Disease Details

OSTEOARTHRITIS OF KNEE JOINT

OSTEOARTHRITIS OF KNEE JOINT

 Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. OA of the knee happens when the cartilage — the cushion between the knee joints — breaks down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis

·        Joint pain and stiffness, and problems moving the joint

·        Swelling - tenderness - grating or crackling sound when moving the affected joints

The severity of osteoarthritis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and between different affected joints.

For some people, the symptoms can be mild and may come and go. Other people can experience more continuous and severe problems which make it difficult to carry out everyday activities.

Almost any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, but the condition most often causes problems in the knees, hips and small joints of the hands.

Causes Of Osteoarthritis

As part of normal life, your joints are exposed to a constant low level of damage. In most cases, your body repairs the damage itself and you do not experience any symptoms.

But in osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. Bony growths can develop, and the area can become red and swollen.

Several things are thought to increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis, including:

·         joint injury – overusing your joint when it has not had enough time to heal after an injury or operation

·         other conditions (secondary arthritis) – osteoarthritis can happen in joints severely damaged by a previous or existing condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout

·         age – your risk of developing the condition increases as you get older.

·         family history – osteoarthritis may run in families, although studies have not identified a single gene responsible

·         obesity – being obese puts excess strain on your joints, particularly those that bear most of your weight, such as your knees and hips

·         being a woman – osteoarthristis is more common in women than men.

Treating Osteoarthritis

Mild symptoms can sometimes be managed with simple measures including:

·         regular exercise

·         losing weight if you're overweight

·         wearing suitable footwear

·         using special devices to reduce the strain on your joints during your everyday activities

Homeopathy Treatment

Treatment can improve also your quality of life and help you better keep up with your day-to-day activities.

Your treatment options will depend on your individual needs. These include your medical history, level of pain, and the impact of OA on your daily life.

As per a person's constitutional type, which includes your physical, emotional, and psychological makeup, we assess most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Although people with OA are best treated with an individualized homeopathic remedy chosen by a professional homeopath, several trials have found that some common homeopathic combinations may be effective. Some potential remedies include:

• A topical homeopathic gel containing comfrey ( Symphytum officinale ), poison ivy ( Rhus toxicodendron ), and marsh tea ( Ledum palustre ).
• A combination homeopathic preparation containing R. toxicodendron , Arnica montana (arnica), Solanum dulcamara (climbing nightshade), Sanguinaria canadensis (bloodroot), and Sulphur.
• A liquid homeopathic preparation containing R. toxicodendron , Causticum (potassium hydrate), and Lac vaccinum (cow's milk).

Mind-Body Medicine

Chronic pain and disability can make daily life difficult. Treating the whole person and paying attention to the mind as well as the body can improve quality of life. Many people say that relaxation techniques, such as guided imagery and meditation, are an important part of their care, and help to reduce pain and other symptoms of OA.

Yoga

This ancient Indian practice is well known for its physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits. In one clinical trial among people with OA of the hand, the group practicing yoga showed less pain and better range of motion compared to those participating in non-yoga stretching and strengthening sessions. Some yoga "asanas" (postures) strengthen the quadriceps and emphasize stretching, both of which help people with OA of the knee. People with arthritis should begin asanas slowly and make sure they warm up first.