In modern world the health complications are increasing day by day. Joint problem is one of the most common problems during these days. This problem is due to various factors like change in lifestyle, irregular eating habits, over exertion, physical and mental stress.
It is most common form of arthritis which can damage any joint in body. It affects joints of knees, hands, hips and spine. It mainly affects cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in joint. In osteoarthritis, top layer of cartilage is broken down and wears away. This allows bones under cartilage rub together. It causes pain and swelling in joint which causes difficulty in movement.
According to Ayurveda, it is known as Sandhivata (Sandhi means the joint and vata stands for vata dosha). Osteoarthritis occurs due to aggravation of vata dosha, accumulation of vata in weaker parts of body and causes joint pain. Sandhivata is the condition where activities of vata are increased inside joints because vata is dry in nature, it absorbs fluids from cartilage of joint.
Some causes that might lead to it include:
It is degenerative disease that becomes worse with time. Joint pain and stiffness become severe which makes daily tasks difficult.
Osteoarthritis may be diagnosed by physical examination, imaging examination and blood tests which are as following: