− | A careful study of the classical Ayurvedic texts reveals that joint and connective tissue disorders can be broadly divided into three categories viz ‘[[Amavata]]’, ‘Vatarakta’ and ‘Sandhivata’. These disease entities are quite comprehensive as they represent the possible pathologies that can arise in the joints due to the derangement of [[kapha]], [[pitta]], and [[vata dosha]] respectively. There are other ailments of the joints to be considered like inflammatory swelling of the knee joint (kroshtukashirsha). An accurate fixed modern correlation is not at all possible in any of these conditions. ‘[[Amavata]]’ is correlated to rheumatoid arthritis, but the concept is much broader than that. It includes many other conditions like rheumatic fever, ankylosing spondylitis etc. In ankylosing spondylitis, when there is axial spondyloarthropathy the symptoms resemble [[amavata]].[M.Ni. Amavatanidana/5]<ref name=Madava/> There will be stiffness in the entire spine. It’s an assortment of conditions put together because it mainly affects musculoskeletal diseases or due to the involvement of autoimmune pathologies. Rather than a fixed correlation, it is always beneficial to keep a separate diagnosis system. A diagnosis in conventional medical system is based on the available criteria. Parallelly, Ayurvedic diagnosis of the same condition can be done based on classical clinical features. | + | A careful study of the classical Ayurvedic texts reveals that joint and connective tissue disorders can be broadly divided into three categories viz ‘[[Amavata]]’, ‘Vatarakta’ and ‘Sandhivata’. These disease entities are quite comprehensive as they represent the possible pathologies that can arise in the joints due to the derangement of [[kapha]], [[pitta]], and [[vata dosha]] respectively. There are other ailments of the joints to be considered like inflammatory swelling of the knee joint (kroshtukashirsha). An accurate fixed modern correlation is not at all possible in any of these conditions. ‘[[Amavata]]’ is correlated to rheumatoid arthritis, but the concept is much broader than that. It includes many other conditions like rheumatic fever, ankylosing spondylitis etc. In ankylosing spondylitis, when there is axial spondyloarthropathy the symptoms resemble [[amavata]].[M.Ni. Amavatanidana/5] <ref name=Madava/> There will be stiffness in the entire spine. It’s an assortment of conditions put together because it mainly affects musculoskeletal diseases or due to the involvement of autoimmune pathologies. Rather than a fixed correlation, it is always beneficial to keep a separate diagnosis system. A diagnosis in conventional medical system is based on the available criteria. Parallelly, Ayurvedic diagnosis of the same condition can be done based on classical clinical features. |
| Pain associated with movement is the typical feature of this condition. Swelling of the affected joint is present. On palpation, the joint feels as if filled with air. It may affect any joint. | | Pain associated with movement is the typical feature of this condition. Swelling of the affected joint is present. On palpation, the joint feels as if filled with air. It may affect any joint. |
− | Osteoarthritis is prevalent in old-aged persons. [[Vata dosha]] dominance is seen in this age group. In sandhivata, the main focus is on [[Vata dosha]]. It is usually correlated to osteoarthritis. Apart from this, other degenerative joint conditions like lumbar and cervical spondylitis also come under the umbrella of sandhivata. | + | Osteoarthritis is prevalent in old-aged persons. [[Vata dosha]] dominance is seen in this age group. In sandhivata, the main focus is on [[Vata dosha]]. It is usually correlated to osteoarthritis. Apart from this, other degenerative joint conditions like lumbar and cervical spondylitis also come under the umbrella of sandhivata. |