HOMEOPATHY FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is more likely to develop as people age. The changes in osteoarthritis usually occur slowly over many years, though there are occasional exceptions. Inflammation and injury to the joint cause bony changes, deterioration of tendons and ligaments and a breakdown of cartilage, resulting in pain, swelling, and deformity of the joint.

HOMEOPATHY MEDICINES

Homoeopathy today is a growing system and is being practiced all over the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When Osteoarthritis is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient, considering the mental and physical symptoms.

ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM

Antimonium crudum is effective for arthritis of fingers which gets worse from cold weather or by washing hands in cold water and better from warm. There is weakness and shaking of hands in writing followed by offensive flatus. Arthritis alternates with stomach symptoms. There is bloating after eating and eructations tasting of ingesta. Digestion is disturbed with constant belching. Antimonium crudum person have a thick white coated tongue.

BRYONIA ALB

Bryonia alb is one of the top remedies for osteoarthritis of knee joint. Here the joints become red, hot and swollen with stitching and tearing pain, worse on least movement. Knees become stiff and painful. Knees totter and bend under him when walking. The patient feels a cracking sound while walking. The leading symptom is knee pain gets worse by walking or movement and better from taking complete rest.

BENZOIC ACID

Benzoic acid is an excellent remedy for osteoarthritis of finger joints with cracking sounds on moving the fingers. Painful nodes are seen on finger joints. Urinary symptom is very important for the selection of this remedy. The urine is hot, dark brown, offensive, similar to horse’s urine.

CALCAREA CARB

Calcarea carb is another effective remedy for osteoarthritis of knee joint especially in fat, and obese persons. Osteoarthritis pain after exposure to cold. There is tearing pain in muscles. The pain and swelling of joints get worse when getting up from a sitting position and also by walking. Cold, clammy knees is another feature of Calcarea carb. There are cramps in calves when stretching out the legs at night.  Calcarea carb persons gets cold easily. They have a special craving for eggs and indigestible things.

CALCAREA FLOUR

Calcarea flour is best for finger joint arthritis with swelling and indurated enlargements. There are nodes of stony hardness is formed on finger joints. Pain and stiffness of finger joints. Bone spurs are seen on the affected joints.

CAUSTICUM

Causticum is effective for arthritic pain of knee joint with cracking and tension in knees, stiffness in hollow of knee. The tearing pain in knee gets better from heat and worse by exposure to cold air. The patient experiences burning in the knee joint. There is unsteady walking and easily falling due to pain and stiffness.

COLOCYNTHIS

Colocynthis is best for the osteoarthritis of hip joint with cramp like pain in hip. When lies on affected side pain from hip to knees. There is stiffness of joint and shortening of tendons. The pain gets worse from motion, standing and stooping and better from heat and by applying pressure.

COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE

Colchicum autumnale is effective for affections of the joints, fingers, toes, wrists and ankles. The patient experiences violent pain, cannot bear to have it touched or moved. Movement aggravates the condition. Great weakness. Burning or icy coldness in stomach.

GUAIACUM OFFICINALE

Guaiacum is best for long standing osteoarthritis. Tendons contracted. Limbs drawn out of shape. Immovable stiffness in joints. Growing pain in limbs. A feeling of heat in the affected limbs.

LEDUM PALUSTRE

Ledum pal is another effective remedy for osteoarthritis, especially sub-acute osteoarthritis. Arthritic pains that travel upwards, worse by warmth. Nodes are seen in joints. Gouty inflammations. Ankles and big toe swollen.

RHUS TOXICODENDRON

Rhus tox is best for hip joint pain with tearing pain, swelling of the joints. There is marked stiffness and pain in the joint. It is more marked when getting up from a sitting position and gets better from walking or by application of heat on the affected part. The patient gets hip pain on going up the stairs or sitting down. The affected part gets paralyzed, and cannot tolerate cold fresh air.

PULSATILLA NIGRICANS

Pulsatilla is excellent for hip joint pain where the tearing pain shifting rapidly. Pain in hip joint as if dislocated and gets relief from motion. There is drawing, tensive pain with restlessness, sleeplessness, and chilliness. The pulsatilla person is mild, timid, emotional and tearful. They have a special craving for rich foods.

RUTA GEAVEOLENS

Ruta graveolens is effective for osteoarthritis of knee joint where the patient feels the knees give way, while ascending and descending stairs. The pains as if deep in long bones, must walk about. The pain gets better by applying pressure on the affected part of knee. The thighs feel broken, worse when stretching the legs.

SULPHUR

Sulphur is best for osteoarthritis of knee joint and it is used as an intercurrent remedy or give when the well selected remedy fails. There is pain, swelling and stiffness, which is worse on standing and using stairs. Another marked symptom along with knee joint pain is excessive burning of sole, wants them uncovered. The gait is unsteady due to stiffness and pain.