis Foundation. Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis. Accessed on: February 24, 2023. 

  2. Singh, A. et al. Burden of osteoarthritis in India and its states, 1990-2019: findings from the Global Burden of disease study 2019. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2022 Aug;30(8):1070-1078.

  3. Pal CP, Singh P, Chaturvedi S, et al. Epidemiology of knee osteoarthritis in India and related factors. Indian J Orthop. 2016 Sep;50(5):518-522.

  4. Yu G, Xiang W, Zhang T, et al. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 Jul 17;20(1):225. 

  5. The role of complementary and alternative medicines in osteoarthritis management. Hindawi. Available at: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/si/283786/ Accessed: February 24, 2023.

  6. Chopra A. Ayurvedic medicine and arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2000 Feb;26(1):133-44, x.

  7. Sharma D, Chaubey P, Suvarna V. Role of natural products in alleviation of rheumatoid arthritis-A review. J Food Biochem. 2021 Apr;45(4):e13673.

  8. Bannuru, R.R. et al. Efficacy of curcumin and Boswellia for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2018 Dec;48(3):416-429.

  9. Kunnumakkara, A.B. et al. Googling the Guggul (Commiphora and Boswellia) for Prevention of Chronic Diseases. Front Pharmacol. 2018 Aug 6;9:686.

  10. Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 Jul;34(3):255-62.

  11. Rastogi, S, Sivarama S.T, Kulkarni K.S. Evaluating the safety and efficacy of Rumalaya forte: A double-blind clinical trial,” Orthopaedics Today. 2003: (V), 1, 63-65.

Disclaimer


The matter published on this platform has been developed by independent medical writers from various healthcare backgrounds including members of MedWriters Alumni Network. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information, the authors, Rxnews team and its partners or agents, and sponsors shall not be responsible or in any way liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this blog article whether arising from negligence or otherwise, however or for any consequences arising therefrom. The inclusion and exclusion of any product do not mention that the publisher advocates or rejects its use generally or in any particular field or field. For any complaints or feedback please write to content@rxnews.in

 

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