Abstract

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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease and leading cause of chronic disability that involves synovial joint. It has been estimated that around 9.6% of men and 18% of women ≥60 years have OA with clinical symptoms all over the world. The disease generally starts in the 2^nd and 3^rd decades although clinical features are not apparent but it has been found to be common at the age of 70. Almost all persons by age 40 have some pathologic change in weight bearing joint. 25% females and 16% males have symptomatic OA. The clinical features of OA resemble with Sandhigata Vata described in Ayurvedic classical texts, which is a disease of Sandhi (joint) characterized by symptoms of Sandhishula (pain), Sandhishotha (swelling) and Akunchana Prasarana Pravritti Vedana (pain on flexion and extension of the joint) and in the later stage Hanti Sandhigatah (diminution of the movements at joints ).OA is an incurable disease. Experts suggest non drug approaches like exercise, weight loss and physical therapy along with drug therapy.

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