Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the gradual development of joint pain, stiffness, limitation of movement, and swelling. It may be caused by synovitis with effusion or from osteophyte formation. Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine, and some important arthritis remedies are helpful in treatment.

Osteoarthritis is an inflammation of the joint often associated with pain, stiffness, and limitation of movement of the affected joint. There are various forms of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. Pain is the most common feature of osteoarthritis. Joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons are primarily affected in this disorder.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

• Injury: Damage to bone, ligament, and cartilage can lead to severe pain.
• Infection: Any infection in the joint may result in osteoarthritis.
• Obesity and Advanced Age: Both are common causes of osteoarthritis.
• Overuse: Overuse of the knee joint can cause bursitis, leading to intense pain.
• Sprain: Sudden unnatural movements can cause pain and restriction of movement in the joint.
• Malignancy: Conditions such as myeloma and metastatic carcinoma can contribute to osteoarthritis.
• Dislocation: Can also cause severe arthritis.
• Other Causes: Includes sarcoidosis, sickle cell disease, lupus, Kawasaki disease, Crohn’s disease, bone tumors, bleeding disorders, etc.

Clinical Features

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the gradual development of joint pain, stiffness, limitation of movement, and swelling, which may be caused by synovitis with effusion or from osteophyte formation. The bony enlargement accompanying osteophyte formation may lead to joint deformity.

Generalized osteoarthritis refers to the involvement of at least three joints or groups of joints (e.g., interphalangeal joints). There are two types: nodal and non-nodal. The nodal type, which features Heberden’s nodes of the interphalangeal joints, predominates in women and exhibits a strong tendency for familial transmission.

Hands

Limitation of activities that require dexterity (e.g., dressing, feeding) are affected.

Hip Disease

The first sign is usually pain or restriction of internal rotation followed by pain on flexion.

Knee

Tibiofemoral arthritis is usually bilateral and associated with early morning stiffness and pain on weight-bearing, particularly on stairs. Night pain is a sign of severe disease. In elderly patients, knee effusions and crepitus are common.