Complaints related to Musculoskeletal symptoms like pain and stiffness are one of the commonest complaints we deal in our clinical practice and we along with our patients are really mesmerized with the effectivity of Homeopathy in both acute and chronic conditions.
There are numerous causes for these pains and to treat them we need to understand these causes and their origin. Lets have a quick overview of some conditions and indicative symptoms:
| Arthritis | 1. Joint swelling & Tenderness 2. Pain often diffuse , deep seated 3. Pain increases with any kind of movement |
| Bursitis | 1. Point tenderness 2. Pain more on active movements |
| Tendonitis | 1. Linear, tender swelling near joints 2. Stretching of the affected joints is painful |
| Bone Pain | 1. Deep-seated 2. Tenderness on pressing bones |
| Muscle pain | 1. Diffuse, not well localised 2. Tenderness in squeezing that muscle |
| Fibromyalgia | Diffuse pain but with Tender points |
| Growing Pains | Leg pain in children aged 8-12years |
| Vit D Deficiency | 1. Vague joint pains 2. Muscle cramps |
Arthritis is a vast term, and it includes various kinds of joint specific complaints. It’s derived from the Greek word ‘arthro’- meaning ”joint” and ‘itis’ meaning “inflammation”, so Arthritis is simply the inflammation of the joints, so the symptoms related to it. There are over 100 different forms of Arthritis and related diseases. The most common types include –
- Osteoarthritis(OA)– It is a multifactorial condition, especially age related, usually seen above age of 60years and more common in females (16%) and males (9%), global population. In 30%-50% cases genetics too plays a role in disease inheritance. Common causes to mention include heavy-duty labor, repeated joint injuries, and obesity, among others. It’s characterized by early morning stiffness that lasts less than 30 minutes, Crepitus are felt superficially, most marked over affected knee joints. Its mostly joint specific affecting -knee joint, hip joint, MTP (metatarsophalangeal) joints, hand joints, cervical & lumbar spine. Wrist, elbow, and ankle are rarely affected. Homeopathic medicines can help slow down the effects and manage the pain of OA when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. We have treated many cases with successful results, which has boosted our confidence and improved our patients’ lives.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – It is an autoimmune disease, which means your own immune system mistakenly attacks its own body tissues. It is characterized by the presence of RA factor in the blood. This as well is more prevalent in females (F:M= 3:1), developing mostly between age groups of 30-50 years. Some role can be owed to genetics here as well. Besides, there are few more factors that can’t be ignored like smoking, exposure to silica dust and obesity. Chief Symptoms include-morning stiffness that lasts over an hour, multiple joints affected (polyarthritis), typical feature is symmetrical swelling of MCP (metacarpophalangeal) joints & PIP (proximal interphalangeal) joints. Specific hand deformities are seen over long-standing diseases like ‘swan neck’ deformity,’ button hole’ deformity and a ‘Z thumb’ deformity. In foot, if affecting MTP joints results in ‘cock up’ toe deformity. RA is more of a systemic disease, which is not restricted to the joints. Here are few other complains associated with it- Fever, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, muscle wasting, nodule formation & vasculitis, Osteoporosis(weak bones), ulcers, cardiac complains (endocarditis, pericarditis), lung related/Pulmonary complains (pleural effusions, bronchiolitis) and even Neurological complications and amyloidosis (abnormal proteins in our body major organs). The aim of treatment is usually to minimize the harm being done to body tissues. In homeopathy mode of treatment, we alleviate the complaints and prevent it from progressing further. Certain tissue damages can’t be reversed, yet considerable amount of improvement is noted in our patients, improving their lives. The treatment must be started as soon as possible after noting that If RA factor is present, Homeopathy does wonders and can help you prevent lifelong pain.
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PA)– The onset is usually between 25 – 40 yeas of age. Patients usually have h/o skin psoriasis(70%), while in 20% it predates the skin complain. It sometimes mimic complains like symmetrical polyarthritis of RA(25%), while majority (40%) presents with Asymmetrical inflammatory oligoarthritis, some (15%) present with affectation of fingers i.e. DIPJ(Distal Interphalangeal Joint)arthritis- males more affected, about 15% show signs of spondilytis, and 5 % shoe Arthritis mutilans, it deforms fingers and toes by eroding the bone & cartilages of affected joints. While other systems of medicines struggles to contain the effect of Psoriasis, we as Homeopaths have successfully restored many to health by taking the holistic care of our patients, although treatment of Psoriatic complains require patience, yet its worth a wait.
- Gout & Pseudogout- deposition of MSUM (monosodium urate monohydrate)crystals in the joints, cause gout symptom and presence of CPPD(Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate) crystals in joints with similar complains is called ‘Pseudogout’ [affects mostly knee jt]. Gout, predominantely affect men as Primary gouty arthritic symptoms, which is seen around 40 years of age, while secondary gout is common in females over age of 65 years, following renal failure and Drug therapy. Acute Gout – first attacks single toe joint (Podagra) which is characterized by swelling, redness with extreme pain & tenderness; its very rapid in onset. In such acute case, a right help from a homeopathic physician can work wonders and provide relief at the earliest. In fact, wonderful results have been noted in Chronic and recurrent gout, where timely intervention with homeopathic medicine leads to long lasting Pain free joints.
- Viral arthritis– Usually self limiting, seen as one of the common complains these days, especially post covid. Initially, when in college we faced and saw patients suffering with Chikungunya/ dengue, and being treated successfully under our Seniors with homeopathic medicines, then in college camps, we ourselves helped many. Now, in our practice, we find that not only these viral diseases but any Viral for now is bringing up joint pains quite dominantly and we are really glad to be able to help the majority of them.
We will be coming up with topic-wise details on arthritis in further articles.
As homeopaths, we aim at treating an individual, and not a particular disease, and that’s why detailed case taking is very important to us. Our success rate depends on details of our patients; detailed and clearer information helps us serve you better. In our practice, we have also noticed several medicinal misuse or abuse especially when in joint complaints; self-medication with common known remedies have done more harm than good, so kindly avoid self-medication, considering it harmless. We are here to help you and will really feel obliged by alleviating your pain and empowering you with health and wellness.
Bibliography:
- Davidson’s Medicine -20th Edition
- API – Medicine- 12th Edition
