Arthritis: Causes, Types, Risk Factors And Homeopathic Medicines For Arthritis 

Introduction

Every year on October 12, “World Arthritis Day” is celebrated to raise awareness on a painful medical condition called, arthritis. It is a disease that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints and affects millions of people worldwide. 

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis affecting people of all ages, including about 300,000 children. Arthritis can damage any joint in the body.

In India, 15% of people (over 180 million people) are affected by arthritis. This prevalence is higher than any other well-known diseases such as diabetes, AIDS, and cancer. 

What is arthritis?

Inflammation of joints is called Arthritis, which is characterized by arthritis pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. There are several different types of arthritis exist.

What is a Joint?

A joint is a structure, where two or more bones meet, like joints of Knees, shoulders, and fingers. Joints hold bones in place and allow them to move freely within limits.

Joints are surrounded by a strong joint capsule, which is filled with a thick fluid called ‘synovial fluid’ that helps to lubricate the joint. These capsules hold our bones in place. Bones in joints are connected with a structure called ‘ligaments’. Ligaments are strong elastic bands.

The ends of the bones within a joint are lined with cartilage. This is a smooth but tough layer of tissue that allows bones to glide over one another as you move.

Types of arthritis

There are several types of arthritis, which can be divided into the following groups:

1. Inflammatory arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by the inflammation of joints due to injury or infection. This causes damage to the affected joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Inflammatory arthritis can affect several joints, and the inflammation can damage the surface of the joints and also the underlying bone.

Types of inflammatory arthritis:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Reactive arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Arthritis associated with colitis or psoriasis

1.1 Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs when the body's immune system attacks the tissues of the body, specifically connective tissue, leading to joint inflammation, pain, and degeneration of the joint tissue.

RA causes premature mortality and disability and it can compromise the quality of life. Conditions it is linked to include cardiovascular diseases, such as ischemic heart disease and stroke.

2. Degenerative or mechanical arthritis

Degenerative or mechanical arthritis refers to a group of conditions that mainly involve damage to the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. In this condition, cartilages become thinner and rougher.

To compensate for the loss of cartilage and changes in joint function, the body begins to remodel the bone in an attempt to restore stability. This can cause undesirable bony growths to develop, called osteophytes. The joint can become misshapen. This condition is commonly called osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis can also result from previous damage to the joint such as a fracture or previous inflammation in the joint.

3. Infectious arthritis

Inflammation of joints caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi is called infectious arthritis.

Organisms that can infect joints include:

• Salmonella and Shigella spread through food poisoning or contamination
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Hepatitis C, a blood-to-blood infection that may be spread through shared needles or transfusions

Joint infection can often be cleared with antibiotics or other antimicrobial medication. However, arthritis can sometimes become chronic, and joint damage may be irreversible if the infection has persisted for some time.

4. Metabolic arthritis

Uric acid builds up and accumulates in some people and forms needle-like crystals in the joints, resulting in sudden spikes of extreme joint pain or a gout attack.

When Purines, found in human cells and several foods, break down by the body, it results in the formation of uric acid.

Gout commonly affects a single joint or a small number of joints, such as the big toe and hands. It usually affects the extremities.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage, joint lining and ligaments, and underlying bone of a joint and eventually leads to pain and stiffness in joints.

Commonly, big joints are most often affected by osteoarthritis such as hips, knees, hands, the spine, and the big toe joint.

Childhood arthritis

There can be several types of childhood arthritis. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common type. It’s maybe a result of immune system problems. Childhood arthritis can cause permanent damage to the affected joints. 

There is no cure for JIA as of now, however, remission is possible, during which time the disease remains inactive.

Septic arthritis

If there is a joint inflammation from a bacterial or fungal infection, it is called Septic arthritis. It commonly affects the knee and hip.

It can develop when bacteria or other disease-causing micro-organisms spread through the blood to a joint, or when the joint is directly infected with a microorganism through injury or surgery.

Causative Bacteria may be:

·        Staphylococcus,

·        Streptococcus, 

·        Neisseriagonorrhoeae -- cause most cases of acute septic arthritis.

·        Mycobacterium tuberculosis and

·        Candida albicans

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans cause chronic septic arthritis. Acute septic arthritis is more common.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a joint problem that often occurs with a skin condition called psoriasis.

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is not known, but it appears to involve the immune system attacking healthy cells and tissue. The abnormal immune response causes inflammation in the joints and an overproduction of skin cells.

Factors that increase the risk:

• Psoriasis
• Family history
• Age between 30 to 50 years

Gout

Gout is a rheumatic disease that happens when uric acid crystals, or monosodium urate, form in body tissues and fluids. It happens when the body produces too much uric acid or does not excrete enough uric acid.

                                          

Acute gout normally appears as a severely red, hot, and swollen joint and severe pain.

Risk factors include:

• Overweight or obesity
• Hypertension
• Alcohol intake
• Use of diuretics
• A diet rich in meat and seafood
• Some common medicines
• Poor kidney function

Long periods of remission are possible, followed by flares lasting from days to weeks. Sometimes it can be chronic. Recurrent attacks of acute gout can lead to a degenerative form of chronic arthritis called gouty arthritis.

Risk factors for arthritis

Certain risk factors have been associated with arthritis. Some of these are modifiable while others are not.

Non-modifiable arthritis risk factors:

• Age: Risk increases with age.
• Sex: Arthritis is more common in females while gout is more common in males than in females.
• Genetic factors: specific genes are associated with a higher risk of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and ankylosing spondylitis.

Modifiable arthritis risk factors:

• Obesity: being overweight increases the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis.
• Injuries of joint: a joint injury can lead to the development of osteoarthritis in that joint.
• Infection: many microbial agents can infect joints and trigger the development of various forms of arthritis.
• Occupation: repetitive knee bending and squatting associated with certain occupations can cause osteoarthritis of the knee.

Symptoms of arthritis

As arthritis is most often a chronic disease, arthritis symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.

• Arthritis pain: It may come and go. It may affect only one joint or multiple joints.

• Swelling: sometimes the affected joint may become red and swollen and feels warm to the touch.

• Stiffness. Joint stiffness is a common symptom and most likely occurs upon waking up in the morning, after sitting for a long.

• Difficulty in moving: Sometimes it becomes difficult to move the joint.

Causes of arthritis

There are multiple causes of all types of arthritis and they vary according to the form of arthritis. Possible causes may include:

• Injury, leading to degenerative arthritis
• Abnormal metabolism, leading to gout and pseudogout
• Inheritance, such as in osteoarthritis
• Infections, such as the arthritis of Lyme disease
• Immune system dysfunction, such as in RA and SLE

Diet and regiment

A balanced and healthy diet with appropriate exercise can help affected people to maintain their overall health.

Following food items in your diet may help reduce the inflammation of arthritis:

• Fish
• Nuts and seeds
• Fruits and vegetables
• Beans
• Olive oil
• Whole grains

Foods to avoid

• Nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, contain a chemical called solanine that some studies have linked with arthritis pain. Research says that findings some people have reported a reduction in arthritis symptoms when avoiding nightshade vegetables.
• Quit alcohol & smoking
• Cold food and drinks

Self-management to treat Arthritis

Self-management of arthritis is also important. Key strategies include:

• Staying physically active
• Reduce extra kilos and maintain a healthy weight
• Consult your doctor regularly
• Avoid giving extra stress on your joints

Physical therapies

Sometimes physical therapy may be needed to help patients with arthritis.

Some therapies that may be helpful include:

• Warm water therapy - The water supports weight and puts less pressure on the muscles and joints.
• Physical therapy - As per the condition and individual needs, these can be set.
• Occupational therapy - To protect the joints from further damage, practical advice can be given to manage everyday tasks with the help of specialized aids and equipment.

Homoeopathic Management of Arthritis

Sir William Osler, known as the “Father of Modern Medicine,” once said, “When an arthritis patient walks in the front door, I feel like leaving by the back door.” There is one simple reason that Dr. Osler and many other conventional physicians have difficulty facing arthritic patients - there is little that conventional medicine offers them. Some, who are lucky, get temporary relief along with drug side effects; the unlucky ones only get the side effects.

Homeopathy is the best way to manage arthritis treatment without any possible side effects. Homeopathic medicines help in managing all forms of arthritis. A well-selected homeopathic remedy can effectively, reduce the arthritis pain and stiffness of arthritic joints. 

By keeping in mind the modalities of arthritic pain, the proper homeopathic remedy for arthritis can deliver a good and long-lasting alleviation in terms of arthritis pain relief, stiffness, and swelling of joints, in addition to slowing down the worsening of the condition. With the help of homeopathy, physical exercise, yoga, and the recommended diet, we can cure arthritis.

Some homeopathic medicines useful for arthritis treatment:

ARNICA

Arnica is an effective medicine for gout and chronic arthritis with a feeling of bruised soreness that required this remedy. Pain is worse from touch and may occur in joints that were injured in the past. Pain in back and limbs, as if bruised or beaten. Everything on which he lies seems too hard. Due to bruised pain in the pelvic region, the patient cannot walk erect. Rheumatism begins low down and works up.

BRYONIA

Bryonia is a great arthritis pain relief homeopathic medicine. This remedy is indicated for joint pains which are improved by staying immobile and applying pressure. Knees become stiff and painful. There is a hot swelling of the feet. Joints become red, swollen, and hot, with stitches and tearing pain in joints worse on the least movement. Every spot is painful under pressure.

CALCAREA CARBONICA

This remedy is often useful for arthritis pain in a person who is chilly, flabby, or overweight, and easily tired by exertion. Inflammation and soreness are worse from cold and dampness, and weakness or cramping in the extremities is often seen. Problems often focus on the knees when Calcarea is needed.

CALCAREA PHOSPHORICA

Stiffness and soreness of the joints, worse from drafts and cold, may be relieved by this remedy. Aching in the bones and tiredness are common, and the person feels worse from exertion. Calcium deposits or bone spurs may develop, especially in the neck. Stiffness and pain, with cold, numb feeling in joints which become worse by a change of weather.

CAULOPHYLLUM THALICTROIDES

This remedy relieves arthritis pain and rheumatic pain localized in the fingers' phalanges.

CAUSTICUM

This relieves joint pain and arthritis pain with stiffness and the feeling that tendons are too short. Indicated in left-sided sciatica with numbness. Restlessness in legs at night. Cracking and tension in knees; stiffness in the hollow of the knee.

FORMICA RUFA

A great arthritis pain relief medicine. Useful for gout and articular rheumatism. Pains aggravate by motion and are better by pressure. Chronic gout with pain and stiffness in joints. The weakness of lower extremities with pain in hips. Rheumatism comes on with suddenness and restlessness. Better by midnight and from rubbing.

GINSENG

This homeopathic remedy is best indicated in general prostration and stiffness of the lumbar region. Effective natural arthritis pain relief medicine for stiffness & contraction of joints with cracking in them. Bruised pain in the spine with the heaviness of lower limbs. Burning in the tips of fingers. 

Acts on the lower part of the spinal cord producing rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica, coldness in the back, and spine stiffness.

GUAIACUM OFFICINALE

This remedy is well-indicated for rheumatic pain in the shoulders, arms, and hands.  Sciatica and lumbago with Stinging pain in limbs. Joints are swollen, painful, with intolerant of pressure and heat. Arthritic lancinations followed by contraction of limbs. A feeling of heat in the affected limbs. Gouty & tearing pain with contractions of joints. Ankle pain extends up the leg, causing lameness.

LEDUM PALUSTRE

An effective remedy for arthritis that starts in lower joints and extends to higher ones suggests a need for this remedy. Gouty pains shoot all through the foot and limb, and in joints, but especially small joints. 

Pain and inflammation often begin in the toes and spread up through the ankles and knees. The joints may make cracking sounds and may be very swollen. Cold applications bring relief to both the pain and swelling.

PULSATILLA

Pulsatilla is indicated in the pain that moves unpredictably from one joint to another. The hips and knees are often affected, and pain may be felt in the heels. Symptoms are worse from warmth, and better from cold applications and open air. 

A person who needs this remedy often is moody and changeable, and usually wants a lot of attention and comfort.

RHUS TOXICODENDRON

This relieves muscular and articular pains at the beginning of motion and then improved by slow motion. Joints become hot and painful with swelling. Rheumatic pains in the nape of the neck, loins, and extremities. Useful for Sciatica, which gets worse with cold & damp weather and at night. 

RUTA GRAVEOLENS

Arthritis with a feeling of great stiffness and lameness, worse from cold and dampness, and worse from exertion often relieved by this remedy. Tendons and the capsules of the joints may be affected. Arthritis may have developed after overuse, from repeated wear and tear.    

About the Author: Dr. Rahul Singh

Dr. Rahul Singh is a registered Homeopath and Certified Nutritionist with over 16 years of experience and recipient of multiple awards, helps busy people in this fast life, re-energize with tips on a healthy diet, yoga, beauty, health, and wellness strategies that have an impact on their life.