Abstract
Joints are the main structures of the body which are very helpful in various functions and provide movement to the human body. Joints also help protect vital organs and provide stability by connecting bones together through a structure called a ligament. Joints also contain the capacity to absorb shock. Any abnormality in the joints causes damage to the liver. Arthritis is a condition which affects joints and causes pain and stiffness in the joints. Periarthritis is a condition which affects the surrounding area of the joints. Here, in this article, we are going to study in detail the condition of Periarthritis.
Introduction
The word Periarthritis is made of the combination of Peri (around) and itis (Inflammation) which means this is the condition of the joint which affects the surrounding area of the joints. Periarthritis is also known as Calcific Periarthritis. This condition occurs when there is an accumulation of calcium crystals in our body which are helpful in the building of bones and teeth start building in the surrounding areas of the joints or soft tissues like tendons. This accumulation of the crystals causes rubbing of crystals against the muscle and tendons which leads to swelling and pain. The condition of periarthritis can affect the joints of the hip, shoulder and hands but most commonly affect the shoulder joints. The condition of periarthritis settles down on its own without causing any ill effect on surrounding areas of joints like tendons. The patients having periarthritis in one shoulder probably get this condition in the other shoulder also. In this article, we look at the causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, Ayurvedic overview, diet and Ayurvedic management for this condition. Also, we study in detail the functions of Ayurvedic herbal formulations of Planet Ayurveda that are very useful for the management of Periarthritis. Let’s start!
Causes And Risk Factors Of Periarthritis
Calcific Periarthritis is a painful condition which affects the surrounding area of the joints. Some of the common causes that increase the condition of Periarthritis are as follows:
- People aged between 40 to 65
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Heart disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Joint injuries
- Kidney problems
- Stroke
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Certain medications
- Post Surgical scarring
Signs Of Periarthritis
The conditions of Periarthritis can affect any part of the body like hips, hands, shoulder or any other but the shoulder joint is most commonly involved. Here, are some of the common signs of this condition:
Symptoms Of Periarthritis
In acute cases, the symptoms come very fast and are very severe. Common symptoms of the Periarthritis can be as follows:
- Stiffness of the joint
- Swelling around the joint
- Tenderness
- Difficulty in moving the affected limb
- Pain in the affected area
- Disturbed sleep due to pain
- Unable to raise the arm or affected limb
Diagnosis Of Periarthritis
Diagnosis of Periarthritis can be done by doing a proper physical examination and taking a medical history of the patient. Asking about the symptoms of the patient may help in diagnosing the condition properly. Some of the common lab tests that can help in diagnosing this condition properly are as follows:
- Blood tests to check the amount of calcium in the body
- Ultrasound to check calcium crystals around the joint or tendon
- X-rays can show calcium crystals in the tendon
Management Of Periarthritis
Treatment of Periarthritis depends upon the severity of the symptoms. Common allopathic treatment which can be given in this condition is as follows:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, rofecoxib etc contain anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects.
- Needle aspiration is done to remove the excess fluid from the bursa by aspiration with the help of a needle.
- Steroid injections for the management of pain and swelling of the affected area.
- Shockwave therapy in which high-frequency shock waves are used to break the calcium crystals.
- Surgery to remove calcium crystals
- Physical therapy
Ayurvedic Overview Of Periarthritis
Periarthritis is a condition that affects the areas around the joints and causes swelling of tendons and soft tissues. This condition mainly affects the area of the shoulder joint. The condition of Periarthritis of the shoulder joint sometimes also mimics the Frozen shoulder. In Ayurveda, the condition of a Frozen Shoulder is correlated with Avabahuka. This condition mainly involves Ansa Sandhi (Shoulder joint). Avabahuka is a Vatavyadhi mentioned in Ayurvedic texts like Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya etc. It involves Vata and Kapha dosha in which Vata is dominant. Dushya involved in this condition are Sira, Snayu, Mamsa, Kandra and Asthi. It involves Mamsavaha and Asthi Vaha srotas.
अंसमूलस्थितो वायुः सिरा संकोच्य तत्रगाः।
बाहुप्रस्पन्द्रितहरं जनयत्यवबाहुकम्।।
Ancient Reference – (अ.हृ.नि. 15/43)
According to the shloka, vitiated Vata causes constriction in the veins of the shoulder joints and affects the functions of the hands. It also leads to atrophy of the muscles of the arm.
Ayurvedic Management Of Periarthritis
The condition of Periarthritis can be managed by Ayurvedic means very well. In Ayurveda, there are various methods that are effective in this issue.
अवबाहौ हितं नस्यं स्नंहश्चोत्तरभक्तिकः।
Ancient Reference – (अ.हृ.चि. 21/44)
According to the above text, this condition can be managed by the means of Nasya karma (Medicine administered through the nose), Sneha Pana (Oleation), eating food after Snehapana, Abhyanga (Massage therapy) and Swedana (Sudation). Apart from this, Lepanam (application of the paste of herbs) and Upanaham (application of warm herbal paste) may be effective in temporary relief of the symptoms. Jaloukavacharana (Leech therapy) is also effective in the initial stage of the disease. Herbs which are Vatahara in nature are effective in the management of this condition like Ashwagandha, Guggulu, Rasna, Erand, Bala, Agnitundi Vati, Sunthi churna and Mahamash oil.
Diet For Periarthritis
- Vegetables like Bottle gourd, bitter gourd, pumpkin, cabbage, broccoli, coriander, ridge gourd, beetroot, turnip, round gourd and green leafy vegetables.
- Fruits like apple, banana, pear, pomegranate, amla, papaya, dates etc.
- Avoid milk products except cow’s ghee.
- Pulses like yellow lentils, green lentils, split gram pigeon peas etc.
- Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, figs and dates.
- Spices like turmeric, Cumin, Black pepper, Fennel, Coriander, Cinnamon and Dry ginger.
Herbal Remedies For Periarthritis By Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda forms a large range of herbal formulations or medicines which are really effective in the management of various ill conditions. All these formulations are formed as mentioned in the Ayurveda texts. These formulations are natural supplements that are made from high-quality herbs. Planet Ayurveda promotes ancient Ayurveda forms for the formation of herbal medicines. The range of products of Planet Ayurveda is very wide and is present in the form of decoction, oils, tablets, capsules and many more. All formulations are formed after many clinical trials and tests. The use of a natural form of herbs helps in increasing the efficiency of medicine. Here, in this article, we are going to study herbal remedies of Planet Ayurveda for the management of Periarthritis i.e. Yograj Guggul, Boswellia Curcumin, Hakam Churna and Vit. D3. Let’s start studying these remedies in detail:
- Yograj Guggul
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Hakam Churna
- Vitamin-D3 Capsuless
Products Description
1. Yograj Guggul
This herbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda contains Pure Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and many more. This formulation is very helpful in maintaining healthy muscles and joints. It helps in the balance of all three doshas. It helps in relieving pain and stiffness in the joints and the area around the joints.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after a meal.
2. Boswellia Curcumin
Boswellia curcumin is an herbal formulation which contains Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). The ingredients in this herbal formulation are very effective in the management of symptoms of periarthritis due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This formulation helps in relieving the inflammation from tendons, muscles and bones. This formulation also helps in improving blood circulation and contains antiseptic properties.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with water after meals.
3. Hakam Churna
This formulation contains herbal ingredients like Kalonji (Nigella Sativa), Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) and Chandrashoor (Lepidium sativum). This formulation helps in balancing all three doshas. It is anti-inflammatory in nature. This formulation is very useful and effective in relieving the condition of pain. This churna is known as Tridoshic Rasayan.
Dosage: 1 tsp daily with warm water after meals.
4. Vitamin-D3 Capsules
This formulation of Planet Ayurveda is in the form of capsules which contain lichens, Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), spirulina, chlorella etc. These capsules are very helpful in maintaining bone health and managing proper regulation and absorption of calcium. This formulation is also effective in improving the immune system of the body.
Dosage: 1 capsule once daily with lukewarm water before food.
Conclusion
Periarthritis is a condition which affects the surrounding area of the joint and most probably the shoulder joint. This condition causes pain, tenderness and stiffness in the affected area. This condition may be temporary and can be managed itself. However, proper treatment helps in relieving the symptoms like pain and inflammation effectively. A proper diet and lifestyle help in relieving this condition quickly. In allopathic medicine, this condition can be managed by medication, needle aspiration, shock wave therapy or physical therapy. In Ayurveda, it can be managed properly by herbs and Panchkarma. Planet Ayurveda also offers herbal formulations which are really effective in the management of Periarthritis. These formulations along with diet and proper lifestyle help in this condition.