What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease.  In this disease, there is degeneration of the joints and cartilage which is surrounding the bony joint.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body but mainly affect larger joints like knees, hips, joints of hand etc.

It occurs in the elderly, commonly seen in females than in males.

Causes of osteoarthritis

1. Ageing – Wear and tear in due to ageing may cause osteoarthritis.
2. Genetic- Some person have the tendency to develop osteoarthritis which runs in a family.
3. Congenital disorder of the joints- Any joint disorder which is present since birth can be one of the causes of Osteoarthritis.
4. Any injury or fracture to the joints.  Injury to the cartilage.
5. Infection of the joints.
6. Obesity can be one of the major causes of osteoarthritis.
7. Other diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, diabetes can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

Symptom of osteoarthritis

1. Pain in the joints after minimal physical exertion.
2. Soreness/tenderness of the joints.
3. Stiffness of the joints with limited activities.
4. Swelling and redness of the joints.
5. Creaking of the joints.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be done by a simple X-ray and MRI of the joint.

Conventional treatment

1.  Medications- Medications include NSAIDs, analgesics, and acetaminophen.

2.  Therapies:

Braces or shoe inserts- These are the supports to the joints which help in relieving the pain.

Physical therapy- These are the specialized exercises which help in strengthening the joints and the muscles around.

Occupational therapy- In this therapy, they teach how to perform ones day to day activities without any difficulties.

Weight management- Weight loss can be recommended.

3. Cortisone shots and lubrication injections.

4.  Surgeries: Joint replacement surgery.

Homeopathic treatment

Homeopathic medicines help in controlling the progress of the disease.  Also medicines reduce pain, swelling, stiffness and thus improve mobility.

Homeopathic medicines help to relieve the acute pain of the joints.

It has no side-effects and thus can be used for longer duration according to the severity and chronicity of the disease.

Homeopathy can reduce dependency on the steroids, pain killers which may cause severe side effects. Homeopathy can also reduce the chances of  surgical transplant.