The incidence and outcome of postviral arthritis treated through whole system Ayurveda at a secondary care Ayurveda Arthritis Specialty Centre in North India

Abstract

Background: Postviral arthritis is a common consequence of seasonal viral infections caused by chikungunya and dengue viruses. Presenting in its acute and chronic stages, arthritis often remains a stable complication of such infections in a large population. Despite its regular occurrence in epidemic proportions in India on a yearly basis, any substantial and dependable management is not available in conventional medicine to treat the primary condition and prevent joint-related complications. As a result, many among the affected population visit Ayurveda and other alternative system of medicine Practitioners in search of relief. Despite of finding a large input of such patients in Ayurveda clinics, serious observation has not been done in Ayurveda also to delineate the pattern and outcome of postviral arthritis treated at Ayurveda clinics. Aims and Objectives: Since a serious epidemiological and outcome observation is important as a proof of concept to initiate more serious studies in this area in the future, this observational study was done having focused upon these objectives at a secondary care Ayurveda arthritis treatment center in North India. Materials and Methods: Patients fulfilling the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were registered and followed up for defined period of ayurvedic intervention. Subsequently outcomes were reported through gross statistical methods. Result: An average 56.8% improvement was reported by the study participants having received Ayurveda treatment for about 8 weeks. A substantial reduction in need of analgesics (needed only by <4% people post treatment) was also observed suggesting the beneficial effects of Ayurveda interventions in postviral arthritis. Conclusion: These preliminary observations suggest the conduction of serious clinical trials to see the effectiveness of Ayurveda interventions in postviral arthritis.