OSTEOARTHRITIS AND UNANI TREATMENT-A REVIEW

It is the chronic condition of joints in which the cartilage cushioning the ends of the bone looses its elasticity gradually and wears away. Synovial fluid in the joint decreases and dryness occurs in the joint. As per the unani concept the osteoarthritis or all the other arthritic pains are due to imbalance in humours (Akhlaat) i.e. accommodation of Ghair tabbaayi Akhlaat (abnormal humours in the joint) .It can be Damvi, Safari, Phelgami or Saudavi accumulation. Also according to unani concept osteoarthritis (OA) can occur because of imbalance in the temperament i.e. Sue-Mijaz. It can be of two types: 1. Sue-Mijaz Saada (without any morbid matter 2. Sue-Mijaz Maadi (with some morbid matter). In osteoarthritis all the tissues of the joint are involved i.e. cartilage, bone, synovium, capsule, ligament and muscle. The most significant changes are the CARTILAGE CHANGES .There is enzymatic degradation of major structural components of cartilage 'Aggrecan' and 'Collagen'. The main causes responsible for OA are: excessive use of joints, obesity, joint injury, old age, exposure to severe cold and dry weather, cellular disorders etc. that lead to abnormal breakdown of cartilage. There can be stiffness, pain, inflammation and loss of movement.