Are you experiencing a swollen and painful joint and are looking for an effective way to treat it? You can choose homeopathic treatment, which is considered to be ideal for joint pain and inflammation, as it does not have any side effects. When a joint swells up, gets inflamed, or damaged due to an injury, joint pain is experienced. Aging and several medical conditions such as gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, general injuries, and sprains are common causes of joint inflammation and pain. A wide range of homeopathic medicines is used for the management of joint pain and inflammation.

Here is a list of the top homeopathic medicines used for this condition along with the symptoms when they are prescribed for use:

Rhus Tox- This homeopathic medicine is very effective in treating joint pain. Both acute and chronic joint pains are cured by this medicine. It is used when a patient experiences marked stiffness in the joints along with intense pain. The medicine treats all kinds of joint pains, starting from rheumatic reasons to injuries caused due to overexertion. Usually, the joint pain gets better with movement and worsens if you are immobile.

Sanguinaria Can and Ferrum Met- Sanguinaria Can is used for treating joint pains which occur in the shoulder. It is most effective in the case of right-sided shoulder joint pains. The right-sided shoulder of the patient may feel stiff and the pain worsens with any kind of motion. The right shoulder joint pain increases during the night. On the other hand, Ferrum Met is used in the case of left-sided shoulder pain. The patient experiences stiffness and cracking in the left shoulder joint along with great pain. The pain increases if you raise your arm and with any kind of movement.

Bryonia and Ruta- These homeopathic medicines are used for the management of joint pain in the elbows. Bryonia is used when the elbow joint pain increases even without movement. It provides sustained relief. The pain is also accompanied by stiffness and swelling in the elbow joint. Ruta, is an effective homeopathic medicine which is used for elbow joint pain treatment, especially when the pain is located near the condyles. Stretching and raising your arms trigger the pain. This medicine is also used in case of inflamed and sore tendons near the elbow joint, which cause pain.

Other homeopathic medicines such as Actaea Spicata and Rhododendron are used in the case of treating joint pains in the wrist. You should consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner before taking medicines for joint pain.

Homeopathic Medicines for Joint Pain & Inflammation 

It is very challenging to find operative treatments for chronic pain that offer improved daily functioning. Spinal Cord Stimulation is an excellent pain management method that can be used for patients when their neck or back pain cannot be treated by surgery or other options.

Each year more than 14,000 patients undergo the spinal cord stimulator transplant. The procedure comprises of mild electrical stimulations to the spinal cord. This modifies the nerve activity reducing the pain sensation or sensitivity that reaches the brain.

Neurostimulation therapy recommended by doctors is very effective, especially for chronic pain sufferers. The benefit of this proven therapy is that the pain experienced by the brain is minimized to a great extent. The therapy was designed only after observing how pain is managed by the brain. The therapy approved by the FDA is used to treat the pain caused due to nerve damage in the legs, arms and in the trunk. Spinal cord stimulation for chronic back and neck pain is provided to patients in pain management centers. The staff taking care of patients in these centers are specialized and trained in pain relief -how it occurs and best ways to treat it. Injections are also used to ease the pain.

How to treat back Pain?
Probably the worst pain an individual can experience is back pain, in some cases so severe that it hampers daily life. The treatment options that are used for treating back pain include electrical stimulation to the back and medication to the spine. The most common reason for spinal cord stimulation is failed back surgery. The pain related to the following conditions can also be alleviated through this therapy, scarring of the protective layers of the spinal nerves, painful inflammation and arachnoiditis.

Devices Used for Spinal Cord Stimulation
The devices used for spinal cord stimulation are available in several types but they comprise mainly of three parts. The pulse generator with a battery, a lead wire with 8-32 electrodes and a hand-held remote control that is useful in adjusting the settings of the device, and to switch it on and off. Electrical pulses are delivered to the spinal cord through the electrodes. It is very important that the procedure is carried out by doctors who specialize in pain management or by neurosurgeons.


Spinal Cord Stimulation For Chronic Back And Neck Pain!

It is normal and alright to feel pain in the knees occasionally after a physical activity or prolonged walking. However, it is a serious cause of concern if the pain is experienced every now and then. Not responding to your knee pain for long can lead to the extreme disability. Knee pain does not crop up in a day and it may surprise you when it first appears. 

Initially, you may notice slight pain and discomfort. If you have identified knee pain at this level, managing it is easy. You can perform different exercises to prevent pain from occurring. If the pain severe, you need to go consult a doctor, who will then help identify the real cause of pain. The following exercises, along with medications, can help you overcome knee pain and restore the mobility of the joint.

Stair Step ups: Choose a comfortable stairway. Place your hand on the wall or banister. This is to ensure that you are balanced. Your left foot should be on the taller step. Your right foot should be on the ground. Stay in this posture for a second. Now, step back, and bring left foot to the right foot. Repeat this 6 times. Reverse the legs and continue doing for 6 times. If you want to take rest between the steps, feel free to do so.
Ups and Downs: You need an armless chair that is strong. Sit on the edge but comfortably. Your arms should be at your side, relaxed and loose. Sit erect and your feet should be flat. If you feel you need balance, and then cross your arms. Start standing up. This should not be instant but deliberate, controlled, and gradual movement. Stand slowly up to the full height, and hold on for 2 seconds. Again sit down. Repeat this 5 times.
Straight Leg Raise: This can be a part of your everyday exercise regime. This is a strengthening workout that does not put too much effort on the knees. Lie down on your back. One leg should be straight on the ground and the other one should be bent. Now, slowly lift the leg that is straight, and the toes should point upward. Raise your leg up to 30 degrees, but you can start with 15 to 20 degrees in the initial stage. Repeat 15 times and perform at least 3 sets of this exercise. Keep alternating legs. This workout strengthens the knees, thigh muscles, and the ankle joints, thus offering multifold benefits.
Wall Hamstring Stretch: Hamstring muscles too can be the cause of knee pain and discomfort. To strengthen the hamstring muscles and alleviate knee pain, this exercise helps a lot. Lie down on the floor flat. Your feet should be flexed. Choose a space that is close to a wall, or a sturdy table. Your right leg should be propped on the wall or table. If you don t prefer any, a resistance band is a good alternative. When stretching, you can find your flexibility level and when you feel that you have reached the deepest point, start relaxing. Keep alternating contracting and relaxing every 5 seconds. After 10 to 15 sets, you can try the same with the left leg.
Knee Rolls: Use an exercise mat or a carpet that is cozy. Lie on your back. Bend the knees, and ensure your feet are flat. Your arms should be stretched on the sides. Look at the ceiling, and hold the knees together. In the same posture, slowly roll the knees towards the right. When you feel a gentle twitch or after 5 seconds, move to original position. Then lower the knees to the left. Hold and release. For each side, repeat 10 times.
These exercises strengthen the knees and improve the quality of life by bidding bye to the pain. Understanding that these are magic remedies that work overnight is the key to stay focused and keep going without quitting.

Exercises That Can Help Relieve Knee Pain!

Causes and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which is characterized by the inflammation of the joint lining and gives rise to pain, stiffness, warmth and redness in the joints. The inflammation occurs in the tissue that normally produces lubricating fluids for the joint. This condition is progressive in nature, and can cause the destruction of joints, leading to functional and locomotive disability.

Though rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that can last for years, patients may not experience any symptoms for a long time. In some cases, the disease may affect other parts of the body like the eyes, lungs, and the heart.

The severity and duration of the symptoms are unpredictable, and the symptoms experienced are:

- At times, people experience increased disease conditions called flare-ups.

- They may also experience alternating periods when the symptoms fade or diminish, which is referred to as remission.

- Some of the common symptoms of the disease include lasting pain and stiffness for more than an hour in the morning, inflammation, fatigue, fever, and a general sense of discomfort.

- Inflammation in the joints close to the hands like wrists and fingers and other parts like neck, shoulders, elbows, knees and hips can also be affected.

- In some cases, both sides of the body are affected at the same time, which is known as inflammation in a symmetric pattern.

Rheumatoid arthritis is usually caused by the body's weakened immune system, which produces antigens to attack itself. The trigger to this reaction is not yet clearly deciphered.

It is diagnosed by clinical examination (American association of Rheumatology criterion) supported by relevant Investigations.

Management

Management for Arthritis includes the following aspects:

1) To control disease activity and control of symptoms of pain, stiffness.

2) Medical treatment to prevent system effects of the disease.

3) Nonmedical treatments comprise of dietary therapy, physiotherapy, immunomodulation therapy.

4) Minimal surgical therapy like arthroscopic synovectomy to confirm the diagnosis as well as reduce disease activity. At times, with the advanced decline of joints, a major surgery like replacement therapy may be required for specific cases.

What's more important is to know that at any stage of the disease patient can adopt and live an active life with appropriate treatment.



What Really Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Does you back hurt only when you wake up in the morning or is it a chronic problem? If yes, then you need to take immediate steps to treat it. Back pain, being the common physical anomaly for people primarily in the age range of 35-50, is one of the top causes for office absenteeism and mid-life lethargy and fatigue. Usually back pain indicates an underlying problem that involves the nerves, bones and muscles.

Here are some risk factors for back pain:

Pregnancy
Stress related to work
Leading a sedentary lifestyle
Anxiety and depression
Being overweight
Over exercising
Strenuous physical work outs
Smoking
There are varied reasons as to why back pain may occur. Discussing the causes of back pain is beyond the purview of this article; the focus is now going to be on some of the stretches one can practice to get relief from back pain: 

Downward dog: A classic yoga pose, the downward dog stretches the entire back, hamstrings and the whole of the leg. Begin the process in a classic push up pose with the palms and toes on the floor. Keeping your back straight, lift your tailbone up and straighten your legs. Push the heels to the floor and breathe to get the most out of this stretch.
Child s pose: A simple stretch, it begins with you sitting back on your buttocks and then stretching the arms in front of you. Keep your forehead on the floor and breathe slowly.
Cat cow pose: If your common complaint is that of a sore and painful back, then this is one of the best stretches for you. A very simple pose, you begin by sitting on all fours, then transitioning into the cat pose by pushing your spine upwards. Hold the pose for one breath and then go to the cow pose wherein you lift your buttocks and the head while scooping your spine.

Back Pain - 3 Stretch Exercises You Must Follow!

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which doctors view the joint problem without making any cuts through the skin and other soft tissues. Hip Arthroscopy is performed to treat several hip problems.

In Hip Arthroscopy, the doctors insert an arthroscope (a small camera) into the hip joint. The pictures are displayed on a video monitor with the help of an arthroscope. The surgeons will use these images to guide the surgical instrument.

As the surgical instrument and arthroscope are very thin, the surgeons make a very small incision compared to the one that is done in open surgery. As a result, patients feel less pain and stiffness in joints. This type of surgery also takes less time to recover and one can return to their normal life within a short period of time.

Hip Anatomy:

The hip is a socket and ball joint. The socket is formed by a part of a large pelvis bone called acetabulum. The ball joint is on the upper end of the femur (thighbone). Articular cartilage is a slippery tissue that covers the surface of the socket and ball. It creates a frictionless and smooth surface that helps the bones to glide across each other easily. Strong fibrocartilage is ringed on the acetabulum called labrum. It creates a gasket around the socket.

The joint is surrounded by a ligament, which creates a capsule to hold the joint together. The inner surface of the capsule is lined by a membrane called synovium. It produces a synovial fluid that helps in lubricating the joints.

When to Recommend Hip Arthroscopy?

If a person is suffering from chronic pain and does not respond to any other nonsurgical treatment, including physical therapy and medication, doctors may recommend a person opt for hip arthroscopy.

Hip arthroscopy helps a person to get relief from many problems that cause painful symptoms including damaged articular cartilage, labrum, or other soft tissues. The damage can be the result of any form of injury. However, there are other orthopedic conditions that can also lead to damage. The orthopedic conditions include:

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI):

In this type of disorder, an extra bone is developed on the femoral head (cam impingement) or along the acetabulum (pincer impingement). The overgrowth of the bone is known as spurs that damage the soft tissues surrounding the hip joint. In most cases, the bone spurs develop in either part. However, there are cases in which the bone spurs develop in both femoral head and acetabulum.

Dysplasia:

In this condition, the hip socket is abnormally shallow. Due to this problem, more stress is put on the labrum in order to keep the femoral head within the socket. This may raise the condition of the labral tear.

Snapping Hip Syndrome:

In this condition, the tendon rubs across the hip joint repeatedly. This type of popping or snapping is generally harmless and can be repaired without any treatment. However, the tendon may be fully damaged due to continuous rubbing in some cases.

Other conditions where hip arthroscopy is recommended include synovitis, hip joint infection, and labral tear.

Arthroscopic Femoroacetabular Surgery:

If the diagnosis results show that damage is caused by femoroacetabular impingement and a patient is not getting relieved from pain by any nonsurgical method, doctors recommend going for Arthroscopic Femoroacetabular Surgery.

In this type of surgery, the doctor repair and clear out the damage of the articular cartilage and labrum. He may also trim the rim of the acetabulum bone and shave the bump of the femoral head.

Arthroscopic Labral Repair:

If patients are not getting relief from conservative treatment, doctors recommend Arthroscopic Labral Repair. In this type of surgery, surgeons cut out and remove the damaged or torn part of the labrum. He further repairs the torn part by sewing it.

Take Away:

Both treatment methods are minimal incision processes and require fewer hospital stays. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before opting for any treatment.

Know More About Hip Arthroscopic Surgery!

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