Arthritis is a general term that describes inflammation in joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis but two of the most common types are:

• Osteoarthritis (where the cartilage wears away and cells beneath try to compensate by proliferating and mineralising the bone); and

• Rheumatoid arthritis (the most serious, painful and potentially crippling form of arthritis where the body is attacking its own antibodies).

The symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time, but they may also appear suddenly.  Arthritis can affect one joint or multiple joints and is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65, but it can also develop in children or younger adults and is more common in women than men and in people who are overweight.  It is usually a long-term condition which can progressively become worse.

Conventional medicine cannot offer a cure, but the disease can be controlled using pain relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs alongside exercise, rest and sometimes, surgery.

One or more of the following symptoms may indicate inflammation in the joints:

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Swollen joint that’s warm to touch
• Redness
• Loss of joint function

Arthritis can also be associated with general flu-like symptoms (common in RA) such as:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue/loss of energy
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle stiffness

Homeopathy gives hope

As homeopaths we treat arthritis in two ways.  First we can help to reduce inflammation, swelling and the pain by giving an acute remedy to help with those symptoms.  You may be able to discover a remedy to help yourself in this way.  Some ideas are below to help you.

In more chronic cases, a well chosen homeopathic remedy (what we call a constitutional remedy) can halt the progression of the disease and improve the joint flexibility and function making a lasting difference.  Constitutional treatment will of course improve the overall health of the individual and take into account all other symptoms, even unrelated ones.

Choosing a remedy to help your symptoms:

There are hundreds of remedies to choose from to help arthritis, but these are a few of the more common ones which are worth trying if the symptoms fit yours:

1. Rhus-tox: Stiff, weak and restless, worse when you first move the affected joint, which improves as you get it going.  Better for heat.
2. Bryonia: Hates any movement and wants to keep the affected joint perfectly still.  The joint can be hot, swollen, red and puffy.  Worse any movement, touch and better for firm pressure and localised heat.
3. Aconite: Consider this if it has come on suddenly with shooting or tearing pains.  Inflammation of the joint and fever.  Worse touch, motion, night.  Better rest, open air.
4. Kali-carb: This is good to consider if the arthritis is in the hip or knee joints.  The back or legs may be weak and give out.  There may be sharp, cutting pains and muscle twitches.  Worse lying on the painful side, cold weather, better moving around.

Get in touch with me on 07725 520476 to see how homeopathy can help you.