Two or more bones come together to form a joint or Sandhi. Vata: It refers to the inflammation (Pain and swelling) in th ejoints. It is used to describe a wide variety of Rheumatic diseases.There are more than 100 of them! Typically, when a person says “Sandhi-vata” they are referring to the most common type called Osteoarthritis (OA. It is a result of wear and tear around the joint due to age, injury or excessive pressure from physical activity or body weight. On the other hand, Amvata or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a disease of young adults. Regrettably, RA has very little identity of its own. Anything with “arthritis” is considered to be linked with old age. Being lumped with “Sandhi-vata” other immune system related arthritis such as Amvata (RA) does not get the attention it deserves.The reality in India is that majority people are unaware of what Rheumatology is all about.

Miss K 30 year old IT professional recently diagnosed with Amvata (RA) told me, soon after diagnosis I realized that no one understood what Amvata (RA) was, most people only heard the word sandhi-vata and would respond with you are too young to have Sandhi-vata or take ayurvedic treatment or diet and exercise will help

With recent advances in management of Sandhi-vata there are a variety of treatments options available. A rheumatologist (sandhivata specialist) is an expert in this disease and should be consulted early.It is a misconception that modern medicine doctors only prescribe steroids and painkillers. Rheumatologists prescribe disease-modifying medications to help with symptoms and stop progression of disease. Simple painkillers will not prevent joint damage. With recent advances in the treatment it is possible to halt disease progression. Majority of patients with Sandhi-vata can lead a normal life if treated appropriately.