Ayurvedic Management of Sandhigata Vata w.s.r to Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Sandhigata Vata is a very common disease seen in both developing and developed countries. It can cause mild to severe disability, but death is rare. Nowadays, its occurrence is increasing due to changes in lifestyle, diet, social habits, and frequent travelling. This condition develops when the protective cartilage at the ends of bones gradually wears away over time. The main symptoms include pain (Shoola), swelling (Shotha), a crackling or air-filled sensation on touch (Vatapoornadriti Sparsha), and difficulty in joint movements like bending and straightening. In Ayurveda, osteoarthritis is considered similar to Sandhigata Vata. According to WHO, osteoarthritis is the second most common health problem worldwide, affecting around 30% of the population. The major risk factors for knee osteoarthritis include increasing age, female gender, obesity, and occupations that involve frequent knee bending. It is the most common joint disorder, often starting without symptoms and becoming very common by the age of 70. By the age of 40, many people already show some changes in weight-bearing joints. Around 25% of women and 16% of men experience symptoms. In modern medicine, treatment mainly includes NSAIDs, calcium supplements, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery. Because of these limitations, many patients are now turning towards Ayurveda for better management of the disease. Patient was treated by Saman Chikitsa with herbo and herbo-mineral formulation which include Ekangveer rasa, Mansyadi Kashaya and Trayodasang guugulu.