Silent Stiffness: A Homoeopathic View
Abstract :- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disorder of synovial joints and a major cause of pain, stiffness, and disability. Conventional management is largely symptomatic and does not address the constitutional basis of the disease. Homoeopathy emphasizes individualized, holistic treatment. Calcarea phosphorica, a well-known tissue remedy, is frequently indicated in degenerative bone and joint conditions. Below is the role of Homoeopathic Medicine Calcarea Phosphorica given in case of Osteoarthritis.
Keywords: Osteoarthritis; Calcarea phosphorica; Homoeopathy; Degenerative joint disease; Tissue remedy
Introduction: –Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic non- inflammatory degenerative joint disorder, characterized by progressive cartilage degeneration, joint pain, stiffness and functional limitation. It affects middle-aged and elderly individuals. It significantly impacts quality of life due to pain, reduced mobility and disability.
From a homoeopathic perspective, osteoarthritis is not merely a local degenerative pathology but a manifestation of a deeper constitutional and Miasmatic imbalance affecting nutrition, metabolism, and tissue repair. Among the remedies acting on bones and joints, Calcarea phosphorica holds an important position due to its affinity for defective bone development, chronic joint affections, and impaired reparative processes.
Etiology: –
∙ Advancing age
∙ Obesity
∙ Repeated mechanical stress or overuse of joints
∙ Joint trauma or injury
∙ Congenital and developmental joint abnormalities
∙ Genetic predisposition
∙ Sedentary lifestyle
Case: –
∙ Date- 15/05/2025
∙ Name- ABC
∙ Age- 55 Years
∙ Sex- Female
∙ Marital Status- Married (30 years)
∙ Diet – Vegetarian
∙ Education- 10th Std
∙ Occupation- House-wife
∙ Religion- Hindu
∙ Caste- Soni
Presenting Complain:
| Location | Sensation | Modality | Concomitant |
| Extremities- Knee Rt >> Lt knee | Aching pain | < Rising from sitting |
History Of Presenting Complain:
The patient has complaint of knee pain since 5 years. Pain is more in the right knee than left knee. The complaint is aggravated by rising from sitting, patient taking analgesic daily. It was planned but fortunately terminated.
Past History :
• Covid – O2 Taken
• Lipoma – Right side of neck – Operated 20 years back
Family History:
• Allergic rhinitis – Mother, Brother
Physical Generals:-
• Thirst-Thirstless
• Desire- Sweets++, Salty
• Aversion- Brinjal
• Bowel-Not specific
• Urination-Not specific
• Menes- Menopause since 45 years of age
• No h/o complaints asso. with menses
• Thermal- Chilly
Mental Generals:
The patient says that “ I have an angry nature, but I am able to tolerate it. I express anger only when necessary. I am very sensitive. When things do not go my way, when men or children do not listen to me, it hurts—despite being of this age, no one listens to me. I cook food with a lot of effort, yet the children say it is not prepared properly. In matters concerning my sister in-law, my husband never speaks up. My father-in-law always sends my brother-in-law everywhere; they are the ones who go out, while I have to manage the household. I too feel like going out, but my husband does not say anything, and I do not like that.”
After the death of her son, she has reduced her interaction with others, yet she continues to experience fear. She feels frightened even when her husband goes out on professional visits. If her son or husband is delayed by even five minutes, she immediately develops negative thoughts. She repeatedly worries about the future.
After marriage, there were frequent quarrels. Initially, even the children did not understand her or listen to her in any matter. There was an earlier belief that women exist only to work. Due to the old rural mindset, this belief was also instilled in the children—that day and night work is a mother’s duty, that a mother is merely someone who works, and that she can be spoken to in any manner. As the children grew up, she realized that she had no one on her side; everyone would unite against her. Her husband never appreciated her and never corrected the children regarding respectful behavior, nor did he ever take her side.
Fear: – Fear of rain, fear that there will be excessive water.
Dreams: – Dreams of marriage and engagement in the past 3-4 year.
Examiation:
• HEIGHT: 5’7”
• WEIGHT: 65kg
• PULSE: 77/min
• BLOOD PRESSURE: 126/88 mm Hg
• NAILS: Pinkish
Analysis: –
• Need- support, love
• Will– weak
• Intellect– average
• Morals– good
• Sensitivity- indignation
Introverted
Repertorial Totality: –
Prescription:
Rx
CALCAREA PHOS 200 (1) DOSE
SAC LAC 4 PILLS TWICE A DAY FOR 15 DAYS
• Genetic Materia Medica- Calcarea phos has Indignation meaning righteous anger, or annoyance which is provoked by what is perceived as unfair treatment.
• Soul of Remedies- Calcarea persons need to have people around, they want to be protected as they feel insecure.The feeling of Phosphorus is: “I must prepare to be alone, to be able to live on a distant island”. Thus Calcarea phosphorica has the need for security, but the ability to live alone if the need arises.
Follow Up:
| Date | Complaints | Prescription |
| 02/06/2025 | Decrease in pain with feeling better to the patient. Sleep improved with less pain at night. | CAL PHOS 2001 DOSESL*15 days 4PILLS TWICE ADAY |
| 20/06/2025 | Patient feels better in pain with no other medications. Appetite and slee pimproved. | SAC LAC 1DOSESL*15 days 4PILLS TWICE ADAY |
Reference:
1. Genetic materia medica by Dr. Prafull Vijaykar
2. Soul of remedies by Dr. Rajan Sankaran
