Osteo-Arthritis

WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS ?

‌Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a degenerative joint disease caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage (the protective tissue covering the ends of bones). As the cartilage wears down, bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.

CAUSES:

• Aging (most common cause)
• Joint overuse / repetitive strain (occupational or athletic)
• Obesity – extra stress on weight-bearing joints
• Injury or trauma (fractures, ligament tears)
• Genetics – family history of OA
• Weak muscles – less support for joints

Commonly Affected Joints: – Knees, Hips, Hands (fingers, base of thumb), Spine (cervical & lumbar)

SYMPTOMS:

• Joint pain (worse with movement, relieved by rest)
• Morning stiffness
• Swelling and tenderness in joints
• Grinding/cracking sound (crepitus) during movement
• Reduced range of motion
• Joint deformity.

HOW CAN NIRVANA HELP YOU TREAT OSTEOARTHRITIS:

We design a holistic treatment protocol that focuses upon overall healing of your body, your treatment plan can consist of

• PHYSIOTHERAPY:

• Strengthening & stretching exercises
• Electrotherapy – TENS, IFT, Ultrasound

• NATUROPATHY:

• Mud Therapy – Local mud pack on affected joint to reduce inflammation
• Mustard pack over joints
• Hot Epsom wraps over joints
• Massage & Manipulation- Warm oil massage (sesame, castor, or eucalyptus oil)

• HYDROTHERAPY:

• Hot water compress / fomentation for stiffness
• Contrast bath (hot & cold alternately) for pain relief
• Spinal bath
• Immersion Bath

• YOGA THERAPY:

• ASANAS: Tadasana, Trikonasana (gentle), Bhujangasana, Setubandhasana, Shavasana
• Chair yoga for elderly

• DIET:

• Anti-inflammatory
• INCLUDE: Turmeric with black pepper, Omega-3 foods (flaxseeds, chia, walnuts, fish if
  nonvegetarian), Green leafy vegetables, carrots, beetroot, sweet potato
  Fruits: papaya, pineapple (bromelain helps inflammation), berries, guava
  Millets, brown rice, oats instead of refined carbs
  Adequate protein – pulses, lentils, sprouts, paneer, tofu
  Calcium-rich foods – sesame seeds, ragi, almonds

• AVOID: deep-fried, processed food, excess sugar, soft drinks, red meat, excessive salt

• LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS:

• Maintain healthy body weight (reduces joint load)
• Use orthopaedic footwear if knee/hip OA
• Correct posture while sitting, standing, lifting
• Sleep on firm mattress
• Do not sit cross-legged for long if knee OA
• Avoid high-impact activities (jumping, running)