'Arthritis'

The term 'Arthritis' refers to at least 25 different diseases, the most common being rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis. All these are characterised by inflammation in one or more joints.

Causes

Mostly unknown. In some cases, it follows the stress of sprains, infections and joint injuries. Some researchers suggest the patient's inability to produce endorphins or naturally produced pain-killers, as a cause.

Signs & Symptoms

Inflammation of the joint, swelling, pain and loss of function. Usually if the left knee is affected, the right knee is also affected, though in a different degree.
Sometimes associated with fever.
Usually reappears at exposure to cold.
Herbal Medicines

10 gm of dry ginger powder (sonth) well mixed with 15ml castor oil may be taken internally for relief from painful joints for 40 days continuously.
A confection of garlic and til oil (2 cloves + 30ml oil) may be taken internally and the oil boiled with garlic may be applied over the painful joints for relief.
Heated papaya or nirgundi or castor leaves may be applied over the painful areas. Also onion juice with mustard oil may be applied on the affected joints.