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 Article of the Month - September 2006
Osteoarthritis and Homoeopathy
Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. The symptoms of which can be swelling, pain, tenderness, etc. It can also lead to joint deformation and degeneration, and depending on the location, inhibit the movement and flexibility of the body. Arthritis is not seen as a curable condition in medical circles, but a condition that must be managed; i.e. anti-inflammatory medication to suppress pain and swelling. Surgery on the joint itself or joint replacement are the curative options from your local NHS trust.
There are two main types of arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: this occurs due to excessive wear and tear of the joints. This can be due to excess weight placing a bigger burden on lower joints, excessive exercise or training, occupational factors (such as masseuse, typists, footballers, climbers, etc.), and ageing.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: this occurs when the body attacks the joints and results in joint inflammation and degradation. This is an auto-immune disease which means that the body is using its own defence mechanisms against itself.
- There are other forms of arthritis linked to diseases and infections, but the two above are the most common. Gout is related to rheumatoid arthritis with uric acid crystals in the joints bringing about the inflammatory process.
Joints occur where the ends of bones meet. Instead of bone rubbing against bone, which would be painful, the bones are usually capped with cartilage for a smooth end. These capped ends of the bones are bathed in a lubricating fluid to minimise friction and enable smooth articulation. This fluid is called synovial fluid. Osteoarthritis tends to affect certain types of joints, especially those in the limbs, extremities and the joints that connect the limbs to the torso. Typical joints affected include knees, ankles, fingers, lower back, hips, etc.
In osteoarthritis, there is cartilage loss and destruction of the bone at its surface, especially where the bones may rub against each other. The continual erosive effects of rubbing cartilage surfaces can cause cartilage to split or wear away, leaving the exposed bone. Inflammation can result causing pain, swelling and the shrinking of the joint space.
The bone may try to repair itself by becoming thicker and misshapen. As the joint is used less and compensatory movements are used, the muscles around the joint can waste. Pain is worse during movement of joint.
There are lots of things you can do to help osteoarthritis. Causative factors must be taken into account. Weight, exercise regime, occupation and nutrition can all be tailored to minimise arthritis. Flat comfortable shoes will save lower joints and the lower back a lot of pain, especially if weight is an issue.
Homoeopathic remedies
In terms of homoeopathic remedies, there are several to choose from depending on the location and your particular set of symptoms. Sarcodes really help. These are remedies which are made from healthy body tissue. So, remedies such as cartilage, synovial membrane (the membrane that produces the fluid), the joints themselves (like knee, elbow, shoulder, hip, etc.), bone, etc. are very useful in stimulating the body to heal the joints. Use them in low potencies. Contact me for some exciting combinations that include things like collagen, connective tissue, ligaments, tendons and muscles.
In terms of remedies, there are four key remedies.
Arnica Montana: great for all traumas, emotional and physical. It is renowned for its reparative properties for muscle tissue, blood vessels, and can help with joint pain. Great for strains and sprains. Feeling sore and bruised. The surface feels too hard to lie upon, not comfortable, needs to change position frequently. Weakness and weariness. Will protect affected area, not wanting anyone near it, and will insist that they are fine. Great where joint pain is a result of some physical trauma.
Rhus toxicodendron: excellent remedy for cellular tissue, ligaments, fibrous tissue, connective tissue, mucous membranes, larger joints. Here, the joints ache on the first movement but improve with continued motion. Prolonged use will result in the return of pain. If joint pain starts after exposure to the cold and wet, then think of this remedy. The joints feels better in dry, warm weather. Usually results from over-use of the joints, lifting, sprains, etc. The person who needs rhus tox will want to stretch, esp. the affected area.
Ruta graveolens: has an affinity for smaller muscles and joints, periosteum, fibrous tissue, hard covering of tendon sheath, ligaments, cartilage and the lumbar region. Will feel stagnant and deprived due to joint pain. Like rhus tox, the first movement is painful and then the pain improves with continued motion. It is especially useful in tennis elbow, repetitive strain injury, housemaid's knee or bursitis and ankle strain. It works very well with rhus tox.
Bryonia: with this remedy, any kind of movement is painful. Lying perfectly still suits them. Pressure on the joint helps to keep it in one place and also alleviates some of the pain. There is irritability with the pain. The joint feels stiff and dry. There is a dryness to the joints that creates a hollow, dry pain. There will be thirst and the condition will be worse in the cold though they will desire cold foods and drinks. Cold, dry weather conditions affect the joint adversely. Damp conditions suit the joint more.
Other remedies to consider include: kali carb, causticum, ledum, belladonna, and many other remedies.
Other recommendations
Dietary supplementation
- Essential and omega 3 fatty acids - are known to reduce the production of inflammatory substances in the body. They are commonly obtained from fish oils, but vegetarian sources include walnuts, flaxseed, etc.
- glucosamine - appears to enhance cartilage production and reduce arthritic pain, best in glucosamine HCL form
- Chondroitin sulphate - can slow down cartilage breakdown and also reduce arthritic pain
- MSM - provides the right kind of sulphur in the body known to take out toxins and help rebuild tissue
- Bromelain - enzymes helps to take down inflammatory process. Found in pineapples, so enjoy those
- Silica - helps with the bone and cartilage formation. An excellent source is New Era Tissue Salts
- Vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant that protects the joints from injury and deformation
- Superoxide dismutase - huge antioxidant that prevents joint destruction
- Take a good multivitamin
- Drink at least 2 litres of water daily
Herbal supplements
- Alfalfa - contains all minerals for good bone formation
- Ashwaganda - an anti-inflammatory, acts like aspirin but not with the side effects
- Hawthorn - stabilises cartilage
- Willow bark - similar to ashwaganda (aspirin comes from willow tree)
- Yucca - prevents inflammation and stops toxins from circulating in joints
Practical tips
- Build up the muscles around the joint to give maximum support. See a physiotherapist for best advice on exercises and a good training programme.
- For back problems, an osteopath can really help with manipulation of the joints.
- Beware of some gym machines and certain exercises that can add stress to your joints. Get the proper shoes if running to minimise joint impact. If at the gym and a certain exercise causes your joints to ache, stop. Check with an instructor or trainer before you continue. Never continue exercise if it causes joint pain unless you have been advised otherwise by a professional.
- Look at yoga or Pilates for help with increasing flexibility and supporting joints. Let your instructor know if you have certain difficulties so that exercises can be tailored for you.
- Swimming and cycling are excellent low impact sports.
- Help your joints by ensuring your posture is right, investigate the Alexander Technique.
Energetic implications
The physical body does reflect the emotional and mental mindset. Stiffness in the joints may reflect stubborn attitudes, and a refusal to bend (cannot bend either the mind or the joint!). Restricted motion may indicate that there is a restricted view on life, family issues, work matters, etc. The location of the arthritis also has significance. Ankles support our weight and are associated with the link from our body to the ground. Problems here could indicate a conflict with our support system. A twisted ankle could mean that we need to change our direction in our life, literally twist our thinking around. Knees link us to kneeling and surrendering to the natural hierarchy, they are our shock absorbers and allow movement and direction.
Do you have problems with your joints? Deal with the body and mind elements of this problem to get back your quality of life and to free yourself from restricted movements and pain. Take control of your health and get the necessary help you need.
References
Homeopathic Remedy Guide by
Robin Murphy
Health Defence by
Dr Paul Clayton
Prescription for Herbal Healing by
Phyllis Balch
Prescription for Nutritional Healing by
Balch and Balch
The Body Mind Workbook by
Debbie Shapiro
Human Anatomy and Physiology by
Marieb 6th edition
Please be advised that the above are only my personal views. I have advised based on a healthy person on no medication. Any measures you take are at your own risk. Consult a nutritionist, herbalist and homoeopath before taking high doses of supplements, herbal tinctures and some homoeopathic remedies. This information does not replace medical advice and you should consult your doctor if you have any concerns about your condition or how the above can affect your medication.
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