Arthritis
Arthritis means inflammation or damage in the joints, causing pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling. The two most common types are osteoarthritis, a wear-related condition of the joint cartilage, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. In Ayurveda, degenerative joint pain is described mainly as Sandhivata (Vata in the joints), and inflammatory arthritis with morning stiffness and swelling as Amavata, linked to Ama (poorly digested metabolic residue).
This page gives an overview. For detail, see Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. If your main problem is joint pain or stiffness rather than a named type of arthritis, see Joint Pain or Joint Stiffness.
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- Joint pain that is worse with use (typical of osteoarthritis) or worse after rest and in the morning (typical of inflammatory arthritis)
- Stiffness, especially after sitting or on waking
- Swelling, warmth or a grating feeling in the joint
- Reduced movement and difficulty with stairs, walking or gripping
Assessment & Treatment
- Consultation and examination of the affected joints, your digestion, constitution and reports (X-rays and blood tests where available).
- Internal herbal medicines chosen for your pattern.
- Therapies where suitable: Janu Basti, Patra Pinda Sweda, Abhyanga or a joint-care Panchakarma programme.
- Diet, weight and movement advice, and regular review.
Precautions & When to See a Doctor
Get prompt medical care for a hot, red, swollen joint (especially with fever), sudden severe pain, a joint injury, or pain with weight loss or night sweats. Rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis need a rheumatologist: untreated, they can permanently damage joints. Do not stop disease-modifying medicines (such as methotrexate) without your rheumatologist.
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How Ayurveda Understands It
Sandhivata is seen as dryness and degeneration from aggravated Vata, and is treated with oleation, warmth, nourishing therapies and Basti. Amavata is seen as Ama lodging in the joints, and is treated first by improving digestion and clearing Ama, before oil therapies are used. Telling the two patterns apart is the first step in Ayurvedic care.
What the Evidence Shows
For knee osteoarthritis, a randomised trial found that a multimodal Ayurvedic treatment approach reduced symptoms more than conventional care [1], and a six-month randomised trial found standardised Ayurvedic formulations equivalent to glucosamine and celecoxib [2]. A systematic review found promising results for some Ayurvedic medicines, but no robust evidence for massage, steam therapy or enema on their own [3].
For rheumatoid arthritis the picture is weaker. A systematic review found that existing trials failed to show convincingly that Ayurvedic medicines are effective [4], although a later double-blind pilot trial found classical Ayurveda roughly comparable to methotrexate within the limits of its small size [5].
Prepared by the AyurSoul Healthcare team from the published research listed below. Medical review by Dr. Hemlata Soni, BAMS is in progress. This page is for education and does not replace individual medical advice. Medical disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ayurveda cure arthritis?
We do not promise a cure. Ayurvedic care aims to reduce pain and stiffness and improve function, and results vary with the type and stage of arthritis.
Should I stop my arthritis medicines?
No. Continue prescribed medicines. Ayurvedic care here is complementary, and any change must be decided with your prescribing doctor.
How long before I feel better?
Many people notice some change within a few weeks, but a full course and review usually take one to three months.
Clinical Research
5 studies: 2 systematic reviews / meta-analyses, 2 randomised trials, 1 pilot study.
Show the 5 studies
Numbers in the text refer to this list. Each study is labelled by type: systematic reviews and randomised trials are stronger evidence than pilot studies or single case reports.
- Kessler CS, Dhiman KS, Kumar A, et al.. Effectiveness of an Ayurveda treatment approach in knee osteoarthritis – a randomized controlled trial. Osteoarthritis and cartilage, 2018. Randomised controlled trial PubMed
- Chopra A, Saluja M, Tillu G, et al.. Ayurvedic medicine offers a good alternative to glucosamine and celecoxib in the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled equivalence drug trial. Rheumatology (Oxford, England), 2013. Randomised controlled trial PubMed
- Kessler CS, Pinders L, Michalsen A, et al.. Ayurvedic interventions for osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology international, 2015. Systematic review / meta-analysis PubMed
- Park J, Ernst E. Ayurvedic medicine for rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism, 2005. Systematic review / meta-analysis PubMed
- Furst DE, Venkatraman MM, McGann M, et al.. Double-blind, randomized, controlled, pilot study comparing classic ayurvedic medicine, methotrexate, and their combination in rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of clinical rheumatology : practical reports on rheumatic & musculoskeletal diseases, 2011. Pilot / feasibility study PubMed