Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medicine that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health problems. In this article, we'll explore the use of ayurvedic treatment for avascular necrosis. Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health and treatment, and it focuses on the whole person. By treating the underlying cause of the disease, ayurvedic treatments will improve your chances of recovering from avascular necrosis.
A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Treatment for Avascular Necrosis
There is a steep raise in Avascular Necrosis (AVN) cases post Covid may be resulted from restrictions due to covid or the use of steroids in treating covid. Avascular Necrosis (AVN) has no cure but an early diagnosis can delay the progression of the disease.
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) is a medical condition characterized by poor blood supply to the bones, leading to its death. It is a common cause of joint pain and disability but it can be treated successfully with Ayurvedic treatments. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss what avascular necrosis is, how it develops, and the Ayurvedic treatment techniques for managing its symptoms and preventing further damage.
What is avascular necrosis?
Avascular necrosis is also known as osteonecrosis. Avascular means lack of blood supply and necrosis means the death of tissues. So avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis is a condition where the death of bone tissues occurs due to lack of blood supply. It can cause tiny breaks in the bone leading to the collapse of the bone.
Other names: Aseptic necrosis, Ischemic bone necrosis, Osteonecrosis.
Common location: Most of the time it occurs hip joint (femoral head) but it can also occur in the elbow, knee, ankle

Symptoms of Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
In the early stages of AVN, many people have no symptoms. When the condition worsens the affected joint may start hurting when putting weight on them. Finally one might feel the pain even in lying down.
PAIN – Pain can be mild to severe.
Causes of Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
AVN occurs when the blood flow to the bone is reduced or interrupted. There are several causes that are responsible for reduced blood supply and cause osteonecrosis. The causes of AVN can be broadly divided into two. One is a direct cause and the other is an indirect cause and each cause has different path mechanisms to produce a necrotic femoral head.
Direct Causes
- irradiation
- trauma
- hematologic diseases (leukemia, lymphoma)
- dysbaric disorders (decompression sickness, “the bends”) – Caisson disease
- marrow-replacing diseases (e.g. Gaucher’s disease)
- sickle cell disease
Indirect causes
- alcoholism
- hypercoagulable states
- steroids (either endogenous or exogenous)
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- transplant patient
- virus (CMV, hepatitis, HIV, rubella, rubeola, varicella)
- protease inhibitors (type of HIV medication)
- idiopathic
Diagnosis of Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
When a patient visits the health care provider he will do the physical examination first such as pressing around joints, checking for tenderness, and range of motion.
Tests for Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
Radiological tests help to get more accuracy about the AVN and its stage.
- X-Ray – In early stages x-rays do not show any changes but in advanced stages, bone changes can be visible.
- MRI & CT Scan – show early changes in the bone and gives a detailed image that may indicate AVN
- Bone Scan – helps to analyze the state of the damage to the bone.
Stages of Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
(Steinberg Classification- modification of Ficat classification)
- stage 0: normal or non-diagnostic radiographs, MRI, and bone scan of at-risk hip (often contralateral hip involved, or the patient has risk factors and hip pain)
- stage I: normal radiograph, abnormal bone scan, and/or MRI
- stage II: cystic and sclerotic radiographic changes
- stage III: subchondral lucency or crescent sign
- stage IV: flattening of the femoral head, with depression graded into
- mild: <2 mm
- moderate: 2-4 mm
- severe: >4 mm
- stage V: joint space narrowing with or without acetabular involvement
- stage VI: advanced degenerative changes
Age Group
AVN can affect anyone but is more commonly seen in people between the ages of 30 and 50 years and males are more affected than females.

Treatment for Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head
All the treatments are aimed to prevent further bone damage
Treatment for Avascular Necrosis (AVN ) of the femoral head depends on the causes. The age of the patient, bone repair capacity, cause, duration of the disease, and stage of the disease are taken into account before choosing the treatment plan. Early detection of causes will help in preventing further damage to the femoral head.
Other actions such as lowering the dose of corticosteroids in cognitions like rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, after transplantation surgery, avoiding alcohol consumption, etc…are beneficial in preventing further damage in AVN.
In the early stage of AVN following medicines are used to relieve the symptoms
- NSAIDs – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to get relief from pain. Milder to a stronger forms of NSAIDs are prescribed depending on the intensity of the pain.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs – Reducing fat and cholesterol helps in improving blood circulation and prevents vessel blockage.
- Blood Thinners – helps in preventing clots in clotting disorders and improve the circulation to the bones.
- Osteoporosis drugs – have shown that they can slow down the progression of AVN.
Therapies in Avascular Necrosis
Therapies can help improve the range of motion and prevent further damage.
- Exercises – your health care provider or physical therapist may suggest some exercise to improve the range of motion in the joints.
- Electrical stimulation – found beneficial as they help to replace the damaged bone by growing new bone.
- Rest – is advised to take off the weight to the affected joint so the bone damage can be minimized.
Surgical Treatments in Avascular Necrosis
Different types of surgical treatments are done to manage AVN. In young individuals, femoral head preserving operation has opted for if possible and feasible in the early stage of AVN.
- Osteotomy – done in small lesions where the lesion can be rotated away from the weight-bearing surface.
- Core decompression – is chosen in early AVN before subchondral collapse occurs and in the reversible cause.
- Bone transplant – done in young patients with pre-collapse and collapsed AVN with reversible cause.
- Joint replacement – done in younger and advanced femoral collapse with reversible etiology
- Regenerative medicine treatment.

How to prevent Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
- Steroid Use – Discuss with your health care provider about your AVN and let him decide the best dose depending on your health status as steroids can cause severe damage to bones.
- Avoid Alcohol – Heavy drinking is one of the causes of developing AVN. Stop it completely for better recovery.
- Stop Smoking – Smoking reduces blood flow and narrows blood flow.
- Monitor Cholesterol level – High cholesterol books the blood supply to bones and you need to lower your cholesterol levels.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
The first step in understanding Ayurvedic Treatment for Avascular Necrosis is knowing the causes of this medical complication. Any disruption or damage to an artery’s lining can lead to an insufficient supply of oxygenated blood to the bone tissue caused by impaired circulation due to trauma or toxic substances like alcohol consumption etc. This reduced flow of oxygen-rich blood leads to infarction (tissue death, which ultimately results in AVN development.
Ayurveda – an ancient health science based on natural healing principles – offers various therapies that are effective in correcting circulatory problems associated with avascular necrosis treatment such as herbal remedies comprising herbs like Ashwagandha, Amalaki and Guduchi, Turmeric, Amruta, etc… diet modifications involving pitta-pacifying foods such as cooked vegetables instead of raw salads
External applications viz, Abhyanga massage using warm ayurvedic oil like sesame seed oil for improving circulation; Pizhichil bath therapy combined with mild yoga exercises like pranayama for reducing stress levels;
Medicinal formulations/medicated oils specifically prepared as mentioned in the classical ayurvedic books using ingredients mentioned in it under expert guidance are beneficial in treating Avascular Necrosis (AVN).
All these play important roles together in aiding the healthy functioning of tissues near joints affected by AVN thereby accelerating the recovery process without any side effects if done correctly.
In addition, patients should follow certain lifestyle changes including a regular sleep schedule so their body gets ample time for self-repairing along with avoiding activities that put additional strain on affected joint area coupled with minimizing intake of caffeine & smoking cigarettes/cigars, etc
A holistic approach combining both conventional medicines & Ayurvedic treatments has been proven beneficial among many individuals suffering from AVN ailment where underlying causative factors get efficiently addressed while providing relief from symptomatic discomfort though duration may vary depending upon extent & severity present among different sufferers
Overall, Ayurveda provides beneficial solutions towards treating Avascular Necrosis effectively when exercised after thorough consultation keeping general physical conditions into account with supervision bought forth via certified healthcare professionals specializing in traditional Indian Medical Science as scientific studies conducted have unequivocally proved relevance attached to bringing back life into diseased parts providing radiant blooms about people’s lives who underwent therapies!

Doshas involved in Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
All three doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are involved in various stages of Avascular Necrosis (AVN). Vata dosha is predominantly involved as it occurs in the seat of vata dosha.
Asthi dhatu (bone tissues) is one among the seven other dhatus which has the primary function of supporting the body and maintaining position (Shareera Dharana). Asthi gives shape to our body and protects vital organs or gives structural stability.
When there is a decrease (kshaya) of bone tissue (asthi dhatu) occurs the normal functions of the bone tissues (asthi dhatu) get impaired. This impairment leads to the loss of functions of bone tissues and leads to cognitions like AVN.
The major reason for the decrement of bone tissues (asthi kshaya) is the aggravation of Vata dosha. Vata dosha and bone tissue (asthi dhatu) are closely related due to their resident and residence relationship (ashraya and ashrayi bhava). Bone tissue is the main seat of Vata dosha so whenever Vata dosha accumulates Ashthi Dhatu dissipates because Vata and Asthi are conversely promotional to each other.
Due to various vata aggravating reasons, the asthi dhatu gets harmed both structurally and functionally such as decline, loss, decay, waning, etc…
Symptoms of Asthi Kshaya
- Pain in the joints
- Breaking sort of pain in joints
- Weak
- Wasting of muscles
- Disturbed sleep due to pain
- Laxity of joints
- Weakness due to loss of bone tissues
Ayurvedic treatments for avascular necrosis include the following stages
- Pachana – helps to digest the AMA ( improperly formed nutrient from food in the first stage of digestion). AMA blocks the proper nutritional supply to the tissues and reduces their functional quality. So pachana helps to clear the AMA and helps in improving the optimal availability of nutrition to the tissues.
- Deepana – This helps to improve digestion. The medicines that have the deepana quality enhance digestion and help in the proper formation of nutrients. Deepana also helps to maintain the optimal formation of dhathus by their respective dhatwagnis and helps in the proper formation of tissues and stability of tissues.
- Rukshana – Rukshana causes dryness, roughness, and coarseness in the body and is indicated when there is an excess accumulation of kapha dosha, obstruction to the channels, etc…In AVN rukshana is used to cheer the channels so that the circulation to the bone tissue can get better. Rukshana can be done through therapies, medicines, diet, and regimens. The nature of rukshana is chosen according to the status of the patient and the disease.
- Panchakarma treatments in Avascular Necrosis (AVN) – Various panchakarma treatments (vamana, virechana, basti) are administered depending on the severity of the disease and the strength of the patient. Panchakarma treatments help to expel the morbid doshas from the body and help in better action of the medicines and other treatments.
- Snehana – Oleation therapy either external application or internal administration helps in managing vata dosha and gives stability to the bone tissues.
Do panchakarma treatments help in AVN?
When doshas are aggravated and are ready to be expelled then panchakarma treatments are beneficial. Panchakarma treatments prepare the body for the next stage of treatment by enhancing the efficacy of the medicines.
In Kapha predominant stage Vamana is done
In Pitta predominant stage Virechana is administered
In Vata predominant stage Basti is administered.

Ayurvedic medicines for Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
Various types of ayurvedic medicines are used in treating Avascular Necrosis. Suitable medicines are selected depending on the cause and the severity of the diseases. In the early stages intake of ayurvedic medicines are beneficial and in a chronic state one may need other ayurvedic therapies. Here are a few ayurvedic medicines that are commonly used in treating avascular Necrosis.
- Dashamoola kashayam
- Rasnasaptaka kashayam
- Eranda kashayam
- Bala kashayam
- Thiktaka Kashayam
- Mahathiktaka Ghritam
- Thiktaka Ghritam
- Amruthothara Kashayam
- Thiktaka Ghrita
- Mahathiktaka Ghrita
- Thiktaka Kashayam
- Mahathiktaka Kashayam
- Yogaraja Guggulu
- Rasna Guggulu
- Dashamoola Hareetaki
- Lakshadi Guggulu
- Gugguluthiktaka Ghritam
- Balalakshadi Thailam
- Sukumara lehyam
- Gandha thailam
- Dhanwantharam Thailam
- Rasna panchaka Kashayam
- Lakshadi Thailam
Ayurvedic therapies for avascular Necrosis (AVN)
Suitable ayurvedic therapies are selected depending on the need of the patient. Some may need rukshana treatment at first or snehana depending on the state of the disease and patient. Each ayurvedic therapy has a specific outcome and is chosen carefully to get the desired results. Here are a few commonly used ayurvedic therapies in treating avascular necrosis.
- Abhyanga (application of oil).
- Swedena (medicated steam bath).
- Choorna Pinda Sweda (dry sweating procedure).
- Patra pinda Sweda ( a sweating treatment along with the use of oil).
- Kashaya Dhara (dripping of medicated decoction).
- Ksheera Dhara (dripping of medicated milk).
- Dhanyamla Dhara (dripping of medicated sour decoction).
- Avagaha Sweda (sitting in a warm medicated decoction/oil).
- Lepana (application of medicated paste).
- Pichu (oil retention using cloth/cotton pads).
- Bandana (bandaging with medicated oil/paste).
- Udwarthana (rubbing body with medicated powders).
Advantages of Ayurvedic Treatments in Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
Ayurveda is an ancient form of alternative medicine native to India It uses a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, focusing on diet, lifestyle adjustments, and natural remedies instead of drugs or surgery Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a condition that causes the death of bone tissue due to inadequate blood supply.
While conventional treatments for AVN may include medication, physical therapy, joint replacement surgery, or other invasive procedures, some people turn to ayurvedic treatments as an alternative option or considered avascular necrosis treatment without surgery.
In this article, we explore the advantages of using Ayurveda for avascular necrosis treatment in depth – from understanding its core principles to what results can be expected from such approaches.
At the heart of Ayurvedic philosophy lies the principle that good health starts with bringing balance back into our lives This means creating harmony between mind, body, and spirit through changes in lifestyle habits such as eating right and exercising regularly among others.
When it comes to treating avascular necrosis (AVN), healing requires first breaking down barriers that disrupt proper circulation within bone cells before restoring balance through specific therapies prescribed by ayurvedic practitioners.
The major advantage associated with choosing ayurvedic treatments over more traditional options lies in their non-invasive nature; meaning no painful surgeries or extensive recovery periods are necessary during the treatment process when opting for this ancient modality.
Beyond this comfort factor, there are additional benefits linked with utilizing these practices including increased toxin loss throughout digestion caused by regular consumption healthy diet blended specifically.
One key disadvantage of pursuing ayurvedic treatments for AVN has to do with individual responsibility; patients need to adhere strictly to adhering program proposed by professionals.
Guidelines for Safe and Effective Use of Ayurvedic Treatments for Avascular Necrosis
Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a debilitating condition where the bone cells are deprived of blood supply, leading to cell death and destruction of the affected area Traditional treatments for avascular necrosis have included surgical intervention, steroid injections, and even amputation in severe cases, However, more recently there has been an emergence of alternative approaches such as ayurvedic treatment which can be used for successful resolution and recovery from AVN.
Ayurveda is a traditional form of Indian medicine dating back thousands of years with much success in promoting health through natural remedies and holistic treatments In particular it looks at how elements like diet, lifestyle changes, herbal medicines, yoga, and meditation can work together to heal an individual’s body on many levels.
With regards to Avascular Necrosis specifically, Ayurvedic treatment may include specific therapies such as Vata-balancing oil massage or steam massages that increase circulation around the area being treated as well as preparations made from herbs like Ashwagandha or Guggul which possess anti-inflammatory properties for pain relief.
Due to its low-risk profile combined with its effectiveness in resolving symptoms, ayurvedic treatment provides an excellent option over existing conventional treatments particularly when surgery is not suitable due to advanced-stage AVN or high risks associated with operating by itself.
As always, however, it should be kept in mind that before any new treatments are started they should first be discussed at length with a qualified healthcare practitioner who specializes in this field so information regarding potential side effects/interactions, etc will already be known prior to start anything new & avoiding any potentially dangerous outcomes.
So overall while Avascular Necrosis can cause great discomfort & distress if left untreated proper management through guidance & collaboration between doctors/physicians plus focused effort on anyone’s part using both conventional means along with complementary therapeutic options like Ayurveda can support faster recoveries without unnecessary risks involved along the way!
This blog post will provide guidelines for the safe & effective use of Ayurvedic Treatments so individuals considering these strategies know what benefits they offer plus questions one might want to pose during consultations enabling them to make informed choices about their own well-being trajectories.
Conclusion – A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Treatment for Avascular Necrosis
Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a condition that affects the bones, leading to their demise due to insufficient blood supply Traditional treatment options have yielded limited success in healing AVN, but Ayurveda offers an effective and natural solution In ayurveda.
AVN treatment consists of herbal remedies such as the intake of herbal decoctions, tablets, oils, rasayana therapies, and panchakarma treatments for detoxification. There are also specific prescribing practices based on one’s body type or dosha that helps reduce inflammation and support healthy tissue regeneration in the affected area.
For those seeking more targeted relief from AVN symptoms, there are several yogic postures such as Shirshasana and Trikonasana which help improve circulation while strengthening the spine at the same time Other lifestyle changes such as taking long walks outdoors and incorporating regular physical exercise can also be extremely beneficial over time
Diet plays a major role when it comes to treating any disease in ayurveda—whether it be through dietary restriction or adding certain foods into one’s routine meal plan —and this holds true for managing avascular necrosis too! Eating food items rich in antioxidants depending on the hunger and digestive capacity, along with avoiding processed/stale food items could bring about positive results over time if followed regularly alongside other treatments mentioned above Conclusively,
Ayurveda offers numerous holistic approaches to treat avascular necrosis effectively without any significant side effects, making them ideal candidates for people looking for alternative forms of medication. By following these treatments regularly along with lifestyle modifications, individuals who suffer from this chronic ailment can improve their quality of life significantly.
Avascular necrosis can be a difficult condition to deal with, but there is hope for those with it Ayurvedic treatments offer the potential for safe and effective treatment, giving patients another option for managing their disease. We have provided a comprehensive guide on avascular necrosis treatment in ayurveda that outlines important guidelines for using these treatments safely and effectively.
By following these tips and consulting with your healthcare practitioner on the best course of action, you can take advantage of these natural healing methods to help improve your overall health and well-being.
NOTE:
“This article does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call or visit your doctor.”
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