A homeopathic remedy for arthritis can help individuals deal with the uncomfortable symptoms, primarily the aches, pains and joint discomfort associated with this condition. It is important to know, however, what type of arthritis an individual has before trying to treat it.
Types of Arthritis
The term "arthritis" is sometimes used to link all types of arthritis under one umbrella. The word "arthritis" literally means "joint pain." While there are some commonalities, such as joint pain and aches, some types of arthritis can be more destructive to the body than others and require different treatments. Currently, there are over 100 different types of arthritis. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, psoriatic arthritis and septic arthritis.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Common symptoms for most types of arthritis are:
- Pain
- Redness at the joint site
- Stiffness that may not go away
- Tenderness
- Warmth at the joint site
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Rashes
- Fever
Joint inflammation and pain may go away within a short period of time when treated, or it may never subside, depending on the severity of arthritis type.
Homeopathic Remedy for Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic form of arthritis. It affects the synovium of the joints, causing inflammation, swelling and an increase in the joint fluid around the joints. The cartilage eventually wears down and the bones may rub together, causing permanent bone damage. Rheumatoid arthritis is identified by both sides of the body being affected at the same time (i.e. both hands, knees or feet), the presence of rheumatoid nodules under the skin and joint stiffness in the morning.The following remedies can be used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and lupus:
- Arnica - used when a person experiences bruising and soreness. The joints hurt when being moved.
- Bryonia - used when there is a burning, throbbing or tearing sensation when affected joints move. Cold, dry weather makes the arthritis worse.
- Calcarea carbonica - used to treat the soreness of arthritis when rheumatoid nodules appear.
- Causticum - people who benefit from this remedy feel best in rainy weather and worse in cool and dry conditions. Used to treat tendon problems and weakness in the affected joints.
- Calcarea fluorica - used to treat enlarged joints and when rheumatoid nodules form.
- Dulcamara - when a person feels damp or cold and experiences back pain, this remedy can bring relief.
- Pulsatilla - used to treat persons whose arthritis travels from joint to joint.
- Rhus toxicodendron - can be used to treat individuals whose arthritis is worse in cold, wet weather.
- Ruta graveolens - this remedy helps those who experience pain caused by repeated movement in the joints and who feel worse in cold and damp conditions.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. This condition causes pain in the weight bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, back and fingers. As the cartilage deteriorates, it causes stretching of the ligaments and tendons, which results in pain.
The following remedies for osteoarthritis include:
- Apis mellifica: useful in treating red, tender and swollen joints. Individuals may experience a stinging pain when flexing joints. The hands and knees are most often affected. Cold compresses bring relief.
- Aconitum napellus - used to treat pain brought on by cold weather.
- Belladonna: used to treat flare-ups. The joints may be red and hot to the touch.
- Calcarea carbonica - Used to treat arthritis when it occurs in the knees. Cold and campness can make the conditions worse.
- Cimicifuga - used in persons experiencing painful aches and stiffness in their joints. Cold weather makes the condition worse. Shooting pains and twitching may occur.
- Ledum palustre - useful when the arthritis starts in the lower extremities and moves upwards. Joints may make noise when flexed and be swollen. Cold compresses will bring relief.
Gout
Gout is usually identified as burning, swelling and stiffness, usually in the big toe. It occurs most often in men. Having too much uric acid in the blood causes gout. The uric acid forms crystals in the joints, causing joint pain and in some cases, permanent damage. This condition needs to be treated quickly to remove the painful symptoms. The affected joint should be rested until it is no longer painful to move it. People who have gout should not take any aspirin as it will make the condition worse.
The following remedies can be used for gout and septic arthritis:
- Aconitum napellus - used to treat swollen and painful joints. The gout is worse with warmth and at night.
- Belladonna - used to treat the throbbing pain caused by gout. The joints look red and shiny.
- Bryonia - used to treat sharp, tearing pains when moving an affected area of the body with gout.
- Colchicum - used to treat gout when it is so painful the affected area cannot be touched. Pain is worse in the evening and when the weather changes.
- Sabina - used to treat depression that may occur with the gout. The joints are painful and nodules are present under the skin.
- Sulphur - can be used when itching occurs along with the gout. The problem is aggravated by any form or heat and during damp weather.
Anyone who uses a homeopathic remedy for arthritis should be aware of any potential drug interactions that can occur when taking prescription medications at the same time. It is always best to consult a homeopath for guidance before self-medicating any form of arthritis.
