Sandhigata vata w.s.r.to osteoarthritis-a review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a persistent degenerative disorder characterized by loss of cartilage in joints. OA is accepted as a major public health problem. It is one of the major causes of impaired joint function that reduces quality of human life worldwide. In present time there is no permanent cure only focus on management of symptoms. Reliving of pain, improvement of joint function, and joint stability are the main therapeutic goals in current time. In past time OA was believed to be caused by the tearing and wearing of articular cartilage, but now a days more commonly referred to as a chronic and whole-joint disorders initiated with anatomical, biochemical and cellular alterations in the joint and synovial tissues, which leads to the histopathological and structural modifications of the joint and ends up with the whole tissue ailments. The musculoskeletal weakness and atrophy of muscles contribute to the disease process. So the rehabilitation and physical exercise on regular basis therapy were often prescribed by the physician with the intention to reduce pain and increase mobility. Therapeutically Ayurvedic medicine along with Panchakarma procedure, physical exercise either focuses on muscle strengthening and stretching exercises or on aerobic activity which can be performed in land or water. The clinical presentation of OA closely mimics with the disorder called Sandhigata vata which is the most common joint problem as described in Ayurvedic texts. This article presents on overview of the current knowledge on OA and focuses on, etiology, diagnosis procedure and management strategies, conservative treatment protocol including the panchakarma therapy and physiotherapy. This therapeutic information should assist health care provider’s to treat patients with this effectively.