Homoeopathic Constitutional Approach in Osteoarthritis
ABSTRACT;
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic (long-lasting) joint condition.A joint is where two bones come together. The ends of these bones are covered with protective tissue called cartilage. With OA, this cartilage breaks down, causing the bones within the joint to rub together. This can cause pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.OA occurs most often in older people, although it can occur in adults of any age. OA is also called degenerative joint disease, degenerative arthritis, and wear-and-tear arthritis .In homoeopathy, Constitutional approach having a clear advantage in treatment of osteoarthritis. Constitution is defined as the physical and mental makeup of a person which is expressed through his physical built, characterstics, desires, aversions, reactions including emotional and intellectual attributes.
1. INTRODUCTION;
In the last few decades, Indians in the age-group of 30 to 50 years are falling prey to osteoarthritis and it continues to have serious impact on the lives of elderly people .Such diseases lead to complete disability of the knee. If the pain is not relieved by medication or physiotherapy for long, a person may be bedridden in the long run. So, surgery or pain killer injection is advisable. A group of studies about the effects of joint replacement on your heart demonstrate those risks and benefits. Injections are not a cure, but they can be effective in relieving pain and decreasing inflammation,but only for a few months.In time,however,these may cease to be effective,and your doctor may prescribe stronger medictaions,including steroid injections.So,there is no permanent cure in other system ,beside the palliation ,it produces side effects or damage the other body system. The best part, nowdays, that most of the patients so well aware regarding side effects of modern medicines,so they prefer Complementary and Alternative (CAM)therapies. However, scientific research has so far provided some evidences to support the effectiveness of homoeopathy as treatment options for rheumatologic conditions.
A study was done to investigate the effect of individualized homoeopathic medicines in improving ADL, the study elicited the potential of individualized homoeopathic medicines in improving ADL of patients with OA by reducing pain and stiffness of the affected joint.
Another clinical prospective observational study was done on Osteoarthritis with constitutional homoeopathic approach and conclusion was that constitutional approach in homoeopathic prescribing can play significant role in relief of pain and treatment of Osteoarthritis.
Keywords;Osteoarthritis,Constitutional,Homoeopathy,Therapy.
2. THEORY;
According to Dr Samuel Hahnemann in § 15;
‘The affection of the morbidly deranged, spirit-like dynamis (vital force) that animates our body in the invisible interior, and the TOTALITY of the outwardly cognizable symptoms produced by it in the organism and representing the existing malady, constitute a whole; they are one and the same.’
While the generals rank the highest in evaluating the case, and without generals we cannot expect to find
the simillimum, the mental and emotional characteristics have a high value, since these are the true reflections of his personality, the man him-self.
The treatment based on the
totality of symptoms proved to be the best in the chronic cases.The fact that
they can help during the acute phase.The rightly indicated should not be
overlooked as they render better results without
sequel. Without the generals of a case no man can practice Homoeopathy, for without these no man can individualize and see distinctions. After gathering all the particulars, one strong general rules out one remedy.
In chronic conditions like OA, homoeopathy cannot the reverse back the changes that already took place in joint or bone. But yes, homoeopathy can help in reducing the pain or further slowdown the process of progression of disease. It also helps in improving the quality of life of OA patient by enable him/her to do a daily routine work like walking, ascending stairs, driving and more so.
Chronic disease are those complaints that heve persist for a long time-sometimes throughout ones whole life. The symptoms are usually less severe than those of those conditions, but they can seriously affect quality of life and become progressively worse over time .Chronic diseases do not resolve themselves, but that can be treated with the help of well-chosen homeopathic remedies known as constitutional remedies.To select such a constitutional remedy,knowledge about the constitution is necessary.
3. OTHER MANAGEMENT NECESSARY IN OSTEOARTHRITIS;
- Healthy dietary patterns were playing the major role in controlling the pain;
DIET MANAGEMENT
| VIT C | VIT D | Beta Carotene | Omega-3 fatty acids | Bioflavonoids |
| Pineapple | Egg | Spinach | Walnuts | Red & white onions |
| Oranges | Fortified milk | Sweet potatoes | Pacific oysters | Broccoli |
| Kiwi | Shrimp | Brussels sprouts | sardines | Blueberries |
| Strawberries | Wild –caught salmon | Collard greens | Anchovies | Green tea |
| Raspberries | Sardines | Peppermint leaves | Ground flax seeds | Apples with skin |
| Papaya | Cod | Asparagus | Rainbow trout | Leeks |
| Grapefruit | Tofu | Apricots | Salmon | Apricots |
- PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
-PHYSICAL THERAPY;A physical therapist show you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your joint, increases your flexibility and reduce pain .Regular gentle exercise that you do on your own such as walking or swimming, can be equally effective.
-Occupational therapy; An occupational therapist can help you discover ways to do everyday tasks without putting extra stress on your already painful joint. For instance, a toothbrush with a large grip could make brushing your teeth easier if you have osteoarthritis in your hands. A bench in your shower could help relieve the pain of standing if you have knee osteoarthritis.
4. CONCLUSION;
In homoeopathy,the choice of remedy is based on the consideration of the totaliy of an individual’s symptoms and circumstances,including personality,behaviours,fears,responses to the physical environment,food preferences and so on. Individualized homoeopathic medicine produces significant effect in treatment of osteoarthritis.
5. REFERENCES;
- Recommendations for the medical management of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee: 2000 update. American College of Rheumatology Subcommittee on Osteoarthritis Guidelines. Arthritis Rheum. 2000;43(9):1905-15.
- Shipley M, Berry H, Broster G, Jenkins M, Clover A, Williams I. Controlled trial of homoeopathic treatment of osteoarthritis. Lancet. 1983;1(8316):97-8.
- Stanos SP. Osteoarthritis guidelines: a progressive role for topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2013;6:133-7.
- De Silva V, El-Metwally A, Ernst E, Lewith G, Macfarlane GJ. Evidence for the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines in the management of osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Rheumatology. 2011;50(5):911-20.
- Fouladbakhsh J. Complementary and alternative modalities to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms. Am J Nurs. 2012;112(3 Suppl 1):S44-51.
About Author:
Dr Komal Prajapat
Pg Scholar, State National Hoeopathic Medical College and Hospital,
Lucknow (U.P)
