Category: Arthritis / Bone / Joint Health

May 18, 2018

Ayurvedic Treatment of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)

What is Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) ?

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is basically calcification of ligaments along with hardening of bones in parts connected to spine. This disease is also known as Forestier’s disease. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis actually has no symptoms. It is only characterized by mild to moderate pain along with stiffness in the upper back, neck and lower back. It might also affect our shoulders, elbows, knees and heels. It is non-inflammatory. As it becomes progressive with time the conditions becomes worse and might lead to various complications.

Symptoms of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis

Stiffness

It mostly happens on the morning.

Pain

One may feel in the back and all affected parts including shoulder, elbow, knee or heel.

Loss of Range of Motion

It usually occurs during stretching.

diffuse-idiopathic-skeletal-hyperostosis

Difficulty Swallowing or a Hoarse Voice

Person suffering from this disorder may experience this symptom.
If one feels persistent pain or stiffness in joints or back one must immediately visit doctor. There are certain Risk factors associated with Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis :-

1. Sex

Men are most susceptible to this disorder.

2. Older Age

People over 50 experience it more.

3. Diabetes and Other Conditions

Conditions which can lead to this disorder are Type 2 diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, prediabetes and obesity.

4. Certain Medications

Retinoids, like isotretinoin ,Amnesteem and Claravis increase the risk of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.

Complications of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis if not treated can cause life-long complications.

  • Disability / Immobility

  • Person might face difficulty in swallowing

  • Spinal fracture

Diagnosis of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis

Doctor will do the physical examination spine and joints, press lightly the spine and joints to feel and diagnose for any abnormalities. If pain is felt with the pressure it may indicate the abnormality.Pain might be felt on the tendon or ligament which is affected. Tests might be recommended to you by your doctor like X-rays, CT scans or MRIs.

Treatment of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in Modern Science

Treatment for Pain

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which includes ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB). If the corticosteroid injections.

Treatment for Stiffness

Stiffness associated can be reduced with this disorder. In order to increase the motion it is best to do exercises. An expert doctor can advise with best the exercise. He may also recommend you to a physical therapist.

Surgery

In few cases surgery is also recommended when condition becomes too complicated. It is also guided for patients who experience problems associated with swallowing because of large bone spurs. It is also helpful in releasing pressure of the spinal cord.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies for Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis

In order to get quick relief one may follow few remedies as below :-

1. Exercise

In order to increase strength one may go for regular aerobic exercise like swimming and walking.

2. Maintaining Proper Weight

Obesity caused due to Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis might lead to long term complications. It is advised to lose weight in order to avoid this disorder from progressing further.

3. Apply Heat

Pain can be reduced by using heating pads on the part affected. It is advisable to keep the heating pad at low temperature in order to avoid any accidents.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)

Herbal Remedies for Ayurvedic Treatment of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis, from Planet Ayurveda house are very effective. Know about them in detail here :-

1. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin Capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of the Turmeric herb (Curcuma longa), which contains Curcumin as its main active chemical. The presence of Curcumin gives turmeric a remarkable medicinal value because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric is also widely known for its antiseptic, antioxidant and rejuvenating properties. The use of Curcumin capsules is very effective in maintaining senile disorders, enhancing immunity, relieving inflammation, purifying the blood, and balancing the body’s Vata, Pitta and Kapha energies.

The recommended dosage of these capsules for managing this disorder is one to two capsules two times daily.

2. Yograj Guggul Tablets

The preparation of these tablets involves the number of beneficial herbs which can together be very effective in strengthening the muscles, relaxing the nerves, and pacifying the aggravated Vata dosha of the body.

The herbal components of Yograj Guggul Tablets include: Guggul(Commiphora mukul), Amla(Emblica officinalis), Haritaki(Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki(Terminalia bellirica), Chitrak(Plumbago zeylanica), Mustak(Cyperus rotundus), Ajwain(Trahyspermum ammi), Sonth(Zinger officinale), Pippali(Piper longum), Gokharu(Tribulus terrestris Jeera (Cuminum cyminum), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), and Rock salt.

The recommended dosage for this product for managing this disorder is 2 tablets two times a day with lukewarm water.

3. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha Capsules have been prepared with extract of natural ashwagandha. It is very effective in managing pain, swelling and inflammatory conditions. It is considered to be one of the best adaptogenic. It increases body’s resistance. Dosage usually differs with age , severity , patient’s history and health of the patient. It is recommended in underweight, body/mental fatigue and weakness.

Indications of Ashwagandha Capsules:-

  • Depression

  • Muscle fatigue and neck/ back stiffness

  • Tiredness

  • Joint pains

  • Arthritis of all types

  • Blood Pressure

  • Insomina

  • Muscle Power and Stamina

  • Diabetic neuropathy

  • Weakness due to Diabetes

  • Erectile dysfunction and low sperm count, premature ejaculation

  • Anxiety

  • Stress

  • Calf myalgia ( Lower leg pains )

Recommended Dosage of ashwagandha capsules is one to two capsules twice daily, with plain water after meals.

4. Bone Support Capsules

Bone Support Capsules are prepared from natural calcium extracts which are obtained from the natural, herbal sources of calcium. The components of these capsules support mobility of joints, reduce swelling and inflammation at joint sites by minimizing the loss of synovial fluid, and stimulate increased absorption of calcium from the blood into the body. Overall, Bone Support capsules are an excellent health supplement.

The herbs from which these capsules are prepared include: Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Asthishrinkhala (Cissus quadrangularis), Sahijan (Moringa oleifera), Shudh Laksha (Laccifera lacca), and mineral source, Praval pishti (Corallium rubrum).

Recommended Dosage of this product is one to two capsules two times a day.

Continue Reading

April 30, 2018

Home & Herbal Remedies for Increased Uric Acid Level (Gout)

About Uric Acid

Uric acid – C5H4N4O3, is the bye-product formed during the purine metabolism in liver and is washed out of the blood by kidney through urine.

Normal level of uric acid in the blood is 2.4-6.0 mg/dL (female) and 3.4-7.0 mg/dL (male). A raised uric acid level in the blood can trigger inflammation and pain in smaller joints. Males are more prone to this condition than females. Major symptoms due to increased uric acid levels are pain and inflammation of joints. It initially affects the smaller joints then gradually spreads to other joints. There will be tenderness and redness in the inflamed joints (arthritic condition called as gout). Kidney stones may also occur due to raised uric acid levels.

Causes of High Uric Acid

A raised uric acid level is often caused when the kidney fails to completely wash out the uric acid from blood. High levels of purine rich diet, overweight, lack of exercise, gluten allergy, diabetic tendency etc may trigger this slowing down of kidney. Purine Rich Diet are:-

  • Organ meat – Liver, Kidney, Brain

  • Meat –Especially Red Meat, Goat, Beef, Pork

  • Fish – Sardine, Tuna, Mackerel, Scallops, Mussels

  • Others – Non Fibrous Carbohydrate Diet like White Bread and White Rice, Maida Flour, Peas, Soybeans and Green Peas, Asparagus, Mushroom and Alcohol including Beer.

Normally the blood holds an alkaline pH of 7.35. When the uric acid in the blood increases, the alkaline pH of blood changes to acidic. This acidic blood becomes a great stage for various diseases including infections. This decreases the body immunity and also affects various organs including heart and liver.

Home Remedies to Reduce the Increased Uric Acid Levels in the Blood

There are some home remedies to reduce the increased uric acid:-

home-remedies-to-reduce-uric-acid

  • Limit purine rich diet

  • Stay hydrated – drink at least 15 glasses of water per day

  • Avoid alcoholic beverages completely – alcohol absorbs the water content from the body causing dehydration.

  • Include plenty of fruits (vitamin c and vitamin e rich) in the diet especially which are sour in taste and fresh. Include pine apple, Indian goose berries, west Indian cherries, lemon, papaya, strawberry, apple

  • Not juices but fruits – it is better to have fresh fruits than having fruit juices or any other canned juices. Juices contain more fructose than fresh fruits. Fructose can trigger the increase of uric acid levels in blood.

  • Pine apple – Have pineapple every day. The protein digesting enzyme bromelain is very abundant in pineapple. This bromelain alkaloid has anti inflammatory properties and decreases the uric acid.

  • Raw papaya – Raw papayas are very beneficial to reduce uric acid. It also helps to reduce the joint pain associated with increased uric acid. It can be taken in any of the following ways.

  • Eating raw papayas as a vegetable salad.

  • Raw papaya juice (without adding sugar) with lime juice early in the morning in empty stomach.

  • Raw papayas are boiled in water and 1 tsp green tea is added. This then cooled in room temperature and can be taken with pure honey or lemon.

  • 1\4 tsp of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is added to 2 glasses of water and is taken. This mixture can help the blood to regain its alkaline ph.

  • Include moringa leaves in the diet.

  • 2 tsp of oats is boiled for 3 minutes in 1 cup of water along with 1\4 tsp salt. This can be taken for dinner.

  • Water boiled with kokilaksha (hygrophila auriculata) can be taken instead of using plain water.

  • 1 small piece fresh turmeric + 1 small piece ginger + 1 small piece cinnamon + 5 black pepper. All these are crushed well and boiled in 3 glasses of water and reduced to 2 glasses. 1 glass each is taken in the morning and evening for 2 weeks. Curcumin (from turmeric) enhances more potential in presence of piperine (from pepper). This normalizes the liver function. Curcumin and piperine, along with cinnamyl acetate (from cinnamon) corrects the carbohydrate cycle and helps to regain the alkaline ph of blood. Zingiberene (from ginger) has anti inflammatory properties and helps to reduce the joint pain.

  • Include apple cedar vinegar in your diet – helps to break down the uric acid crystals

  • Misconception on tomatoes – some may confuse on tomato to cause increased uric acid level. But actually tomato has 90% water and is low in purine content. Hence it is very beneficial in raised uric acid level.

  • Daily exercise well according to your body tolerance level.

Management of Increased Uric Acid Level in Ayurveda

According to WHO, the best management for increased uric acid levels in blood is by Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, both shodana and shaman management is made in use. In severe cases, cleansing and purification therapy like vasthi is used.

Gout Care Pack by Planet Ayurveda is wonderful herbal combination that is advised for high uric acid or gout. It’s a set of 4 medicines namely Punarnava capsules, Kishore Guggulu, Navkarshik Churna and Giloy Capsules.

gout-care-pack

1) Navakarshik Churna – Highly effective in increased uric acid levels of blood. It corrects the protein metabolism and cleanses the blood. It is very effective for pain management in arthritic condition. As the name indicates it contains nine ingredients, each taken in karsha pramana (12 gms). The ingredients are amalaki (emblica officianalis), haritaki (terminalia chebula), vibhitaki (terminalia bellerica), neem (azadirachta indica), vacha (acorus calamus), manjishta (rubia cordifolia), katuki (piccorrhiza kurrao), guduci (tinospora cordifolia), daruharidra (berberis aristate). It balances the tridoshas.

2) Kaishore Guggul – It is taken along with navakarshika choorna. It helps to enhance the potency of navakarshika churna. It balances and normalizes the aggravated vata. It has anti inflammatory and immune modulator properties.

3) Giloy Capsules– Tinospora cordifolia is used for diabetes, high cholesterol, upset stomach, lymphoma and other cancers, hepatitis, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, fever, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), gonorrhea, syphilis. Also helps to boost the immune system.

4) Punarnava Capsules – Boerhavia Diffusa – very effective for pain relief. It is very well known for its anti inflammatory and diuretic properties. It is widely used for revitalizing the lives and also helps in cleansing the blood. This is also good for kidney health.

Continue Reading

Click the CROSS button to close