Management of Peripheral Spondyloarthritis through Ayurveda: A Case Report

Abstract

Peripheral spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorder characterized by predominant involvement of peripheral joints, entheses, and periarticular structures, often leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and functional impairment.  This article presents an evidence-based Ayurvedic case report of a 53-year-old male patient who presented to the inpatient department with pain, swelling, and stiffness of the right ankle joint for four years, hyperpigmented lesions with engorged veins over the lower limbs for 3 years and difficulty in walking for the past two years. Based on clinical features, chronicity, and disease pattern, the condition could be correlated with Vatarakta, and appropriate Vatarakta-Chikitsa principles were adopted. Peripheral spondyloarthritis response criteria 40 (PSpARC40) showed significant improvement with reduced pain, swelling, better joint mobility and gait. This case highlights the potential role of Ayurvedic management based on Vatarakta principles in effectively managing peripheral spondyloarthritis and improving the quality of life.