Author(s): Rahila Ashraf and Roohi Mohi-ud-din

Abstract: In Unani system of medicine, Arthritis is described under a broad term Waja-ul-Mafasil which encompasses entire joint disorders like inflammatory, non-inflammatory, infectious, metabolic and other musculoskeletal disorders. Arthritis is one of the commonest joint disorder affecting millions of people worldwide with an estimated 15% (40 million) of Americans had some form of arthritis in 1995 and by the year 2020, an estimated 59.4 million will be affected. In India it affects 15% (180 million) people. On deep insight of Unani literature, arthritis can be correlated with various types of Waja-ul-Mafasil in resemblance to the predisposing factors, aggravating factors and pattern of joint involvement. The principles of management of different varieties of Waja-ul-Mafasil differ from one another. The aim of treatment for patient with Waja-ul-Mafasil is to reduce morbidity and disability. The principle of treatment aims at restoring the normal temperament, and correcting the imbalance in the Khilt (humour) through Imala (Diversion of morbid material) and Istifraagh (Evacuation of morbid material). This review article highlight the salient features describing arthritis with reference to Waja-ul-Mafasil for empathizing disease condition as enunci­ated by Unani scholars to provide a better alternative in terms of cost effective managements and side effects by adapting both non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods of treatment.