Osteoarthritis Treatment with Homeopathic Medicine

Osteoarthritis is one of the types of arthritis that is caused due to degeneration and eventually loss of the cartilage of joints. Cartilage is a tissue that covers the inside of the joints and acts as a cushion between the two bones forming a joint. When the cartilage starts undergoing degeneration, the bone becomes inflamed as its protective covering is lost. This causes pain during weight-bearing activities such as standing, walking, etc.

Joint structure

Causes of Osteoarthritis:

The exact cause of osteoarthritis is often multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and biomechanical factors. Here are some common causes and risk factors associated with osteoarthritis:

1) Age: Osteoarthritis is more common with aging. The wear and tear on joints over the years can contribute to the breakdown of cartilage.

2) Genetics: There is a genetic component to osteoarthritis. If there's a family history of OA, individuals may be at a higher risk.

3) Joint Overuse or Injury: Repetitive use or overuse of joints can lead to the breakdown of cartilage. Joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can also increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the affected joint.

4) Obesity: Excess body weight puts increased stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips. This additional stress can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage and contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.

5) Joint Misalignment: Improper alignment of joints can lead to uneven distribution of forces across the joint surfaces, contributing to cartilage wear and tear.

6) Muscle Weakness: Weak muscles around joints may not provide adequate support, leading to increased stress on the joints and an elevated risk of osteoarthritis.

7) Joint Diseases: Certain joint diseases or conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or septic arthritis, can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.

8) Hormonal Factors: Changes in hormones, particularly in women during menopause, may influence the development of osteoarthritis.

9) Joint Congenital Abnormalities: Individuals born with joint abnormalities or congenital conditions that affect joint structure may be more susceptible to osteoarthritis.

10) Metabolic Factors: Conditions such as diabetes and hemochromatosis (excess iron in the body) have been associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis.

11) Other Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Paget's disease or joint hypermobility syndrome, can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.

It's important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of osteoarthritis, the exact interplay of these factors can vary from person to person. Additionally, not everyone with these risk factors will develop osteoarthritis, and some individuals may develop OA without apparent risk factors. Overall, the development of osteoarthritis is complex and influenced by a combination of genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

OA knees:

When the osteoarthritis is due to the ageing process it is known as primary osteoarthritis; when there are other conditions in the background that have triggered this disorder, it is known as Secondary osteoarthritis. Secondary osteoarthritis can be caused by any of the following:

• Trauma
• Joint surgery
• Obesity
• Congenital anomalies of the joint
• Gout
• Diabetes
• Hormonal disorders (especially Growth hormone disorders)

Symptoms of Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis):

The common symptoms of Osteoarthritis: Heberden's nodes

• Pain and stiffness of the affected joint
• Swelling and warmth of the joint
• The creaking of the joint
• Pain is usually worse after repetitive use of the joint
• Stiffness is usually worse after a long period of inactivity
• Pain may occur at rest too (in severe cases)
• Limited mobility of joints
• Inability to squat
• Bony enlargement of small joints of fingers (called Heberden's nodules) Spine osteoarthritis can cause:
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Backache
• Tingling numbness of extremities

Homeopathic treatment:

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the pathological changes in the joint are almost irreversible. Homeopathic medicine can alleviate the pain significantly but cannot cure the disease completely. Most cases respond well as far as the long-term pain relief is concerned. Homeopathic medicines are suggested for osteoarthritis, especially for early cases where the medicines can slow down the degenerative process and offer considerable pain relief.

Homeopathic medicines for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is an ageing disease where bones in the joints show signs of ageing, inflammation and deformity, with the symptoms of pain, swelling and reduced mobility.

Homeopathic medicines if chosen well can reduce pain and improve mobility. Some of the commonly used homeopathic medicines for Osteoarthritis are Rhus toxicidendron, Bryonia alba, Arnica Montana, Calcaria fluoride, Calcaria carbonate, Pulsatilla nigra, Radium bromide, Kali carbonicum, etc. The first three medicines may be used as over-the-counter medicines for self-help, not others.

Here's a brief overview of some indications for the mentioned homeopathic medicines for osteoarthritis:

1) Rhus Toxicodendron: Indicated for joint pain and stiffness that improves with movement and worsens at rest. Symptoms may be aggravated in cold, damp weather. Restlessness and a desire for continued motion.

2) Bryonia Alba: Useful when there is intense, stitching pain that worsens with movement. Improvement is observed with rest and pressure on the affected part. Thirst for large quantities of water.

3) Arnica Montana: Indicated for pain and soreness in the joints after overexertion or injury. Useful when the affected parts feel bruised and sore. Generally averse to touch and prefers not to be touched.

4) Calcarea Fluorica: May be helpful for degenerative changes in the bones and cartilage. Indicated when there are hard, stony nodes or bony growths around joints. Stiffness and cracking in the joints.

5) Calcarea Carbonica: Considered when there is slow, progressive joint degeneration. Helpful for individuals with a tendency towards obesity, chilliness, and fatigue. Worsening of symptoms in damp, cold weather.

6) Pulsatilla Nigra: Indicated when symptoms are changeable and shifting. Helpful for those with a mild, yielding disposition. Symptoms may be worse in a warm room and better in open air.

7) Radium Bromide: Considered for bone pain that is worse at night. It may be indicated for joint pain associated with radiation exposure. Restlessness and anxiety may be present.

8) Kali Carbonicum: Indicated for arthritis with stitching, and tearing pains. Symptoms may be associated with weakness and fatigue.

• Case studies of Osteoarthritis: Case 1, Case 2, Case 3, Case 4, Case 5, Case 6, Case 7,Case 8,Case 9
• Related conditions: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Cervical Spondylitis, Lumber spondylitis
• Case Studies of Osteoarthritis
• Case Studies of other diseases
• Information about other diseases

Written & Approved by-

Dr. Rajesh Shah

M.D. (Hom.)