Arthritis is one of the common problems in developing as well as developed countries and according to statistics about 25% of the world population are affected by this disease. In medical terms it is referred as ‘pain and swelling in the joints which may lead to disability of the joint or limb if untreated properly’. The word ‘arthro’ means joints, hence, ‘arthritis’ means pain or inflammation of joints. The condition mostly affects menopausal women in developing countries, however, it can affect anyone irrespective of age, sex, or occupation.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Stiffness of the joints
• Swelling and painful joints
• Creaky joints
• Deformation of the joints (later stages)
• Disability

Common causes

• Erosion of the inter-articular cartilages
• Infection to the inter-articular fluids
• Injury
• Immune disorder (Rheumatoid arthritis)
• Renal malfunctions (Gout)

Management with Yoga Therapies Most Yoga texts and experts recommend the following Yoga postures for arthritis.

• Makarasana
• Bhujangasana
• Trikonasana
• Vrikshasana
• Simple Pranayama to strengthen the immunity

Management with Ayurveda Arthritis can be better managed with Ayurveda rather than any other systems of medicine. This therapy includes internal medicines and external therapies like application of medicated oil, pouring medicated oil, and application of medicated herbal rice mixture. In India, people prefer Ayurveda for any kind of arthritis related problems.

Management with Diet and Nutrition

1. Food and drinks rich in minerals, vitamins, and proteins
2. Fiber rich fruits
3. Green vegetables
4. Raw vegetable juices

Common Home Remedy

1. Consuming milk processed with fresh ginger
2. Drinking water processed with cumin seeds
3. External application of oil processed with camphor
4. Consuming raw juice of white radish once a month
5. Application of hot vinegar on the affected areas

Intake of coconut milk as well as external application Naturopathy experts claim that taking lemon juice with honey in empty stomach is effective in reducing the arthritis pain and inflammation. Similarly, fresh juice of cucumber, pumpkin, and carrot help relieve arthritis pain. Tribal medicine practitioners claim that taking water or milk with turmeric juice is effective. And in cold areas, crushed garlic can be applied to reduce pain and inflammation.