Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that mainly affects the elderly and is overweight, and causes severe pain in the joints. Mainly affecting the spine, hip or knee, it can manifest itself in different ways from one patient to another. However, in all cases, it causes a gradual deterioration in the quality of the joint lubricant or synovial fluid. As a result, bones and joints gradually lose their elasticity and flexibility. Osteoarthritis is primary if it appears spontaneously, without a medical-surgical history, but it is said to be secondary if it occurs as a result of lupus, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or a traumatic or surgical history. Fortunately, this disease can be treated with many homeopathic remedies.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis
People with osteoarthritis mainly suffer from joint pain, either during or after performing repetitive physical activities, or when training after a long period of inactivity. These pains, which are almost permanent, are mostly sensitive to pressure, even slight, as well as to palpation. Osteoarthritis can also manifest itself as stiffness in the affected joint, pain that is especially felt when waking up or when the patient makes a movement after standing still for a long time. Over the years, the patient becomes more and more sensitive to temperature changes and his joint becomes less and less flexible. Inflammation and small lumps can even appear if no treatment for the disease is followed.
Treatment of pain caused by osteoarthritis
Localized pain in the cervical vertebrae is relieved by Rhus Toxicodendron, a homeopathic remedy that can also be used to treat joint stiffness. Throbbing caused by shocks, false movements or falls, as well as generalized aches and pains, are relieved by Arnica 5 CH and cramps and spasms by Angustura Vera 5 CH. As for the joint pain accentuated during menstrual periods, it can be alleviated by Actea Racemosa 5 CH.
For more effectiveness, homeopathic remedies can be combined with other anti-inflammatories. For example, the patient can use 3 granules of Rhus toxicodendron at the same time as well as an Arnica-based gel. To reduce painful flare-ups, it is advisable to take 5 granules of Radium bromatum 9 CH 1 to 3 times a day, depending on the intensity of the symptoms, especially when the pain intensifies at night and is relieved with the heat. In case of osteoarthritis of the hip, it is recommended to use Causticum 9 CH instead, taking care to respect the same dosage. Finally, in case of osteoarthritis of the fingers, it is advisable to take 5 granules of Actaea spicata 5 CH as well as 5 granules of Polygonum aviculare.
Disease-modifying treatments for osteoarthritis
Thedisease-modifying treatment for osteoarthritis will be prescribed according to the cause of the disease and the appearance of its symptoms. If the latter are more pronounced when it rains, Dulcamara 7 CH and Natrum Sulf 7 CH are the best remedies, while if they appear because of the cold, Nux Vomica 5 CH and Calcarea Phosphorica 5 CH are more recommended. In addition, if the pain is felt following intense physical activity but is calmed by rusting or walking, Rhus Toxicodendron 5 CH and Bryonia 15 CH are the most suitable remedies. On the other hand, if the patient's condition improves during rainy periods, Causticum 5 CH is particularly beneficial. If throbbing is relieved by the cold, Ledum 5 CH is very suitable, but if it is reduced by heat, the use of Rhus Toxicodendron 7 CH is more advisable.
When to see a doctor?
Osteoarthritis is not a trivial disease like the common cold and should therefore always be taken seriously. If the pain intensifies and the patient suffers from hyperalgesia or no diagnosis has yet been made, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
