Ayurvedic management of psoriatic arthritis (gambhira vatarakta): A case study

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis occurring in people with psoriasis and can cause progressive joint damage and disability. Conventional treatment with NSAIDs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologics can control disease activity, but incomplete response, adverse effects, cost and the need for long-term monitoring remain concerns. Ayurveda has no separate term for PsA; joint pain, swelling and stiffness with skin involvement closely resemble Vatarakta, particularly its deep-seated (Gambhira) type, with the skin component overlapping with Kushtha.