PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Psoriasis is a skin disease that affects approximately 2% of the population. Just about 5-7 % of those with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.

WHAT IS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS?

Psoriatic arthritis is a rheumatic disease that consists of skin disease psoriasis and joint inflammation. Most have psoriasis before they get arthritis. Some people get skin disease and arthritis at the same time and in a few, we find joint inflammation before it is diagnosed with skin condition.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS?

A clinical consultation about psoriatic arthritis helps in diagnosis along with the usual clinical examination that involves X-ray, blood tests and possibly joint fluid examination. Picture Studies using ultrasound and MRI can detect inflammatory changes in the synovial membrane. Ultrasound, MRI and X-ray examination can reveal joint damage in cartilage and bone.

Before the diagnosis can be made, it must be demonstrated that the skin and / or nail changes typically are of psoriasis, and ensure joint disorders. There are no blood tests that can show that a person has psoriatic arthritis. Based on blood samples, we find slightly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and slightly low blood – percent (anemia). Sedimentation rate seems to be a good indicator for following disease activity. In some patients with psoriasis, we find elevated levels of uric acid. Gout must be ruled out before one can diagnose psoriatic arthritis.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS?

Pain, swelling and stiffness in joints and tendons, as well as pain and stiffness in the back are the main symptoms.

Joint inflammation in psoriatic arthritis is often asymmetrical and affects few joints. Asymmetric means the same joint on both sides of the body are not attacked simultaneously. The affected joints may have reduced mobility. Many patients with arthritis find that they are stiff in the morning, and that they feel tired during the day. We may find so-called sausage fingers and dactylitis. This is probably due to a pronounced tenosynovitis.

The inflammation of the spine come later and other X-ray changes than those found in ankylosing spondylitis. X-ray examinations of joints also show differences between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

By psoriatic arthritis is severe organ damage are rare, but there may be inflammation where tendons attach to bones.

HOW CAN AYURVEDA HELP IN CASE OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS?

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that makes use of herbs existing in the nature and formulates herbal remedies using the inherent power present in these herbs. We in Ayurveda believe that herbal remedies bring to you the richness of the herbs in a natural, unadulterated form. These combinations help improve immunity and provide strength, endurance and will.

Ayurveda uses the inherent power of natural herbs to bring about wonderful results on the human body. The herbs are natural and 100% safe. Ayurveda helps to strengthen the body muscles and bones, making them strong even to withstand any external pressures. The herbs in Ayurveda for bone and arthritic diseases help complete the body deficiency in a natural, herbal way.

HERBS IN AYURVEDA THAT HELP IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

TERMINALIA BELERICA (VIBHITAKI)

A very important herb in the Ayurvedic world, Vibhitaki is famous for its wonderful use in the formation of Triphala. It has numerous health benefits on the human body. Its action on the heart makes it an excellent heart tonic. It helps in purifying blood, thinning of blood, and removing toxins. It is used in cases of low RBC count and low haemoglobin. Vibhitaki helps cases of anemia of any origin and help regain healthy haemoglobin count and form. Our product Kaishore guggul has Vibhitaki

TERMINALIA CHEBULA (HARITAKI)

Haritaki is an important constituent of Triphala that has wonderful health benefits. It acts well in gastrointestinal ailments, in cases of spleenomegaly, hepatomegaly, tumors, ascites, and anemias. Its powder, when mixed with honey and ghee, is an effective remedy for anemia. The herb improves memory and is salutary in dysuria and urinary stones. Haritaki helps in improving appetite and helps in the digestion. In anemia of any origin, Haritaki herb is highly beneficial. It helps anemia due to haemoglobin deficiency, anemia due to red blood cell deficiency, and anemias of abnormal form origin. Haritaki is used in Kaishore guggul and Navkarshik churna.

EMBLICA OFFICINALIS (AMALAKI)

The herb is known for its rejuvenating properties. It is a natural antioxidant that removes free radicals from the body and helps in regeneration of cells. Amla helps in increasing the body vitality and strengthening immunity. It helps in developing healthy, glowing skin and preventing premature aging. Anemia and blood related disorders are helped in a natural way. It helps in maintaining proper functioning of the liver. It aids digestion by soothing hyperacidity. This wonderful herb helps in improving immunity and boosting metabolism. The herb helps gain youthful skin and beauty. Amla has aphrodisiac, antipyretic, cardio-tonic, anti-diabetic, cerebral and gastrointestinal properties. It prevents premature greying of hair, hair loss and promotes hair and nail growth. It enhances eye sight, keeps the mouth clean, and nourishes bones and teeth. It helps to keep the intestine clean and also controls blood sugar. Amla is used to prepare Kaishore guggul and Navkarshik churna.

ALOE BARBADENSIS (GHRIT KUMARI)

Aloe has been used in several skin care products. It helps in rejuvenating the skin making it shiny and strong. It prevents wrinkles, clears blemishes and prevents aging marks. Herbs and herbal formulations that have Aloe barbadensis reduce skin inflammations effectively. In hair care products aloe is used to repair dull and dry hair. It forms an important part of several hair conditioners and shampoos. Aloe extract is generally useful in relieving hypertension. It has abundant antioxidant properties and effectively eliminates toxins from the body. It helps to overcome high blood pressure and respiration problems. It is used in the preparation of Radiant skin, hair, and nail capsules.

RUBIA CORDIFOLIA (MANJISTHA)

Manjistha is an excellent herb famous for its beautiful actions on the outer skin. It has magnificent powers on the skin that nourish and replenish it in a beautiful way. It is anti-inflammatory and relieves wound and inflammations, helps in ulcers and skin disorders. It portrays astringent like properties. It can also be used as an anti-helminthic. It increases flow and it purifies breast milk. Its special role is in case of different skin disorders related with pigmentation, weakness, general debility and poisoning. Manjistha can be used in skin diseases like leprosy, erysipelas, vitiligo and hypo-pigmentation. It is used in the preparation of Radiant skin, hair, and nail capsules and Navkarshik churna.

PLANET AYURVEDA HERBAL PRODUCTS, WHICH ARE HELPFUL IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS