Homoeopathic Remedies for Osteoarthritis
Also indexed as: Arthritis (Osteo), Degenerative Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is an inflammation of the joints, involving breakdown of the cartilage at
the ends of bones. Pain and inflammation, often from misalignment or overuse, can lead to
thickening or bony deposits in these areas. Homoeopathic remedies can be helpful during
painful flare-ups. A constitutional remedy, chosen by an experienced practitioner to closely
fit the individual, may help on deeper levels.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homoeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homoeopathy?
Aconitum napellus: This remedy may be helpful for pain and inflammation that comes
on suddenly after exposure to cold wind and weather. The person is likely to feel fearful,
panicked, or agitated.
Apis mellifica: This remedy can be helpful in acute conditions with redness,
tenderness, and swelling. Joints feel hot and have stinging pain. The hands and knees are
often affected. Warmth can aggravate the symptoms and cool applications bring relief.
Arnica: Chronic arthritis with a feeling of bruised soreness can indicate a need for
this remedy. Pain is worse from touch, and may occur in joints that were injured in the
past.
Belladonna: Sudden flare-ups of arthritis with a sensation of heat and throbbing
pain indicate a need for this remedy. The joints look red and inflamed, and the surface may
feel hot to the touch.
Bryonia: This remedy can be useful for tearing or throbbing pain that is worse from
any motion. Rest and pressure may bring relief (if the pressure adds stability), but movement
is intolerable. Cold applications often reduce discomfort.
Calcarea carbonica: This remedy is often useful for arthritis 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 are 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. A feeling of dissatisfaction and a strong desire for travel or a change of
circumstances are often seen in individuals who need this remedy.
Calcarea fluorica: This remedy is often indicated for arthritic pains that are
improved by heat and motion. Joints become enlarged and hard, and nodosities or bone spurs may
develop. Arthritis after chronic injury to joints often responds to Calcarea
fluorica.
Cimicifuga (also called Actaea racemosa): Severe aching and stiffness that is worse
from cold may respond to this remedy, especially if the neck or larger joints are affected.
Shooting pains or twitching can be felt in the area, and inflammation may be worse around the
menstrual period.
Dulcamara: If a person has a flare-up of arthritis during cold damp weather, after
getting wet and chilled, or when coming down with a cold, this remedy may be helpful. People
who need this remedy are often stout, with a tendency toward allergies and back pain.
Kali carbonicum: If the joints have begun to get thickened or deformed, and
discomfort is worse from cold and dampness, this remedy may help to bring relief. People who
need this remedy are often dutiful and conservative, and tend to feel anxiety in the
stomach.
Kalmia latiflora: Intense arthritic pain that appears quite suddenly may indicate
this remedy—especially when the problems start in higher joints and extend to lower
ones. Pain and inflammation often start in the shoulder, moving to the elbow, wrist and hand.
The knees are also frequently affected. Discomfort is worse from motion and often worse at
night.
Ledum palustre: Arthritis that starts in lower joints and extends to higher ones
suggests a need for this remedy. 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: Pain that moves unpredictably from one joint to another suggests a need
for this remedy. 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
comforting.
Rhus toxicodendron: Arthritis with pain and stiffness that is worse in the morning
and worse in cold, wet weather suggests a need for this remedy. The person may feel extremely
restless. Both warmth and motion improve the symptoms in the joints, as well as the
person’s general state.
Ruta graveolens: Arthritis with a feeling of great stiffness and lameness, worse
from cold and damp, and worse from exertion often is 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.
Homoeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homoeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homoeopathy? and Understanding Homoeopathic Potencies.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
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making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.