Abstract
Homeopathy is effective in chronic diseases especially in geriatric cases where the patient is suffering from comorbidities and they require a long treatment course. In autoimmune disorders, where our own body becomes enemy, we need such treatment which can treat diseases without causing any side effects or damaging further. Homeopathy has been a proven effective system to treat autoimmune disorders.
Keywords – Rheumatoid arthritis, Homoeopathy, Lycopodium.
Introduction –
According to WHO report 2019, 18 million people worldwide suffer from RA. Women are more prone, constituting 70% of RA patients. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects multiple body systems; early symptoms are pain, joint swelling and stiffness. It has a clinical course of exacerbations and remissions. Early diagnosis can control disease progression and functioning can be maintained through rehabilitation.
Case Report –
A case of 62year old female presented with complaints of finger joint pain, bilateral shoulder joint pain, wrist joint pain (left> right), difficulty in walking, generalized weakness, lethargy. The patient was not able to do household chores due to pain. No history of diabetes and hypertension.
History of Presenting complaints
The patient was apparently well 4 years ago. Pain started gradually, initially left wrist joint got affected thereafter finger joints, knee joints got involved. Stiffness in shoulder joint started 8 months back, she is unable to raise her hands fully, difficulty in walking, and pitting oedema in both feet. No redness around joints.
Mental generals
The lady was dull, anxious due to pain, and craves sympathy from others. Fastidious in nature, cleans everything by her own hand despite the pain.
Physical generals
Appetite was reduced. Drink water 2-3litre/day. Desires namkeen food. Thermals are hot. Sleep is disturbed due to pain.
Clinical findings
Pitting edema in both feet. No redness and heat observed around joints.
RF value – 23.42 U/L (reports attached)
Diagnostic assessment
Diagnosis was made based on the clinical presentation, physical examination and blood reports.
Diagnosis – Rheumatoid arthritis
ICD 10 code M06.9
Differential Diagnosis – Osteoarthritis
Gout
Fibromyalgia
Analysis and Evaluation of Symptoms
- The patient is stubborn and fastidious for cleanliness.
- The patient feels better in company.
- Rheumatic pain in joints
- Bilateral knee joints and shoulder joints are painful.
- Thermals are hot.
- Appetite reduced.
- Generalized weakness and lethargic.
Repertorisation
Therapeutic Intervention – After evaluation of the case , a repertorial totality was constructed followed by repertorisation done with the help of synthesis repertory.
On the basis of the repertorial result and final consultation with materia-medica, individualized, single homoeopathic medicine Lycopodium was selected and potency was modified considering the susceptibility. Biochemic Calcarea flourica 6x was also given complimentary.
AUXILLARY TREATMENT – Physiotherapy was advised.
PRESCRIPTION – Rx
- LYCOPODIUM 30 OD/ 3days
- CALCAREA FLUORICA 6x BD/ 15days
FOLLOW UP –
| 25/6/24 | First visitRF value- 23.42 U/L | Lycopodium 30 BD/ 3daysCalcarea fluorica 6x BD/ 15days |
| 5/7/24 | No improvement | Lycopodium 200 OD/2 daysCalcarea fluorica 6x BD/ 15days |
| 31/7/24 | Slight improvement in pain. Shoulder mobility increased. Appetite got better. | Lycopodium 200 OD/2 days |
| 14/8/24 | Significant reduction in feet oedema was noted. Joint pain is much better. | Calcarea flourica 6x BD/ 15days |
| 2/9/24 | Oedema absent. Pain while walking still present. Weakness got better | Lycopodium 1M single dose |
| 12/9/24 | Pain in wrist, shoulder, feet all got better | Placebo |
| 1/10/24 | Appetite is good. Feels energetic. Pain is 80% reduced. RF- 7.85 U/L | Placebo |
CONCLUSION –
This case report provides preliminary evidence supporting the fact that homoeopathy is very effective against autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Previous reports-
Recent reports-
References
Harrison TR. Harrisons principles of internal medicine: Volume 1. 16th ed. Kasper D, Braunwald E, Fauci A, Hauser SL, Longo D, Jameson JL, editors. Maidenhead, England: McGraw Hill Higher Education; 2004.
Penman ID, Ralston SH, Strachan MWJ, Hobson R, editors. Davidson’s principles and practice of medicine. 24th ed. London, England: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2022.
GBD 2019: Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-results/.
Boericke W, Boericke OE. Homoeopathic materia medica with repertory comprising the characteristic and guiding symptoms of the remedies. 2nd ed. Savage RB, editor. Sittingbourne, England: Homoeopathic Book Service; 1990.
Hahnemann S, Dudgeon RE. Organon of Medicine. Trieste Publishing; 2018.
Author
Dr. Sweta Jain M.D (Medical officer, Govt. Homoeopathic medical college and hospital Bhopal M.P)
Dr. Ankita Goswami (Pg scholar Department of Psychiatry Govt. Homoeopathic medical college and hospital Bhopal M.P)
