How To Prevent Osteoarthritis In Hands With Ayurveda?

Osteoarthritis is defined as condition of progressive rheumatic disorder and this condition is mainly characterised by degeneration of articular cartilages. It is one of most common rheumatic disorders and it can affect all the joints and bones in human body. Osteoarthritis in hands can cause pain, tenderness and inflammation of joints and bones of hands. All the symptoms further lead to difficulty and immobility of hands.
Osteoarthritis in hands is very commonly prevalent and costly disease of today’s modern society. If not treated on time it will lead to more serious and life threatening complications. Cartilage in human body is composed of collagen fibre and other substances. Cartilages together make strong and flexible connective tissue in human body. The disease covers both ends of bones. Major destruction of the cartilage is responsible for causing osteoarthritis in hands and other joints and bones in human body. When this condition becomes more chronic it leads to change in shape and function of bones and joints in hands. With period of long time person is not able to do any normal functioning.

According to Ayurveda sandhivata is the ayurvedic term used for osteoarthritis. In this disease both joints (sandhi) and bones (asthi) are involved. When a person is taking dry and rough foods, vata dosha get accumulated in body. This vitiated vata dosha along with rakta dhatu (blood) is distributed to all the synovial joints of body. Due to accumulation of this vitiated vata dosha causes pain, inflammation, tenderness and stiffness of body joints and bones. It causes serious dryness and inflammation that finally leads to the degeneration of cartilages that supports body joints and bones. This condition is called sandivata or osteoarthritis.

Symptoms –

• Severe pain
• Difficulty in moving hands
• Stiffness
• Inflammation
• Person is not able to grip anything
• Tenderness around wrist joint
• Difficulty in moving and bending fingers

Causes-

Growing age, injuries, overuse of body joints, infections, rheumatoid arthritis, overweight and regular use of steroidal medicines are the major cause responsible for osteoarthritis in hands. Genetics also play very important role in onset of this disease.

Herbal remedies for preventing osteoarthritis in hands-

Azaraqui capsule, Dyogesic liniment, Gulvalex capsule and Painostat capsule are the herbal remedies for treating osteoarthritis in hands available at YamunaPharmacy. All these herbal remedies are made by using pure extracts obtained from natural herbs of Ayurveda. Herbs used in these herbal remedies are anti-inflammatory in nature that helps to reduce excessive inflammation and tenderness. Regular use of these herbal remedies helps to reduce pain and give long term relief. Herbs used in these herbal remedies help to treat the root cause of this disease. All these remedies help to improve the health of cartilages, bones and joints.

All the products of Yamuna Pharmacy are safe to use for every age group because all products are free from harmful action of chemicals, colours and preservatives. Products of Yamuna Pharmacy are formulated under supervision of Ayurveda doctors and made by following Ayurveda principles.

Herbal remedies for preventing osteoarthritis with full ingredient details-

1. Gulvalex capsule- Gulvalex capsule of Yamuna Pharmacy is very effective herbal remedy to fight against this problem of osteoarthritis in hands. Guduchi is one effective herb of Ayurveda used to prepare this herbal remedy for osteoarthritis in hands. Regular use of this herb helps to stimulate our immune system. Anti-oxidant properties of this herb help to eliminate harmful toxins and free radicals that cause inflammation and pain in joints. It is best herb of Ayurveda that fight against high grade fevers,inflammations and chronic infections. Regular use of this remedy helps to improve our natural strength and physical stamina. It also helps to heal internal inflammations and injuries.
   Dosage– 1 to 2 capsules twice or thrice daily for better results and quick healing.
2. Azaraqi extule capsule-  Kupilu, Nirgundi ghan, Ekangveer rasa, Erandamool,Sameerpanag rasa, Mahavat vidvansan rasa, Ashwagandha and Yograj guggulu and compounds are the herbs used to formulate this herbal remedy for osteoarthritis in hands. Anti-inflammatory nature of all these herbs helps to reduce chronic inflammation and stiffness. Sedative and analgesic nature of herbs helps to reduce killing pain of body bones and joints. Regular use of this remedy helps to improve the mobility of joints. It is very effective remedy that acts against rheumatism, arthritis, neuralgia and sciatica. Regular intake helps to promote the overall health of all body bones and joints.
   Dosage– capsule thrice daily for better results.
3. Dynogesic liniment- Cinamomum camphora, Mentha virdis, Eucalyptus globulus, Pinus longifolia and Wintergreen oil are the herbal ingredients used to prepare this herbal remedy for osteoarthritis in hands. Regular use of this herbal remedy over painful bones and joints of hands help to relieve excessive inflammation and improve the movements of joints. It is beneficial remedy that acts against arthritis, cervical spondylitis, sciatica, lumbago, and for stiff joints due to sports injury. It is also used to reduce muscular pain and post-delivery aches. It is also used to relieve sprains and strains. It is applied externally to treat stiffness of neck and also good for frozen shoulder.
   Mode of application– Take little quantity of Dynogesic liniment on your palm and massage it gently on the painful muscles and joints of hand. Apply 2-3 times a day for better results. Avoid its contact to eye and other delicate parts of body.
4. Painostat capsule- Shodhit Kupilu, Nirgundi ghan, Ekangveer rasa, Erandamool,Sameerpanag rasa, Mahavat vidvansan rasa, Ashwagandha and Yograj guggulu are the Ayurveda herbs used in the formulation of this herbal remedy for osteoarthritis in hands. Regular use of this remedy helps to reduce inflammation and severe pain in all body joints. Regular use of this herbal remedy helps to relieve musculoskeletal pain. It is very beneficial remedy for rheumatic disorders and it is used to treat arthritis, neuralgia and sciatica. Piercing nature of herbs helps to flush out all the toxins and harmful radical that causes inflammation and injury to cartilages in body. Its regular use not only helps to relieve pain but is also good to improve overall health of body joints and bones.
   Dosage– 1 capsule thrice daily to reduce excessive pain and inflammation of joints and bones.

Preventing Osteoarthritis in Hands with Ayurveda

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. When it occurs in the hands, it can make daily tasks like gripping, writing, or typing difficult. Ayurveda addresses osteoarthritis through a holistic approach, focusing on balancing the doshas (particularly Vata), improving joint health, and reducing inflammation.

Here’s how Ayurveda helps in preventing and managing osteoarthritis in the hands:

1. Understanding the Causes of Osteoarthritis in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, Osteoarthritis is typically linked to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which governs movement and flexibility in the body. When Vata becomes aggravated (due to factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, aging, or environmental conditions), it can lead to dryness, stiffness, and degeneration of the joint tissues.

Other factors contributing to OA in Ayurveda include:

• Ama (toxins) accumulation: Improper digestion (low Agni) leads to the creation of toxins in the body, which accumulate in the joints.

• Vitiated Pitta: Increased heat and inflammation in the joints (Pitta imbalance) can contribute to pain and swelling.

• Overuse of Joints: Repetitive strain on the hands, poor posture, or injury can exacerbate osteoarthritis.

• Ageing: As we age, Vata increases in the body, leading to a higher risk of joint degeneration.

2. Ayurvedic Principles for Preventing Osteoarthritis

The Ayurvedic approach to preventing and managing osteoarthritis in the hands focuses on balancing the doshas, improving joint health, and reducing inflammation and pain. Here’s how it can be done:

2.1 Diet for Joint Health (Rasayana Diet)

A Vata-pacifying diet is essential to reduce joint degeneration and prevent the onset of osteoarthritis. Foods that are warm, moist, nourishing, and lubricating help maintain joint health.

• Foods to Include:

  • Healthy Fats: Ghee, olive oil, and coconut oil are excellent for lubrication and improving joint mobility.

  • Warm, Cooked Foods: These are easier to digest and help soothe Vata. Incorporate soups, steamed vegetables, and lentils.

  • Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets provide grounding and nourishment to the body and joints.

  • Omega-3 Rich Foods: Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and fish (if non-vegetarian) to reduce inflammation.

  • Anti-inflammatory Spices: Spices like turmeric, ginger, and cumin have anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent cartilage degeneration.

  • Warm Milk with Turmeric: Drinking a glass of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric (Haldi) at night can reduce inflammation and promote healing.

• Foods to Avoid:

  • Cold and Dry Foods: Avoid excess consumption of cold foods, raw salads, and processed or frozen foods as they can aggravate Vata and lead to stiffness.

  • Excess Salt: Too much salt can cause Pitta imbalance, leading to inflammation in the joints.

  • Refined Sugars: They promote the formation of Ama (toxins), which can aggravate joint pain.

2.2 Herbal Remedies to Strengthen Joints and Reduce Pain

Ayurveda has numerous herbs that support joint health, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation to the joints.

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric can reduce pain and swelling in osteoarthritis.

  • How to Use: Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder to warm milk or water and drink it daily. You can also use turmeric oil for massaging the joints.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps reduce stress, improves muscle strength, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is beneficial for joint health and reducing stiffness.

  • How to Use: Take 1/2 teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder with warm milk or water, especially in the evening.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate joint pain and swelling. It also promotes circulation to the joints.

  • How to Use: Make ginger tea by boiling slices of fresh ginger in water, or add fresh ginger to your diet.

• Boswellia (Boswellia serrata): Known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects, Boswellia helps in reducing joint pain, stiffness, and improving mobility.

  • How to Use: Boswellia is available in capsule or powder form, and the recommended dosage is usually 500 mg twice a day.

• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Fenugreek seeds are known for their ability to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.

  • How to Use: Soak 1-2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds overnight and consume them in the morning, or make a paste from fenugreek powder and apply it to painful areas.

• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): This herb is known to balance Vata and Pitta, and it can help strengthen tissues, soothe the joints, and improve flexibility.

  • How to Use: Take 1 teaspoon of Shatavari powder with warm water or milk twice daily.

2.3 Ayurvedic Oils for Joint Massage

Ayurveda uses oil massage (Abhyanga) to soothe the joints, reduce stiffness, and improve circulation. The oils can be infused with herbs to enhance their therapeutic effects.

• Mahanarayan Oil: A well-known Ayurvedic oil for joint health, it contains a blend of herbs such as turmeric, ginger, and ashwagandha. It helps reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

  • How to Use: Warm some Mahanarayan oil and gently massage it onto the affected areas of the hands. Massage for about 10-15 minutes, ideally before bedtime.

• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is a warming oil that helps soothe the dry and stiff joints. It also nourishes the tissues and lubricates the joints.

  • How to Use: Warm sesame oil and massage it into your hands and joints. You can also mix turmeric powder with the oil for added anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce swelling and alleviates pain in the joints.

  • How to Use: Mix 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and massage it into the affected joints.

2.4 Panchakarma (Detoxification) Therapies

• Basti (Medicated Enema): In Ayurveda, Basti is considered one of the most effective treatments for Vata disorders. It helps flush out toxins (Ama) and balances Vata, improving overall joint health.

• Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Regular oil massages with Vata-balancing oils like sesame oil or Mahanarayan oil help promote circulation, reduce stiffness, and nourish the joints.

• Swedana (Steam Therapy): Steam therapy can open up the pores, relax the muscles, and improve circulation, which is beneficial for people with osteoarthritis.

3. Lifestyle Recommendations for Preventing Osteoarthritis

• Stay Active: Regular exercise is essential to maintain joint health. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and yoga are excellent for improving joint mobility without putting strain on the joints.

  • Yoga Poses for Joint Health: Gentle stretches like Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Badhakonasana (Butterfly Pose), and Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) can help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Carrying excess weight places extra pressure on the joints, especially in the hands, knees, and hips. Maintaining an ideal weight helps reduce the risk of joint degeneration.

• Posture and Ergonomics: Be mindful of your posture when sitting, typing, or doing any activity. Ensure that your hands and wrists are in a neutral position to prevent strain on the joints.

• Adequate Rest: While physical activity is important, ensure to get enough rest to prevent overexertion. Chronic strain can increase the risk of joint inflammation.

• Stay Hydrated: Adequate water intake helps in lubricating the joints and reducing the risk of stiffness. Drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Conclusion

Ayurveda provides a comprehensive, natural approach to preventing osteoarthritis in the hands by balancing the Vata dosha, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall joint health. By incorporating a Vata-pacifying diet, herbal remedies, regular oil massages, and lifestyle changes, you can maintain the flexibility and health of your hands and joints, preventing the onset or progression of osteoarthritis. As always, for personalized advice,