Though osteoarthritis is an inevitable consequence of the aging process, its progression can be checked to a great extent if you know how to manage the disease.
Management Of Osteoarthritis
Following the guidelines mentioned below may be helpful in checking the further degeneration of the joints:
#1. Correction of poor posture and a support for excessive lumbar lordosis can be helpful, since osteoarthritis may be aggravated by poor body mechanics.
#2. Excessive loading of the involved joint must be avoided.
#3. Running shoes may be helpful in cushioning load.
#4. Prolonged standing, kneeling, and squatting should be avoided by patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis.
#5. Obese patients should be counseled to lose weight.
#6. Rest periods during the day may be of benefit, but complete immobilization of the painful joint should be avoided.
#7. For unilateral osteoarthritis of the hip or knee a cane, held in the contra lateral hand, is often useful.
#8. Bilateral disease may necessitate the use of crutches or a walker.
#9. Heat applied to the joints prior to exercise, reduces pain and stiffness. However, in some patients, ice works better than heat.
#10. Exercises designed to maintain range of motion and strengthen muscles surrounding the joint may be helpful. Isometric exercises ( tightening the muscles without moving the joints) are generally preferable to isotonic exercises ( muscle tightening with joint movement), since they minimize joint stress.
Facts about the homoeopathic treatment of osteoarthritis
- Homoeopathy offers an excellent treatment for osteoarthritis and earlier the patient visits a good homoeopath (one who practices classical homoeopathy), better are the chances of recovery.
- Even in advanced cases, homoeopathy can provide significant improvement in the quality of life of the patient.
- In complete repertory 310 homoeopathic medicines are listed under the heading of joint pain.
- Homoeopathic medicine has to be prescribed on the basis of individualization.
- Different patients suffering from same disease may require different medicines for cure.
- Constitutional medicine of the patient, carefully selected according to the rules of classical homoeopathy, relieves the patient of his or her joint pain and stiffness.
I have verified this fact in my practice. As an example, I will discuss here a case of advanced osteoarthritis, which improved considerably with homoeopathy at my clinic.
Case Report
Mrs DJ, age 62 years, visited Hariom Homoeopathic Clinic, Haldwani with the complaints of:
- Pain in both knees x 15 years
- Pain aggravated while walking and rising from seat.
- Marked swelling present.
- Pain persisted even at rest.
- Difficulty in walking
27 Feb 2009
Constitutional medicine of the patient was prescribed, after individualizing the case, as per the rules of classical homoeopathy.
16 Mar 2009
Pain better
Swelling reduced
Medicine continued.
3 Apr 2009
Now, there is no pain during rest; however, bending knee is painful.
Significant improvement in swelling.
Walking has become easier than before.
