Osteoarthritis

Arthritis – inflammation of the joint(s).
Inflammation is one of the body’s normal reactions to injury or disease. It is part of the body’s natural defenses, and works to repair the problem. When injury occurs in a damaged or diseased joint, the end result is swelling, pain, and stiffness.
Joints are the places where the bones meet. The body would be immobile if not for the movements afforded by the joints. Joints can be large or small, and permit movements as varied as walking, bending, reaching, and performing fine motor skills.
Within the joints, the ends of the bones are covered with a smooth, white, glistening material called hyaline cartilage. When normal, this material cushions the underlying bone against excessive pressure and allows the joint to move easily and without pain.
Osteoarthritis
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. The most common type is called osteoarthritis, which is sometimes known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). It is most often the result of normal “wear and tear” and occurs to some extent in all people as they age.
All joints can be effected, however, the most commonly involved are the weight bearing joints such as the hip, knee and spine. They must withstand the significant forces generated by walking and running, and therefore are prone to wearing out.
When the articular cartilage is damaged or injured, it usually goes through a staged process of softening, flaking, fragmenting, and finally complete loss, where the underlying bone is exposed. This process is commonly known as osteoarthritis or OA.
Arthritis Risk Factors:
 Obesity - Generally, the more weight a person carries, the greater the pressure on weight-bearing joints of the body.

 Past injury in a joint - There is an increased risk of developing OA in a joint that is not properly aligned or one that has been injured.

 Occupational factors - Repetitive tasks, overworking the joints and overtiring muscles that protect a joint increase the risk for OA in that joint.

 Genetics - osteoarthritis in all its various forms appears to have a strong genetic connection. Gene mutations may be a factor in predisposing individuals to develop OA.
Arthritis Sign/Symptoms
 Joint Pain
 Crepitis (grinding)
 Joint Deformity
 Osteophytes
 Joint Stiffness

Treating Arthritis
 Nonsurgical
1. Health and behavior modifications - physical therapy, exercise, weight loss.
2. Drug therapy – Pain relievers, NSAIDs, COX2 inhibitors
3. Intra-articular injections – steroids, visco supplementation
 Surgical
1. Arthroscopy - Day surgery, done through small holes
2. Arthroplasty - Total Joint Replacement

Homeopathic Treatment
 BRYONIA–- Joints painful, Muscular pains, Swelling of joints
 BELLADONNA–- Pain in limbs, joints swollen, neuralgic pains
 LEDUM PAL–- Gout, Rheumatic pains, Pain in shoulders
 LITHIUM CARB–- Rheumatic pains, Shoulder pain
 GAULTHERIA–- Rheumatism, Sciatica, Neuralgia
 RUTA–- Pain in spine and limbs, Sciatica
 COLCHICUM–- Pain in limbs, limbs weak
 MAGNESIA PHOS–- Muscle cramps, Neuralgia, Sciatica
 ARNICA-– Gout, pain in back and limbs as if beaten
 HYPERICUM–-Injuries to nerves, Neuritis
 CIMICIFUGAt–- Pain in limbs and muscular soreness
 BELLIS PERENNIS–- Joints and muscle soreness
 GUAIACUM–- Neuralgia, Rheumatism, Sciatica