Abstract

A BRIEF REVIEW ON EFFICACY OF AYURVEDIC THERAPEUTICS IN TREATING SANDHIGATA VATA (OSTEOARTHRITIS)

*Dr. Sarita Bhaskar Kambli, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Krishnachandra Mishra, Dr. Vinayak Trimbak Lele and Dr. Pravinkumar G. Thakre

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is the oldest system of medicine; the most commonly practiced form of non-allopathic medicine in India. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a very commonest type of arthritis generally found in older age group. Osteoarthritis is known as Sandhigata Vata in Ayurveda. It is a joint disorder caused by the erosion breaking of cartilage that cushion bones at joints and causing pain, swelling and stiffness as bones rub together. The prevalence rate of OA is 38% in people over 45 years old and 70% in people over 65 years old thus, its prevalence and health impact increase with age. There are various drugs in modern system of medicine, however certain drugs are contraindicated in patients and have remarkable side effects which may restrict their use for longer duration. The aim of this work is to review the effectiveness and safety of different Ayurvedic interventions in patients with Sandhigata Vata osteoarthritis (OA). Different modalities of treatment have been explained in the classics to tackle the condition effectively as per the constitution of patient and condition of the disease. From the review of literature and current researches carried out throughout the world, it is found that Ayurvedic therapeutics is having significant role in improving quality of life of patients suffering from Sandhigata Vata if used judiciously.

Keywords: Sandhi Vata, Sandhigata Vata, Osteoarthritis.