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As we age, we start losing bone mass and density. Cartilage starts wearing away and many people start to develop degenerative joint disease.

How do we slow the degenerative process?

The right diet, exercise and a healthy life style can help us slow down the degenerative process

A diet rich in collagen:  Green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, soy milk etc contain collagen which is the main protein found in connective tissue that helps to keep the ligaments and tendons flexible.

Omega 3 fatty acids: A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids is found to reduce the progression of Osteo- arthritis. Soybean, flaxseeds, sardines, walnuts etc are good sources of omega 3 fatty acid

Calcium and vitamin D are quintessential for maintaining bone health.

Yogurt, cheese, fortified cereals, orange juice etc contain calcium and Vitamin D. Exposure to sunlight also helps our body to synthesize Vitamin D.

Exercise can help to preserve and maintain joint mobility. Being overweight can put extra pressure on the joint and worsen the symptoms of arthritis. Yoga, walking, swimming, etc are great for joint flexibility and improving muscle strength.

In ayurveda there are many herbs that have anti inflammatory properties which help in combating the degenerative process. Ashwagandha, turmeric, guggulu etc are few of the herbs with anti inflammatory properties. Regular massaging can also help to strengthen the muscles and bones.

Gout is a form of arthritis and occurs because of excessive uric acid in the body. There are proteins in the diet known as purines, and when they are metabolised, uric acid is released. When there is an excessive amount of purines in the diet, the body is unable to metabolise all of the produced uric acid. This excessive production or repaired metabolism can lead to gout. These get deposited in the joints as crystals in various joints, especially of the big toe.

Symptoms:

1. The joints, most frequently the big toe, are painful, swollen, red, and very warm to the touch
2. The big toe is known as podagra
3. The pain is a strong, shooting pain, very severe in nature
4. The patient’s description is very diagnostic of gout
5. Other joints could be affected including ankles, knees, and hands

Treatment:
Gout, as seen from above, is not just excessive uric acid in the body. There could be various reasons leading to this problem. Therefore, homoeopathy believes that the underlying problem needs to be evaluated and treated for the symptoms to disappear. The following are some commonly used remedies:

Colchium:

• Useful in both acute and chronic cases of gout
• Intense pain in the big toe, where the patient would not allow touching it
• The toe is stiff, swollen, red, and hot
• The pain is worse at night and during warm weathers
• The patient also may feel feverish and cold internally

Benzoic acid:

• These patients usually have offensive urine, which is evident from a distance
• The urine may be brown in colour.
• The pain in the great toe is tearing, and the knees may also be affected, which also are painful and swollen.
• Any movement causes a cracking sound which increases with movement.
• The patient likes to keep the affected area covered, and opening it to air may worsen the symptoms.

Sabina:

• Useful in females, who may also have other feminine disorders (for instance, uterine issues) in addition to gout
• The toes and heels will have shooting pain which is worse in warm surroundings
• The affected joints also appear red and shining.

Berberis vulgaris:
These people present with warm, bright yellow or blood red urine with sediments that could be red/reddish yellow.

Ledum pal:

• The pain travels from down below, for instance, starts with the feet and moves up to the knees and the limbs
• Small joints like the ball of the great toe and ankles are more affected by lack of warmth and inability to tolerate warmth
• Applying a cold towel or cloth may help relieve the pain.