Diagnosis: Osteoarthritis
A 53-year-old woman visited our IP Clinic in Calicut with acute pain in both knees combined with low back soreness and right shoulder joint pain. Patient also complained about morning stiffness in the knee joints and crepitus (crackling sound when bending knees) was present.
On assessment of the knee joint, range of movement was restricted and painful. We suggested that the patient obtain an MRI. After reading the report, we could confirm that the patient was suffering from Osteoarthritis.
The report showed osteophytes, cartilage damage and thickening in the subchondral layer of the joint. On examination of the right shoulder joint, range of movements was possible but painful. Even though all clinical investigations were negative, there was inflammation in the lower back.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that typically causes chronic pain as it worsens over time. Joint stiffness and discomfort might get bad enough to make going about your everyday life challenging. The pain and limitations of osteoarthritis can even lead to depression and sleep problems.
Osteoarthritis develops over time when the cartilage that protects the ends of your bones in your joints slowly wears away.
Joint motion is almost frictionless, thanks to the hard, slick tissue known as cartilage. If the cartilage is totally worn out, bone will eventually rub against bone.
Osteoarthritis is frequently referred to as a disease of wear and tear. But osteoarthritis also damages the whole joint in addition to the cartilage. The connective tissues that keep the joint together and connect muscle to bone deteriorate, and it alters the bone. It also causes inflammation of the joint lining.
Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Pain: Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.
Stiffness: Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.
Tenderness: Your joint might feel tender when you apply light pressure to or near it.
Loss of flexibility: You might not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.
Crackling sensation: You might feel a grating sensation when you use the joint, and you might hear popping or crackling.
Bone spurs: These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, can form around the affected joint.
Swelling: This might be caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint.
The patient was admitted for 9 days.
The treatment included Dhanyamla Dhara,Choorna Pinda Sweda(Podi Kizhi), Lepanam, Jambeera Pinda Sweda (Naranga kizhi),Oil Massage and Steam. The patient's daily lifestyle and eating habits were radically altered. Pain relief was indicated by gentle workouts.
During various stages of therapy, we also recommended a few medications, including Adhareesahacharathi kashayam, Punarnavasavam, and a few more.
After receiving treatments for nine days, the patient's knee and low back pain were reduced by 70%. Managing osteoarthritis was done. Now that the discomfort was gone, range of movement was possible.
The patient was advised to apply oil externally to the knee and low back area as a preventative method to stop additional degenerative conditions. During discharge, a few medications were also administered.
The patient is doing well right now. Along with other lifestyle adjustments, regular exercise was advised.
