Dr. Neele Lakshmikanth Relekar

Arthritis (inflammation in one or more than one of the joints) is a common condition that afflicts many people. Arthritis can affect anyone of any age whether it is due to lifestyle factors, diet problems, genetics, other related disorders or even medications.

Causes of Arthritis

1. Injury - can damage to bone, ligament and cartilage that ultimately leads to severe pain.

2. Infection – Any kind of infection to the joint may result in arthritis.

3. Obesity and advanced age – Both are the common causes of arthritis.

4. Overuse – Overuse of knee joint can cause bursitis which ultimately leads to intense pain.

5. Sprain - Due to sudden unnatural movements causes pain as well as restriction of movement of the joint.

6. Malignancy – Myeloma, metastatic carcinoma.

7. Dislocation – Also causes severe arthritis.

8. Other causes – Include Sarcoidosis, Sickle cell disease, Lupus, Kawasaki disease, Crohn’s disease, bone tumors, bleeding disorders etc.

Homeopathic Treatment of Arthritis

Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat arthritis but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several well-proved medicines are available for homeopathic treatment of  arthritis that can be selected on the basis of cause, location, sensation, modalities and extension of the complaints. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. Some important remedies are given below for the homeopathic treatment of arthritis:

1. Actaea Spicata – This is one of the most effective medications for arthritis that affects the smaller joints in your body; so these could be your fingers, ankles, toes and wrists. These joints may become inflamed and swollen and might become very painful. Trying to touch these joints may make the pain even worse. Actaea Spicata is very good in treating these joints and can be very effective in improving mobility related pain as well.

2. Causticum – If you are suffering from hip pain due to arthritis, causticum is one of the very best remedies to not only reduce pain, but also to lessen some of the other symptoms. Some of the indications wherein causticum is effective are:

   • Walking or standing becomes problematic

   • Even if you can walk or stand, your gait or posture tends to be a little bent

   • Excessive stiffness and pain in your hip without any visible cues

3. Caulophyllum – This is also a very effective medication to treat problems within small joints with the exception that it is meant for cases where the joints also show signs of stiffness along with pain and inflammation. The stiffness may be so severe that you may become unable to move them. The pain does not stay confined to any particular spot; can rather spread to multiple joints and other parts of the body as well.

4. Bryonia Alba – Although a fairly common and well-known medication, it is very versatile in reducing pain and swelling across multiple joints within the body. The indications for prescribing this medication are when the joints are visibly red or feel hot to you and are painful to touch. Also, it is very effective in cases of bigger joints such as the knees and elbows.

5. Combination of Ferrum Met and Sanguinara Can – This set of medications is very effective in reducing the symptoms as well as pain caused by arthritis in the shoulders. Some of the most common symptoms wherein this can be prescribed are when you have shoulder pain in both the shoulders. Raising them can cause pain as well. Sanguinara is good with right sided pain while Ferrum met is effective for left side shoulder pain and stiffness resulting from arthritis.

The antioxidants in green tea help to burn fat. the fat accumulation leads to blockage of heart.

It also reduces bad cholesterol in the body.

Along with green tea do
Exercise
Loose weight if your overweight
Quit smoking
Cut down on Carbohydrates
Add fibre to the diet