ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY IN

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Submitted to –L.S.F.P.E.F’S Lokmanya

Homoeopathy Medical College
Pranita Jadhav (intern)
Batch Summer 22-23
 INDEX
SR . NO TITLE PAGE NO
1. Aim and objectives
2. Introduction
3. Homoeopathic approach
4. Review of literature
5. Case performa
6. Cases
7. Result
8. Discussion
9. Conclusion
10. Master chart
11. Bibliography
 AIMS and OBJECTIVES

• AIM —To study the role of Homeopathic management in cases of rheumatoid

arthritis & to highlight the importance of Homeopathy & treatment for complete relief
from the suffering of patient.

• OBJECTIVES—
1.To study the role of Homeopathic treatment of Osteoathritis.
2.To study etiological factor of osteoarthritis
3.To study most common remedies for osteoarthritis
4.To study the role of miasm in osteoarthritis.
 INTRODUCTION :
OSTEOARTHRITIS :

DEFINITION :It is a degenerative joint disease.

Aetiology is multifactorial, and still not understood.
Commonly it is thought to be wear and tear of joints as one ages.

TYPES OF OSTEOARTHRITIS: 2 TYPES OF OSTEOARTHRITIS :

PRIMARY OA SECONDARY OA
1)PRIMARY OSTEOARTHRITIS :
a) It occurs in old age, mainly in the weight bearing joints (knee and hip).
b) In a generalised variety, the trapezio-metacarpal joint of the thumb and the distal inter-
phalangeal joints of the fingers are also affected.
c) Primary OA is commoner than secondary OA.

2)SECONDARY OSTEOARTHRITIS:
a) In this type, there is an underlying primary disease of the joint which leads to degeneration of
the joint, often many years later.
b) It may occur at any age after adolescence, and occurs commonly at the hip.

Predisposing factors are:

(i) congenital mal-development of a joint.
(ii) irregularity of the joint surfaces from previous trauma.
(ili) previous disease producing a damaged articular surface.
(iv) internal derangement of the knee, such as a loose body.
(v) mal-alignment (bow legs etc.).
(vi) obesity and excessive weight.
PATHOLOGY OF OSTEOARTHRITIS :
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition primarily affecting the articular cartilage.

The first change observed is an increase in water content and depletion of the proteoglycans
from the cartilage matrix.

Repeated weight bearing on such a cartilage leads to its fibrillation

The cartilage gets abraded by the grinding mechanism at work at the points of contact
between the apposing articular surfaces, until eventually the underlying bone is exposed.

With further 'rubbing', the subchondral bone becomes hard and glossy and results in the
formation of subchondral cysts and sclerosis.

The loose flakes of cartilage incite synovial inflammation and thickening of the capsule,
leading to deformity and stiffness of the joint.

Often one compartment of a joint is affected more than the other. For example, in the knee
joint, the medial compartment is affected more than the lateral
CLINICAL FEATURES:
1)Pain is the earliest symptom. It occurs intermittently in the beginning, but becomes constant over
months or years.

2) Initially, it is dull pain and comes on starting an activity after a period of rest; but later it becomes worse
and cramp-like, and comes after activity.

3) Swelling of the joint is usually a late feature, and is due to the effusion caused by inflammation of the
synovial tissues.

4) Stiffness is initially due to pain and muscle spasm, but later, capsular contracture and incongruity of the
joint surface contribute to it.
WHAT CAUSE OSTEOARTHRITIS:
• Older age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.

• Sex: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis

• Being overweight

• Getting older

• Joint injury

• Joints that are not properly formed

• A genetic defect in joint cartilage

• Stresses on the joints from certain jobs and playing sports

EXAMINATION OF OSTEOARTHRITIS :
FOLLOWING FINDINGS MAY BE PRESENT :

• Tenderness on the joint line.

• Crepitus on moving the joint.
• Irregular and enlarged-looking joint due to formation of peripheral osteophytes.
• Deformity - varus of the knee, flexion-adduction-external rotation of the hip.
• Effusion - rare and transient Terminal limitation of joint movement.
• Subluxation detected on ligament testing.
• Wasting of quadriceps femoris muscle.

X RAY OF KNEE , AP AND LATERAL VIEWS

SHOWING : OSTEOARTHRITIS OF KNEE
INVESTIGATIONS:
A)RADIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS :
The following are some of the radiological features:
• Narrowing of joint space, often limited to a part of the joint e.g., may be limited to medial compartment of
tibio-femoral joint of the knee.
• Subchondral sclerosis - dense bone under the articular surface.
• Subchondral cysts.
• Osteophyte formation..
• Loose bodies.
• Deformity of the joint.

B)OTHER INVESTIGATIONS:
• Serological tests and ESR to rule out rheumatoid arthritis.
• Serum uric acid to rule out gout.
• Arthroscopy, if a loose body or frayed meniscus is suspected.
TREATMENT :
Principles of treatment:
Once the disease starts, it progresses gradually, and there is no way to stop it. Hence efforts are
directed, wherever possible, to the following:

a) To delay the occurrence of the disease, if the disease has not begun yet.

b) To stall progress of the disease and relieve symptoms, if the disease is in early stages.

c) To rehabilitate the patient, with or without surgery, if his disabilities can be partially or
completely alleviated.
METHODS OF TREATMENT :

2.CHONDRO-
1.DRUGS
PROTECVE AGENTS

3.VISCO-
4.SUPPORTIVE
SUPLEMENTATION
THERAPY

5.SURGICAL
TREATMENT
HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH IN CASES OF OSTEOARTHRITIS :

1.Reduce the pain, swelling and stiffness.

2. Slows the pace of further degeneration.

3. Improves mobility of the affected joints.

4. Improves the body's overall immune system, thereby allow the body to promote healing
on its own.

5. Homeopathic intervention in the early phases is particularly helpful, as it will arrest

disease progression.

6. It also enable better absorption of minerals and nutrients essential for bone health. This
allows healing of existing bone fractures and avoids further bone damage by strengthening
the bones

7. Homeopathic treatment also enables the body's chemical state to withstand stress and
illnesses better.

8. It vitalizes the body's natural healing and ability to repair itself, to create a better state of
health and well-being
RUBRICS OF KENT REPERTORY:
❑RUBRICS RELATED TO OSTEOARTHRITIS :
Extremities ; Pain
Extremities ; Stiffness
Extremities ; Tingling
Extremities ; swelling
Back ; pain ;
RUBRICS OF KENT REPERTORY:
RUBRICS RELATED TO OSTEOARTHRITIS :

❑Migraine:
❑Periodical head pain.
❑Headache associated with blindness or visual disturbances:
❑Headache associated with nausea:
❑Headache associated with vomiting:
❑Headache aggravated by noises:
❑Bright objects:
❑Rest,
 MIASM:
What are miasm ?

According to Samuel Hahnemann, the father of homeopathy, they are an "infectiousprincipal"

(Dictionary of Homeopathic Medical Terminology) which expresses itself in the specific diseases
we see in people and animals.

Another definition, according to Dr. Levy, is "chronic disease hat is inheritable." Miasm can also
be created through the use of suppressive medicine or other environmental factors.
 Psora
ocation-Frontal/temporal regions or over whole head. Often
felt nly externally.
ensation- Sharp, paroxysmal, Severe pain appearing on one
ide only and is often longstanding and of functional
character.
Modality-Increase and decrease with sun.rest, quiet,
sleep, warmth, natural
liminations.
oncomitant-Mental symptoms such as fear, anxiety And
pprehension. Red face with throbbing of carotids. Sweat on
orehead during sleep. Vertigo <looking up suddenly, rising from
itting or from emotional disturbances.
Sycosis
Location-Frontal and vertex regions and also Occipito parietal.
Sensation-Dull, aching pain, head heaviness and reeling sensation.
Modality-motion, violent exercise, warmth, abnormal discharges
Concomitant-Urogenital Symptoms. Crossness. Jealousy,
Restlessness,
Vertigo which appears on closing the eyes and disappears on opening
them. Congestion leading to stagnation causing the arteries to become
sluggish.

Syphilis
Location- Mostly occipital or Temporal although Occasionally they occur in
base of brain, internal head and meninges.
Sensation-Constant, persisting pain often occurs at the base of brain
on one side only. Pain may be stitching,
tearing, boring, digging maddening, sharp or cutting etc.
Modality-cold applications, Changing places motion, nose
bleed.
Concomitant-Suicidal tendencies. Imbecility. Deficient blood
supply.
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS :

1.Kali iodatum:
Rheumatism of Knee with effusion in joint- so huge swelling of Knee found.Pain.
< night, while bending the knee & lying on affected side.
>by motion & open air.I have got much more response from this drug.

2.Calcarea carbonica:
Osteoarthritis of knee joint especially in fat and obese persons.
< when getting up from a sitting position, by walking & Cold. Cold, clammy knees is another feature of
Calcarea carb.
There is cramps in calves when stretching out the legs at night.
They have a special craving for eggs and undigestable things.

3.sulphur:
This is a polycreast, constitutional & miasmatic drug.Contains all signs of inflammation Swelling, hot
sensation, Redness, Painful, loss of functions of affected joint .
In OA of knee- all signs of inflammation are found. So it is a great remedy to be used & its action toabsorb
the effusions from joint.
4 Benzoic acid:
Arthritis of Knee joints, cracking sound on walking.
Pains-Tearing, stitching type.
Knee- Swollen hugely with redness, < at night.

5.Bryonia alba:
Knee-Stiff, painful, swollen , red & hot.
Pain-Stitching, tearing type.
< motion. > by pressure & rest.

6.Medorrhinum:
A powerful and deep-acting homeopathic medicine for people who have any sort of arthritis
including osteoarthritis and commonly use when the patient have symptoms like:
a) Pain in back, with burning heat.
b) There is heaviness feeling of Legs that ache all night, cannot keep them still.
c) The Ankles easily turn when walking.
d) People feel burning like pain of hands feet and the Finger-joints are enlarged, puffy.
 Scope and limitations
SCOPE:
1. Homoeopathy treats the patient as a whole.
2. Homoeopathy is very good when it comes to treating the chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis
.
3. After the treatment with the homeopathy there is no chance for the recurrence of the same
suffering.
4. There are no side effects of homeopathic medicines because the drug substances used are very
much in diluted form with no harmful effect left.

LIMITATIONS:
5. Homeopathy have limited scope where there is advancement of pathology or irreversible
pathological complains.
6. No scope in absolute surgical cases.
7. There is no homeopathic specific medicine can be named for the specific disease condition.
Sr No NAME A S OCCUPAT C\O REMEDY MIASM RESULT
G E ION

E X
1 Rushali Mendake 24 F Student Headache Sulp30 Psora Marked
improveme
nt
2 Ashish 22 M Student Headac Phos30 Psoro- Moderate
Ghawate he sycotic improveme nt
with
dimness
3 Meena 47 F Housewife Headache Natcarb 200 Psoro Marked
Lohakane -sycotic improveme nt

4 Sonali Shinde 39 F Housewife Headache Sulp Psoro Moderate

30 -sycotic improveme nt

5 Swapnil Ahire 32 M Engineer Heavine Nat m Psora Mild

ss in head 30 improveme nt
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The literature review on OSTEOARTHRITIS is extensive and evolving, as researchers continue to learn
more about this complex joint disorder. Here is a summary of some of the key findings:
Epidemiology:
Osteoarthritis is one of the significant contributors to years lived with disability among the
musculoskeletal conditions.
As osteoarthritis is more prevalent in older people (about 70% are older than 55), global prevalence is
expected to increase with the ageing of populations. The typical onset is in the late 40s to mid-50s,
although osteoarthritis may also affect younger people, including athletes and people who sustain joint
injury or trauma.
About 60% of people living with osteoarthritis are women.
These are few reviews of literature on osteoartritis:
1.Essential Orthopedics by J. Maheshwari (Ms ortho) (fifth edition )
2.Osteoarthritis –World Health Organization .
 CASE TAKING FORMAT
Preliminary Data-
• Name-
• Age -Sex-
• Occupation- Address Gelsimium; Headache
Nux Vom:
also a remedy and
in the oc
commencing
for headache
Nux vomwith
generally due
blindness
is more suited and
to eyestrain
increase
intake, digestive troubles
(onos).
to a frantic
especially
to man than in itsepia.
Pain commences
degree.
is ciput
Headacheworse
Theand
can bewith
afternoon
[11,12,13]
comescommences
attack up over head
sun begins
caused
earlyand
in settles
at 2 orcoffee,
by tobacco, 3 am and
over eyes. Headache get
the morning
reaches its height at
alcohol
Gelsimium; Headache
Nux Vom:
commences in the
commencing
andocciput
reaches its height
Nux vomwith
andincrease
generally
at afternoon
intake,
comes up
digestive troubles
blindness
is more suitedand
to over
especially
to man
headdegree.
a frantic and settles
itsepia.
is also
than in[11,12,
over can
Headache
13]
a attack
The remedycommences
for headache
eyes.beHeadache
earlydue
caused bygettobacco,
worse with
to eyestrain
in the morning (onos). Pain
sunalcohol
coffee, begins at 2 or 3 am and

• Religion Marital
CHIEF
status-COMPLAINT- Location
• Sensation
• Modalities NuxThe
sepia.
early

can be
Vom:
more in
Nuxcommences
attack
suited
vom is
to man than
the morning andin
generally increase to a
troublesHeadache
frantic degree.

caused by tobacco, coffee,

alcohol intake, digestive
Gelsimium; Headache commencing with blindness and especially it is also a remedy for headache due to eyestrain (onos). Pain
commences in the occiput and comes up over head and settles over eyes. Headache get worse with sun begins at 2 or 3 am and
reaches its height at afternoon

• Concomitant
[11,12,13]

ASSOCIATED COMPLAINTS-
• ODP-
• PAST H\O-
• FAMILY H\O-
• PERSONAL H\O-
• THERMALS-
• MENSTRUAL&OBS H\O-
• MENTALS-
• GENERAL EXAMINATION- vital data
• SYSTEMIC EXAMINATION - CVS , CNS ,P/A , R/S
( inspection,palpation,auscultation,percussion)
• INVESTIGATION
• PROBABLE DIAGNOSIS
• FINAL DIAGNOSIS
• ANALYSIS
• EVALUATION
• TOS
• DIFFERENTIAL REMEDY
• FINAL REMEDY
• POTENCY
• SUSCEPTIBILITY
• PRESCRIPTION
CASE 1:
 RESULTS
AFTER TREATING WITH CONSTITUTIONAL REMEDIES THERE IS
IMPROVMENT IN ALL 5 CASES, AS ALL MIGRAINE CASES WERE
HAVING FUNCTIONAL AND REVERSIBLE CHANGES AT
PATHOLOGICAL LEVEL.

SR.NO RESULT NO.OF PERCENTAGE

S
1 Marked CASES 2 45%
improvement
2 Moderate 2 45%
improvement
3 Mild 1 10%
improvement
 SEX INCIDENCE
Both sexes were taken for the study. The statistical analysis is done
based on the data obtained from these groups of patients.
SR.No SEX NO. OF PERCENTAGE
INCIDENCE
1 MALE 2 20%

2 FEMALE 3 80%

100%
 AGE INCIDENCE
The study includes patients of migraine between the age group of 10-50
years.
In 5 patients all age groups were divided in to sub groups for the purposes
of analytical study.
NO AGE GROUPS NO.OF.PATIENTS PERCENTAGE

1 10-20 0 0%
2 21-30 2 40%
3 31-40 1 20%
4 41-50 2 40%

Total 5 100%
 DISCUSSION
•Age incidence As shown in the table, the maximum incidence was between
the age group of 31-40 yrs accounting 40% in 5 cases.. The youngest patient
in the study was 22 and the oldest was 47yrs .
•Sex incidence In the analytical study, the maximum incidence are females
than males. In that 80% accounting 3 female cases and 20% i.e.2male cases
were noted.
•Miasmatic background Analytical study of all the cases of individuals
expressed Psora, Sycosis, Sypilis (all the miasms) And some cases includes
compound miasm that is psoro-sycotic.
Constitutional remedy As per the above shown table, frequently used
the constitutional remedy was sulphur, nat m , phos . Aconite ,puls . The
other drugs are sepia, bry, Lyco.
 CONCLUSION
The study of Five cases of migraine revealed that the mass incidence of
migraine is in the pubertal and late middle age group and the incidence
females are more affected than males. It was observed that it is
commonly seen in house-wives, students, weavers, and farmers The
commonest exiting cause for migraine were eye strains, heat of
sun,mental exertion and oral contraceptives. The study also revealed
that the miasmatic background of the patient mostly indicate psora .
Though other miasms are also in the background. Other systems have
less scope on this migraine. The Homoeopathic system has a better
scope when compared to other systems. Since migraine show mostly
functional alterations, it requires antipsoric medicines. When more
than one remedy is required it is better to start with an antipsoric
followed by other antimiasmatic remedies.
 BIBILOGRAPHY
DAVIDSON‟S Principles and Practice of Medicine, 18th edition page 864-865.6,7, 9, 10,11, 12,
13,18, 21, 22.

HARRISON‟S Principles of Internal Medicine, Vol-II 14th edition, Page 1935-1936.

Encyclopedia of Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, up dated 2nd Jan, 2002.

A pocket manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medical, Sarkar B.K., up-to-date with Nosodes, 2nd
edition.
THANKYOU !