Arthritis is a group of different diseases related with bone joints (articulations). The most common of them are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis. In all of them one or more bone joints are found to be inflammated, associated with pain and stiffness in the adjoining areas of the joint including muscles.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of unknown cause. In this disease the body attacks its own tissues,particularly its own cartilage and linings of joints. It is characterized by inflammation of the joint, swelling, pain, and loss of function. Usually this form occurs bilaterally; if left knee is affected, the right knee may also be affected, although usually not to the same degree.
The basic symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation of the synovial membrane, followed by a sequence of changes. The membrane thickens and synovial fluid accumulates. The resulting pressure causes pain and tenderness. The membrane then produces an abnormal granulation tissue called pannus, which adheres to the surface of the articular cartilage. The pannus formation sometimes erodes the cartilage completely. When the cartilage is destroyed, fibrous tissue joins the exposed bone ends. The tissue ossifies and fuses the joint so that it is immovable — the ultimate crippling effect of rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease, sparing no age, race or geographic areas. Millions and millions of the people, all over the world, suffer from the effects of this condition, and 90 percent of them show radiographic features of osteoarthritis in weight-bearing joints by age 40. Symptoms of the disease increase with age. It is characterised by degeneration of cartilage and by the hypertrophy of bone at the joint margins. Inflammation is usually minimal. The cartilage slowly degenerates, and as the bone ends become exposed, small bumps, or spurs or new osseous tissues are deposited on them. These spurs decrease the space of the joint cavity and restrict joint movement. The synovial membrane is rarely destroyed, and other tissues are unaffected.
The significant distinction between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that the former strikes the big joints (knees, hips) first, whereas the latter strikes the small joints first.
Gouty Arthritis
Du ring the process of nucleic acid metabolism a waste product uric acid is being produced. The person suffering from gout either produces excessive amount of uric acid or is unable to excrete the normal amount of uric acid. This results in the elevation of blood uric acid level. In due course of time the excess amount of uric acid combines with sodium and forms sodium urate crystals, which are being deposited with the kidneys and cartilages.
In gouty arthritis sodium urate crystals are deposited in the soft tissues of the joints. The crystals irritate the cartilage, causing inflammation.
Preksha — Yoga management
Shat kriyas Poorna and/or laghu Shankh prakshalan (wherever necessary), kunjal and neti
Yogic exercises Of all joints
Asanas Pavan muktasana, Shashankasana, Bhujangasana and Dhanurasana
Pranayama Nadi shodhan and Bhastrika
Kayotsarga 30 minutes
Preksha Perception of long deep breathing
Anupreksha Contemplation of the correction of joints
Dietary recommendation
• To consume wholemeal bread, rice, chapatis, millets etc.
• Pulses without any spice or masala
• Boiled vegetables and salad of leafy green vegetables
• Fresh seasonal fruits