Homeopathic Treatments for Arthritis

The large number of arthritis sufferers in the world has led to a great deal of different treatments available to help. There are bracelets and medications, herbs and vitamins, and homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic remedies are controversial, as some doctors do not believe in their efficacy. However, if the remedies do work they likely have the fewest side effects of any treatment. Consult your physician before taking new medications.

Acute Arthritis

• When arthritis is in its early stages and the pain is not constant, there are some homeopathic remedies that may work. Try these remedies as soon as you are diagnosed or as soon as you can.

  Belladonna is used when your pain is sudden, throbbing, intense and hot. You also may need this if pain is accompanied by headaches, fever, eye inflammation, cramps, spasms, anxiety and restlessness.

  Pulsatilla can be a helpful remedy if the pain and inflammation changes locations, appears suddenly and affects the larger joints, such as the hip. This is a good choice if you notice that cold compresses and open air make you feel better or if you're feeling depressed and weepy.

  Rhus toxicodendron is used if your symptoms get worse in damp climates and you have red, hot, cracking joints. You may experience pain and stiffness after resting that get better after getting warm and limber.

  Different remedies come in slightly different potencies, but you should be safe with a potency lower than 12c (c equals 100 times the potency of the standard unit of homeopathy). Take the most appropriate remedy every time you have a symptom, even if it's hourly, and see whether symptoms improve.

Chronic Arthritis

• If your condition is chronic, you may need a few months to a year of any of the following remedies at lower than 12c potency twice per day.

  Calcarea fluorica can be used if you have bony overgrowth and hard nodules at the sites of your pain. You may have overstretched ligaments and joints that creak and feel feeble.

  Ledum is used when your pain goes upward from joint to joint and it affects many of the smaller joints, such as elbows, knees and feet.

  Try Phylotacca if you are sore all over or if you have shooting, electric pains. Stiffness, restlessness, and pain that gets worse with motion are signs that Phylotacca may be right for you.

  Do not lose patience with the long treatment time or take even the smallest of gains to mean that the choice of homeopathic remedy you have made is correct.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• If you are experiencing the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, there are a few different homeopathic remedies you can try. Treating this condition can occur at the same time as using the other remedies for chronic or acute arthritis.

  You should use Arnica if you are experiencing sore or bruising sensations that get worse when moving or touching the problem area. Arnica creams are available at health food stores, such as Whole Foods, and can help with inflammation and bruises.

  Bryonia should be used if you have inflamed joint tissues that later are overwhelmed by throbbing and tearing sensations. Cold and dry weather exacerbate a condition that requires Bryonia, while rest and relaxation in a quiet environment are very helpful.

  Causticum is utilized when the joints become deformed or when there are tendon and muscle problems in general. Your condition may improve on rainy days and with cold weather and get worse on bright, clear, dry days if you need Causticum.

  You may try these at a low potency as well, but it is also a good idea to consult a licensed homeopath for proper dosing and diagnosis.