Joint pain

JOINT PAIN

Joint pain is discomfort that affects one or more joints in your body.

Symptoms & Causes

Joint discomfort is common and usually felt in your hands, feet, hips, knees, or spine. Pain in your joints may be constant, or it can come and go. Sometimes, your joints can feel stiff, achy, or sore. Some people complain of a burning, throbbing, or “grating” sensation. In addition, your joints may feel stiff in the morning but loosen up and feel better with movement and activity. However, too much activity could make your pain worse.

The most common causes of joint pain include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Gout
• Bursitis
• Tendinitis

In addition, viral infections, rash, or fever may make joint movement painful. Injuries, such as broken bones or sprains, can also cause joint pain.

Risk factors

Joint pain tends to affect people who have:

• Arthritis or other long-term (chronic) medical conditions
• Previous injuries to a joint
• Repeatedly used and/or overused a muscle
• Depression, anxiety, and/or stress
• Overweight
• Older age

Treatment in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, joint pain is often referred to as “Sandhivata.” According to Ayurvedic principles, joint pain is primarily caused by an imbalance in the doshas, which are the three fundamental energies or forces that govern the body and mind: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Joint pain is usually associated with an aggravated Vata dosha. Vata is responsible for movement, and when it becomes imbalanced, it can lead to various joint-related issues.

Treatment aims to digest toxins (Ama) and reduce Vata. Some Ayurvedic treatments may include:

• Snehana (oleation)
• Swedana (sudation/inducing sweat)
• Panchatikta ghruta (medicated ghee preparation)
• Guggulu prayoga (use of Guggulu-based formulations)
• Dhara (continuous pouring of medicated liquids)
• Lepa (topical application of herbal pastes)
• Basti (enema therapy)
• Virechana (purgation therapy)

Joint pain may affect the function of your joints and can limit your ability to do basic tasks. Severe, painful joints can interfere with your quality of life. Treatment should focus not only on pain but on getting back to daily activities and living your life to the fullest.