What is Arthritis?
In Arthritis there is inflammation of the joints. It affects one or multiple joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, which have different causes. Arthritis is known to cause mild to severe discomfort in the standard of living. There are many ways to manage the flare of pain which happens in arthritis and to treat arthritis properly with the holistic science of Homeopathy.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. Other types include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Gout
Their symptoms usually develop gradually, but they can also appear suddenly. The age for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is between 30 and 50 years. It, however, can also affect children, teens, and younger adults.
Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly develops after the age of 50 or 60 years, but radiographic evidence has revealed changes related to OA in women starting as early as in their 40s. It is more prevalent in individuals who are overweight or in under constant stress.
Before understanding how homeopathy helps in the treatment of arthritis, let’s first understand why arthritis is a lifestyle disorder and it much it affects daily life.
Causes of Arthritis
- Wear and tear of a joint from overuse
- Age (OA is most common in adults over age 50)
- Injuries
- Obesity
- Autoimmune disorders (Sickle cell disease, Sarcoidosis, Kawasaki disease, Lupus, Bone tumors, Crohn’s disease, Bleeding disorders)
- Genes or family history
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of nutrition
- Constant stress, anxiety
- Smoking, Drinking
- Sedentary lifestyle
Symptoms of Arthritis
- Joint pains
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Limited range of motion
- Cracking sound in the joints
- Muscle weakness
- Instability in walking
- Bony outgrowths
- Sore feeling in the knees
- Morning stiffness of small joints
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Flares during the winter season
Diagnosis of arthritis is done by various blood tests which include:
- Anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide)
- RA factor
- ESR
- C-RP
- ANA (antinuclear antibodies)
- X-Ray of affected areas
- MRI (for further investigations)
How to treat Arthritis by Homeopathy
Being a lifestyle disorder arthritis requires long/lifelong treatment. Treatment with the allopathic system of medicine has been known to cause many side effects. Hence, for such conditions homeopathy comes as a savior, which not only brings down the pain and prevents further deterioration of the body but also, can be taken long term since it is holistic and doesn’t have any side effects.
Homeopathic medicines are extremely powerful in treating arthritis. They treat arthritis by directing the overactive immune system. They decrease joint inflammation and symptoms including swelling, pain, and stiffness of joints. Homeopathy offers an extensive variety of medicines for rheumatoid arthritis. They also help to slow down the further progression of the disease. The joint damage and joint deformity can’t be completely cured but can be symptomatically managed with homeopathic medicines. All medicines are natural and safe to use among people of all age groups.
During paroxysms of pain (flares), homeopathic tinctures have been known to provide really good symptomatic relief in a short duration. The key to it is the time!
There is a misconception that homeopathy works slowly so people tend to go to every other form of treatment before taking homeopathy. However, if homeopathy is given in the beginning stages of arthritis and even during the later stage, it has shown incredibly good results in preventing the further progress of the disease.
Some homeopathic medicines providing relief in arthritis include Rhus Tox, Ruta, Bryonia, Ledum Pal, Apis Mellifica, Caulophyllum, Arnica, Stellaria Media, Causticum, Calcarea Carb, Colchicum, Guaiacum etc.
Management of Arthritis
The main goal of treatment is to reduce pain and prevent damage to the joints. It includes:
- Medications and supplements
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Nutrient-rich diet
- Regular exercise
- Weight loss
- Heat and cold compresses
- Mobility assistance devices, such as canes or walkers
- Using turmeric, Ginger
- Herbal supplements like Boswellia, Ginkgo Biloba
