Being a chronic disease that mainly affects elderly persons who are overweight, osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, causes severe joint pain. Mainly affecting the spine, hip or knee, it can manifest itself in different ways from one patient to another. However, in all cases, it is responsible for the progressive deterioration of the joint lubricant, known as synovial fluid. As a result, the bones and joints gradually lose their elasticity and flexibility.
Osteoarthritis is said to be primary if it occurs spontaneously, without medical or surgical history, but it is called secondary if it is caused by a lupus, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or a history of trauma or surgery. Fortunately, this disease can be treated with numerous homoeopathic remedies.
People with osteoarthritis mainly suffer from joint pain, either during or after they have performed repetitive physical activities or when train after a long period of inactivity. These pains, quasi-permanent, are mostly sensitive to pressure, even slight, and palpation. Osteoarthritis can also manifest itself by stiffness in the affected joint and pain, which is mainly felt in the morning or when the patient makes a move after having spent a long time motionless. Over the years, the patient becomes more and more sensitive to temperature changes and his or her joints become less and less flexible. Inflammation and small bumps may even occur if no treatment of the disease is undertaken.
Localized pain in the cervical vertabrae are relieved by Rhus Toxicodendron, a homoeopathic remedy that can also be used to treat joint stiffness. Shooting pain caused by impacts, false moves or falls, and generalized body aches can be relieved by Arnica 5 CH, while cramps and spasms are treated with Angustura Vera 5 CH. As for joint pain that is exacerbated during menstruation periods, it can be lessened by taking Actea Racemosa 5 CH.
For added efficiency, homeopathic remedies can be combined with other anti-inflammatory treatments. For example, the patient can take 3 granules of Rhus toxicodendron and combine them with an Arnica-based gel. To alleviate the painful bouts, it is recommended to take 5 granules of Radium bromatum 9 CH one to three times a day, depending on the symptoms’ intensity, and this especially in cases during which the pain intensifies at night and is relieved with heat. In case of hip osteoarthritis, use Causticum 9 CH instead, taking care to respect the same dosage. Finally, in case of osteoarthritis of the finger joints, it is advisable to take 5 granules of Actea spicata 5 CH as well as 5 granules of Polygonum aviculare.
Preventive treatment of osteoarthritis will be prescribed depending on the cause of the disease and the manifestation of symptoms. If they appear to be more pronounced during rainy weather, Dulcamara 7 CH and Natrum Sulph 7 CH are the most suitable remedies while Nux Vomica 5 CH and Calcarea Phosphorica 5 CH are recommended if the symptoms appear due to the cold. In addition, if the pain is felt after intense physical activity but is relieved by walking or light exercise, Rhus Toxicodendron 5 CH and Bryonia 15 CH are the most appropriate remedies. On the other hand, if the patient’s condition improves in rainy weather, Causticum 5 CH is particularly suitable. If throbbing pain is relieved by the cold, Ledul 5 CH is strongly recommended but if it is alleviated by heat, it will be better to resort to Rhus Toxicodendron 7 CH.
Given that osteoarthritis is no trivial illness, like common colds for example, it should always be taken seriously. If the pain intensifies and the patient suffers from hyperalgesia or no diagnosis has yet been established, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Good to know: The homoeopathic remedies used to treat arthritis can also be taken to get rid of morning sickness and dizziness that often accompany this disease.
