AYURVEDIC INTERVENTION IN DIABETIC CHEIROARTHROPATHY (PRAMEHA-UPADRAVA): A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Diabetic Cheiroarthropathy, also known as Diabetic Stiff Hand Syndrome, is a chronic musculoskeletol complication of Diabetes mellitus characterized by pain, stiffness, restricted mobility, deformity, along with cardinal symptoms of Diabetes mellitus.[1] From an Ayurvedic perspective, this condition can be viewed under the heading of Prameha Upadrava involving Vata- Kapha predominance with Medo Dushti, leading to impaired joint function and stiffness. This case study documents the clinical outcome of Ayurvedic Intervention in a patient diagnosed with Diabetic Cheiroarthropathy. The patient presented with bilateral hand stiffness, pain, reduced range of motion, along with cardinal symptoms of Diabetes such as, Excessive appetite, weight loss, Excessive thirst, urination and itching in frictional areas. The therapeutic protocol involved sarvanga Udwartana followed by Sarvanga Takradhara, administered over a period of 21 days, along with Internal Shamana Aushadhi. Clinical assessment showed marked improvement in Lakshanas of Prameha along with the symptoms of Stiff hand syndrome. Subjective symptoms such as early morning stiffness and functional limitation during daily activities were notably reduced.