06/08/2020
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, particularly the degeneration of the articular cartilage covering the underlying bone. Once the cartilage has been removed, this exposes the underlying bone creating friction in the joint, promoting inflammation and destruction of the joint itself.
Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder and occurs frequently in patients over 65 years old but may also occur in younger patients as a result of previous trauma, developmental conditions, obesity and diabetes mellitus. The condition has a slow progression by which time the joint has already undergone structural damage. The most common areas for women are in their hands and knees, and for men in their hips.
Osteoarthritis affects more commonly the articular cartilage. In a healthy joint, the articular cartilage provides a smooth surface with synovial fluid to provide friction-free movement. The articular cartilage also provides cushioning for the underlying bones, absorbing shock and the weight of the body.
The healthy cartilage undergoes constant degeneration and replacement. The chondrocytes in the cartilage aid in maintaining cartilage creation and degeneration. The problem arises when this function is inhibited leading to excessive degeneration i.e. osteoarthritis. The functioning of the chondrocytes can be affected by several factors - mechanical stress, ageing, prolonged elevated oestrogen levels and genetics.
The conventional treatment of osteoarthritis is with the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories), exercise, weight loss, walking aids, physiotherapy and if the condition is severe enough joint replacement.
Homeopathically, osteoarthritis can also be treated with remedies such as Rhus tox, Arnica, Bryonia and Ledum to name a few. Treatment can also include biopuncture to aid in reducing inflammation and cartilage degeneration.
Supplements can be prescribed to assist the body either to slow the degeneration and or halt it with such supplements as chondroitin and glucosamine. Lifestyle modification also plays an important role such as healthy nutrition with an emphasis on anti-inflammatory foods (for example whole food plant-based), regular exercise and reducing daily stress levels.