Arthritis is used to describe inflammation, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints. Other symptoms may include redness, warmth, and decreased movement of the affected joints. Arthritis has been found to be more common among adults aged 45 years or older, but it can affect people of all ages, including children. Arthritis isn’t a single condition and there are several different types.

How many types of arthritis are there?

There are over 200 types of arthritis. The most common forms are osteoarthritis (Degenerative bone disease) and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Other types include gout, lupus fibromyalgia, septic arthritis, cervical spondylitis, lumber spondylitis, etc.

What is the prevalence of arthritis?

Each year, arthritis result in nearly 10 Lakhs hospitalizations and close to 4.5 Crores outpatient visit to health care centers. In India, close to 15 per cent of the general population could have one or other form of arthritis and this means, more than 15 Crores people in the country!

What is Rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a long-lasting autoimmune disorder and a systemic disease that primarily results into joint inflammation, severe pain, loss of joint function and eventual joint destruction and deformity. The can lead to variable severity ranging from mild inflammation in a few joints to symmetric involvement in multiple joints, mainly in the hands and feet. Most commonly, the wrist and hands are involved, with the same joints typically involved on both sides of the body.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis affects the fingers, knees, hips which result from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. Osteo Arthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder with or without inflammation. This mainly results from wear and tear of cartilage that leads two bones to rub together, causing friction, damage, and inflammation in the joints. It is prevalent among overweight elderly adults affecting larger joints like knee, shoulder, hip etc. The most common symptoms are joint pain and partial join stiffness (One side of the body is often more affected than those on the other). In severe cases, it can create a crackling sound with the movement of joints. Also, sometimes the joint gets filled with fluid. Pain in joints while climbing down the stairs is one of the most significant symptoms.

What does Ayurveda says about RA?*source

According to Ayurveda, the main pathogenic event in RA or Aamavata is the formation and deposition of Aama (Toxins material produced within the body) at all levels of body physiology including gastrointestinal and macro and micro channels of the inner transport system of the body. When we start consuming food not conducive to our body and follow a lifestyle not suitable to our body. This results into the following:

Tridoshik disequilibrium: People with predominant Vata or Kapha Prakriti and/or their disequilibrium are more likely to suffer from Aamavata/RA.
Decreased Agni or metabolic fire: Agni corresponds to enzymes, chemicals, hormones, neurotransmitters, and cytokines known to modern science. Ayurveda proposes a well-conceived concept of Agni.
Alteration of bacterial flora of the gut or dysbiosis: The human body is a composite of 10 trillion karyotypic cells and 100 trillion micro-organisms. There is a symbiotic relationship between the microbes and the human body Intestinal mucosal permeability and peristalsis is impaired in Aamavata.
Dysfunction of the macro and micro channels of transport or Strotas: Occurs from the gastrointestinal tract and vasculature all the way down to the membrane transport system.
Increased formation of free radicals
Recommendations from Ayurveda to mange RA/OA

The digestion should slowly improve reducing the production of Ama in the body. This is a slow process and may involve using Ayurveda formulations to detoxify your body daily.
Fasting is also an essential way to boost the digestion of Ama. Fasting can either be complete or be partial. Having early dinner every day (7 PM) to provide ample rest to digestive system can be a way out like partial fasting.
Daily exercises including Yoga practices should complement the daily Ayurvedic treatments. This keeps the body organs to functions at its optimal level.
Foods that are rich in Vitamin C will help enhance the effectiveness of the Ayurvedic anti-arthritis treatments. This is highly essential to reduce skeletal pain. Vitamin C with other micronutrients are nowadays available in easy to consume tablet forms which are 100% natural.
Manage body weight at an optimal level as it leads to pressure on the joints.
Get massage regularly with Ayurvedic Joint pain oils: It can provide an overall sense of well-being by providing relief from joint pain and movement discomfort.
Get sufficient Calcium and Vitamin D: Calcium deficiency can be fulfilled using herbal and 100% natural Calcium supplements from market. Also, enough exposure to sunlight is essential to maintain good dose of Vitamin D from natural source.