Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

SKIN & BONES• 197RHEUMATOID ARTHRITISRheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immunesystem attacks the joints. There is a juvenile form, but the disease usuallystarts in early adulthood or middle age. This form of arthritis affects abouttwo percent of the world’s population, and afflicts more women then men.Symptoms• Mild fever, muscle aches and pains, lossof appetite, and weight loss may precedethe main symptoms.• Pain and stiffness—mainly in the smalljoints of the hands and feet, but also in thewrists, neck, ankles, and knees—that maystart suddenly and are worse in the morningand for rest.• Possible exacerbation of symptomsduring menstruation.• Possible rheumatoid nodules beneaththe skin.• Possible association with Raynaud’s diseaseor anemia.• Possible deformation of joints, fluid-filledswelling around joints, and inflammation ofthe tendon sheaths.CausesIt is not known why the immunesystem should start to attack the joints.There may be a genetic tendency; somepeople with a certain tissue type maybe prone to rheumatoid arthritis. Theresult is that the linings of joint capsulesbecome inflamed. The inflammationspreads to other parts of the jointand even the bones themselves. Theprocess may be triggered by infection,environmental pollutants, stress, ortaking certain drugs.Conventional careDiagnosis is confirmed by X-ray and ablood test that can identify a “rheumatoidfactor.” Conventional treatment focuseson reducing inflammation withnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs andpenicillamine or sulfasalazine injections.Failing these, immunosuppressantdrugs such as steroids or azathioprinewill retard the autoimmune response.Physiotherapy can relieve muscle spasmsand stiffness, and splints help to reducepain in the hands and wrists. Replacementsurgery may be necessary if a jointhas been damaged.Homeopathic medicineHomeopathy considers rheumatoid arthritis tobe a complex condition. A genetic tendencymay be addressed by antimiasmatic treatment(see page 20). Diet and lifestyle will be studiedclosely, as will stress or psychological factorsas potential triggers of the disease. The choiceof remedy will largely be determined byindividual symptoms (see page 18). Aurum met.is indicated for destruction of the bone; andBryonia is used for inflammation and theoverproduction of synovial fluid. Calc. phos.affects the maintenance of bones, and isgiven if they are soft, thin, and brittle.Causticum is prescribed for inflammationof the joints leading to deformity. Iodum,Kali. bich., Lycopodium, and Medorrhinumare also commonly used.Local remedies include Rhus tox., whenthere is pain on waking and in cold, dampconditions; and Colchicum, for hot, stiff joints,and pain that moves from joint to joint and isagonizing at night or for touch. Iodum is usedfor joints that feel tight and pain that is worseat night, when the bones are also affected; andSpigelia, for tearing pain near the joints as if aknife were scraping along the bones.LifestyleA high-alkaline diet is beneficial, as areevening primrose oil, antioxidants, greenlippedmussel extract, brazil nuts, and thewearing of a copper bracelet. Regular butmoderate exercise that does not exert pressureon weight-bearing joints is advisable.Swimming is ideal, preferably in a heatedpool. Catnaps, or periods of rest with the eyesclosed, are beneficial.CAUTION• If a joint becomes deformed, see a doctor.• If there are breathing difficulties or chestpains, see a doctor immediately.• If the eyes are dry and there are lumps inthe neck, under the arms, or in the groin,see a doctor as soon as possible.CASE HISTORYPenelope, a 54-year-old former dentaltechnician, had developed arthritisgradually in her feet, especially the toesand ankles, four years before herconsultation. A few months before she wasseen, it had spread to her fingers, analarming development since Penelope wasa piano player. She had been prescribedanti-inflammatory drugs, but they had madeher nauseous. She had tried acupunctureand Bryonia, which had helped slightly.PERSONAL DETAILSPenelope was a pleasant, intelligent woman,who liked the arts and reading. Her mainfear was of feathers. She described herselfas emotionally closed, and dislikedsympathy, which made her feel sorry forherself. She had a happy marriage, but hermother had lived in Penelope’s home for30 years after her husband’s death.Having become ill about five yearspreviously, her mother had moved intoa nursing home a few months beforePenelope’s homeopathic consultation.FOOD PREFERENCESThere were no particular foods thatPenelope strongly liked or disliked, althoughshe did prefer salty rather than sweet foods.GENERAL DETAILSPenelope was worse on first moving in themorning, but did not appear to be affectedby any particular weather conditions.PRESCRIPTION & FOLLOW-UPThe deterioration of Penelope’s healthseemed to be closely linked to eventsin her mother’s life. Penelope had notgrieved properly for her father, however,and this increased the emotional impactof her mother’s experiences, and tookits toll on Penelope’s immune system.She was prescribed Nat. mur. in a highpotency and Rhus tox specifically forher joints. One month on, she hadstopped taking anti-inflammatories,and felt better for having dealt withthe loss of her father. Her joint painhad reduced to such an extent thatshe was teaching the piano again.Two years later she reported only theslightest twinges of pain, whichresponded to Rhus. tox.