Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis, a painful joint infection, aligns with sandhigata vātapitta-kapha janya visarpa in Ayurveda, where aggravated doṣas with microbial invasion inflame joints. It causes swelling, heat, and severe pain. Suśruta Saṃhitā (Nidānasthāna 5.27) notes joint infections. A 2019 review highlighted Ayurveda therapies reducing inflammation alongside modern antimicrobial care.

Common Causes of Septic arthritis

Bacterial spread from infections elsewhere in the body.
Direct joint injury introducing pathogens.
Weak immunity from chronic illness or malnutrition.
Uncontrolled diabetes increasing infection risk.
Kapha accumulation with āma creating a fertile ground for microbes.

Symptoms of Septic arthritis

Sudden severe joint pain and swelling.
Warmth, redness, and tenderness over joint.
Restricted mobility due to intense pain.
Fever, chills, and general malaise.
Rapid joint damage if untreated.

Ayurveda’s Approach to Healing Septic arthritis

Śodhana (purification) through virecana or basti to clear doṣas.
Anti-inflammatory herbs like guggulu and haridrā for swelling.
Decoctions of triphalā and nimba for cleansing.
Support immunity with rasāyana herbs like gudūcī.
Light, easily digestible diet to strengthen agni and resist infection.