Bone Diseases and Treatment
Our Body is madeup of 230 movable and semi-movable joints. Bones are made up of calcium – calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Bones are Calcium reserves. In times of need, calcium can be given to the body. Our muscle bone skeletal system provides structure, stability and movement to the body. Bones serve as rigid foundation to the body and shields to protect delicate internal organs. Movable joints are, shoulder joints, Hip joint, Ankle joint. Immovable joint is skull. Body joints are the points at which two or more bones are connected. Cartilage is a strong, dense tissue that connects the bone joints. Any disease involving the Synovial Membranes or causing degeneration of Cartilage are classified under Bone Diseases.
Management of Bone Diseases
Mental and physical rest is necessary during acute febrile stages.
Anemia, if any, should be corrected.
Stress and strain should be relieved.
Extremely cool and hot conditions (i.e. breeze produced by wind or air conditioner) should be avoided.
Infection, if any, must be treated.
Repeated medical check – up is required to find the effects of medication.
Ayurveda offers a comprhensive cure for bone-joint diseases
It believes that vayu aggravation in the body causes Arthritis and allied conditions. The general line of Ayurvedic treatment for Bone Diseases include, medications, Abhyanga, (Massage), Swedana (Fomentation), proper diet exercises yoga, rest and relaxations.
Ayurvedic herbs for Bone Diseases are Vitex Negunda, Cassia lanceloata, Withania somnifera, Bosewellia serrata, Balsamodentron mukkul, Saussurea lappa, Ricinus communis, Allium sativum, Tinospora cordifolia, Nardostachys Jatamanshi, Boerhaavia diffusa, Aegle marmelos,etc.
Ayurveda Medicines – Generic formulations include, Balarishta, Vadha vithvamsini Rasa, Vadagajankuja Rasa, yogaraja Guggulu, Navagrahi sinduram, Vadha Rakshasa, Swarna vadha rakshasa, Rasa manikyam, Loha soveram, Bhaskara lavanam, Maharasnathi kwatha churanam Brihachakalathyam krutham, Panjathiktha gugglu kritham,
Massage and Fomentation – form an important and popular method of Ayurvedic treatment for Arthritis and resultant pain management. These treatments show excellent results. The oils used for these have now become household names and cures. For relieving stiffness and pain, fomentation adds further relief after massage.
External oils for Bone Diseases are Amavadha Thailam, Balakuduchiyathi Thailam, Balakvakanthathi Thailam, Pralanjana Vimarthana Thailam, Poonaka Thailam, Dhanvanthra Thailam. Sheerabala Thailam, Pinda Thailam, Narayana Thailam, Maha Masha Thailam etc.Exercises.
Caution – Do not take up exercises in cases of severe inflammation, with out consulting your doctor. In acute cases, rest usually heals. But the moment inflammation subsides, start exercises. Too much rest makes joints immobile and stiff. Mode of exercises, type of exercises cure to be decided by your doctor or a good physio – therapist.
Yoga – Yogic exercises benefit not only the body but also the mind. The yogasanas must be practiced under the guidance of a yoga therapist.
Diet for Bone Diseases – Natural uncooked foods help treating Joint aches because of their alkaline content which counter the acidity that accumulates in the joints. Following natural food regimen for 30 days to three months will help cure Bone Diseases. In treating Bone Diseases diet regimen is as important as medicines. The diet regimen is better recommended by your doctor to suit your specific disease.
Patients with gout must avoid foods that raise uric acid levels. These foods are organ meats, some fish & sea food, lcohol, asparagus, spinach, lentils, beans, celery, Cauli flower, Tomato, Brinjal, Pumpkin, Milk and Milk Products. Avoid weight gain. Consume calcium rich foods like milk and milk products – Not for Gout Patients. Induce Vitamins A, E, B complex, C and D in your diet or as supplements. Zinc also is to be taken as it increases mobility. Those with Rheumatoid Arthritis should avoid oils, food colours, potatoes etc. Chappathi prepared with chana flour (Besan) is a good supplement and taken once in 2 days, helps elderly people to strengthen their bones. Horse gram, green grams (sprouted) also helps in strengthening the bones.
Nutrients for Healthy Joints
Foods to be eliminated are Mutton or lamb meat, Fried foods, Spicy Foods, Egg yolks, White flour products (breads, rolls, cakes, cookies, donuts, etc.), White rice, Soft drinks, Sugary treats and some people with arthritis notice improvement from avoiding vegetables of the nightshade family, including tomatoes, potatoes, red and green peppers, and eggplant.
Foods recommended are Fresh vegetables and fruits, Salmon and other oily fish, Nuts and legumes, Whole grains, Low-fat or nonfat dairy products, and Nutritionally oriented doctors sometimes recommend a diet consisting largely of raw foods for their more severely arthritic patients.
