Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis or bone infarction, is a serious medical condition where the blood supply to a bone is disrupted, leading to the death of bone tissue. Over time, this can cause the bone to collapse, leading to pain, loss of joint function, and arthritis if not treated early.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes AVN, how it presents, and the available treatment options.
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What is Avascular Necrosis?
The term “avascular” means without blood supply, and “necrosis” means tissue death. AVN occurs when blood flow to a particular bone or joint is interrupted or reduced, depriving the bone tissue of oxygen and nutrients. The most commonly affected bones include:
Femoral head (hip joint) – most common site
Knee (distal femur/proximal tibia)
Shoulder (humeral head)
Ankle and wrist bones
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What Causes AVN?
Several conditions and risk factors can lead to AVN. The most common causes include:
Trauma or Injury
Fractures or dislocations, especially of the hip joint, can damage blood vessels supplying the bone.
Chronic Steroid Use
Prolonged use of corticosteroids (like prednisone) can interfere with the body’s ability to break down fats, leading to clogged blood vessels in the bone.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol abuse affects fat metabolism and can lead to fat emboli (blockages), reducing blood supply to the bone.
Medical Conditions
Sickle cell disease
Lupus
Gaucher’s disease
HIV/AIDS
Blood clotting disorders
Other Causes
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Pancreatitis
Organ transplantation
Idiopathic (unknown origin – in many cases, the cause is not clearly identified)
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Symptoms of AVN
In the early stages, AVN may be asymptomatic. As the disease progresses, symptoms may appear and worsen:
Pain in the affected joint (commonly the hip or knee)
Pain during activity or weight-bearing
Pain at rest (in advanced cases)
Limited range of motion
Limping (if the lower limb is affected)
Joint stiffness or clicking sounds
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Diagnosis
AVN is diagnosed through a combination of:
Clinical Examination
Assessment of pain, mobility, and history of risk factors.
Imaging Tests
X-rays – may appear normal in early stages
MRI – most sensitive test to detect early changes
CT Scan – shows bone structure and damage
Bone scan – helps detect reduced blood flow
At Ayushkamiya Ayurveda, we believe in the power of classical Ayurveda to restore health, even in conditions where modern medicine leans towards surgical options. One such condition is Avascular Necrosis (AVN) – also known as osteonecrosis – a degenerative bone disorder caused by loss of blood supply, commonly affecting the hip joint (femoral head), knees, and shoulders.
What Happens in AVN?
When blood flow to a bone is reduced or blocked, the bone tissue begins to die, leading to joint pain, stiffness, limited movement, and eventually bone collapse if untreated. While surgery or joint replacement is often recommended in advanced stages, Ayurveda offers a non-surgical, holistic solution—and we at Ayushkamiya Ayurveda have seen excellent results with our customized treatment protocol.
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Ayurvedic Understanding of AVN
In Ayurveda, AVN is understood as a Majja Dhatu (bone marrow) and Asthi Dhatu (bone tissue) disorder primarily caused by aggravated Vata dosha and Srotorodha (obstruction in channels). This vitiation leads to degeneration, dryness, and loss of nourishment to the bone tissue.
Our goal is to: Restore proper circulation
Nourish bone and marrow
Rejuvenate the joint
Reduce inflammation and pain
Prevent further degeneration
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Ayushkamiya Ayurveda’s Specialized AVN Treatment Protocol
We follow an individualized, stage-based treatment plan combining Panchakarma, internal medicines, and external therapies, with a strong emphasis on non-surgical healing.
1. Lepanam – Our Signature Herbal Paste Therapy
We apply our special medicated herbal paste prepared with Vatahara and Asthivardhaka herbs, directly on the affected area. This:
Improves local circulation
Reduces pain and inflammation
Rejuvenates tissues
Many patients report pain relief and ease of movement within a few sessions of our custom Ayushkamiya Lepanam therapy.
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2. Basti – Vata Balancing Medicated Enema
This is one of the most powerful treatments in Ayurveda for Vata-related disorders like AVN. We administer:
Anuvasana Basti (oil-based)
Niruha Basti (herbal decoction-based)
Our special Basti formulations:
Nourish bone and bone marrow
Remove Ama (toxins)
Promote rejuvenation of tissues
We have seen remarkable recovery in hip AVN with our Basti regimen, often preventing the need for hip replacement.
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3. Other Panchakarma Therapies
Depending on the patient’s condition, we may include:
Abhyanga (medicated oil massage)
Swedana (sudation therapy)
Pizhichil (oil bath therapy)
Shirodhara (if systemic Vata needs calming)
Each therapy is customized to ensure deep tissue nourishment and circulation enhancement.
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4. Internal Herbal Medicines
Our internal medicines are carefully chosen based on the stage of AVN, body constitution, and associated symptoms. We use potent classical formulations and herbal combinations
Our Results: Healing Without Surgery
At Ayushkamiya Ayurveda, we have treated multiple AVN cases—especially hip and knee AVN—with significant improvement in symptoms such as:
Reduction in pain and stiffness
Improved joint mobility
Better quality of life
In many cases, surgery was completely avoided
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Why Choose Ayushkamiya Ayurveda for AVN?
Authentic Panchakarma with experienced doctors
Specialized non-surgical AVN protocols
Natural, side-effect-free healing
Personalized care and diet/lifestyle guidance
Long-term improvement and joint preservation
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Get in Touch
If you or a loved one is suffering from Avascular Necrosis and looking for a safe, natural, and effective alternative to surgery, we welcome you to consult us at Ayushkamiya Ayurveda.
Your bones can heal naturally – with the wisdom of Ayurveda.
Location: kinningar | Kasaragod | puttur
Call/WhatsApp: 7907306126
Website/Social: www.ayushkamiyaayurveda.com