AN AYURVEDIC MULTI MODAL INTERVENTION IN KNEE JOINT OSTEOARTHRITIS: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is characterised by gradual loss of cartilage which mostly affects the weight bearing joints such as knees and hip. The symptoms of OA such as pain, swelling, stiffness of joint and restricted range of movements, resembles with Sandhigatavata mentioned in Ayurveda as a vatavyadhi (disorder of biological humour). The current management for this condition proves to be of little effect. Yogaratnakaram, treatise of Ayurveda, had specially mentioned a chikitsa soothra (line of treatment) for its management, which seems to be more practical and effective. This is the case study of a 61-year-old woman, who complained pain and swelling in mutual knee joints and had limited movements. By the clinical presentations, she was diagnosed as a case of Sandhigata vata and got screened based on Kellgrens radiological scale. Blood investigations was done to exclude other inflammatory conditions. Treatment planned was Swedana (sudation), upanaha (warm poultice), sthanika abhyanga (local massage with oil) and mardana (massage) externally and internally - mathravasthi (oil enema) and shamanoushadhi (pacifiers) - yogaraja guggulu tablet with Rasna kashaya (decoction of Alpinia galanja) as anupana (adjuvant). Assessment of the condition of the patient before and after treatment was done based on Visual analogue scale for pain, and Womac scale for physical activity grading in order to evaluate efficacy of the treatment. After assessing the parameters, noteworthy improvement was seen in the subjective symptoms and objective - womac scale, on the completion of 30 days programme of treatment. The physical activity grading also improved significantly suggesting the relevance of the present study on a commonest, chronic degenerative disorder.