Sustained Relief in Joint Pain

Mrs. P.G.(PIN-53657),  a 50-year-old homemaker, consulted Life Force through telephonic communication for the treatment of osteoarthritis, which began in 2022. She initiated treatment on 2nd February 2024.

Osteoarthritis is a common age-related degenerative joint disorder, characterized by the progressive breakdown of joint cartilage. It is most prevalent among elderly females, particularly post-menopause due to hormonal changes.

During her 1st visit, she presented with pain, stiffness, and swelling in bilateral knees; the left knee was more affected than the right. Dull pain was continuously present throughout the day, which led to difficulty in walking, and pain was aggravated after physical exertion and ascending stairs.

Stiffness was present in the morning and increased during cold weather.

Cracking in both knees was present, and the patient had difficulty sitting with crossed legs.

Previous treatments:

Ayurvedic medications (Aug–Nov 2023)

OTC painkillers and Vitamin D3 (since 2022)

Comorbidities:

Hypertension (2019 – ongoing; Olkem 20 mg OD)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (2014–2022; Gabapentin 600 mg OD)

Surgical History:

Left breast fibroadenoma excision (1990)

Cholecystectomy (2014)

Menopause: Attained in 2023

COVID-19: Mild case managed at home (June 2021)

Physical generals:

She had a mixed diet with an average appetite; she did not have any cravings or aversions to certain food items or flavors. Her water intake was 1.5-2 L/day. She had regular, satisfactory bowel movements and had no urinary complaints.

She could not bear cold weather, and perspiration was generalized. She had a sound sleep and preferred to sleep on her back or sideways.

Mrs. P.G. was a homemaker, and her husband worked in Indian railways. Her son was pursuing an MBA. The patient lived in a nuclear family.

The patient’s father had Diabetes Mellitus and an underactive thyroid, and the mother had Diabetes mellitus and arthritis.

Emotionally, Mrs. P.G. presented as polite and expressive. She was sensitive by nature, prone to emotional hurt and brooding. In childhood, the patient was well supported and had a cordial relationship with her parents. during adolescence and even after marriage, she was very happy and had a good relationship with her husband. Her primary concerns centered around family matters, particularly regarding her son’s future and ongoing family disputes, which had intensified over the past decade.

Investigations:

X-Ray—Both Knees (AP & Lateral, 03 Feb 2024):

• Osteophyte formation
• Tibiofemoral joint space narrowing
• Calcification at quadriceps tendon insertion
• No loose bodies or significant lesions
• Impression: Mild bilateral osteoarthritis

After detailed analysis, individualized homeopathic treatment was initiated by Dr. Rajesh Shah.

The therapeutic goal was to provide supportive management.

Follow-up progress:

During her 1st Follow-up on 03rd April 2024, she informed us that there was no improvement, and her complaint of pain in bilateral knees with swelling and stiffness was status quo.

The 2nd follow-up was taken on 04th June 2024; she informed us that her complaints were 10-15% better. Pain in bilateral knees and swelling in the left knee had reduced, and morning stiffness was comparatively reduced as well.

During the 3rd follow-up on 16th August 2024, she had a 20% further improvement in her complaint. Pain in knees only after exertion and in the morning; otherwise, she was stable.

During the 4th follow-up on 09th November 2024, her complaint of difficulty in walking and stiffness had further reduced, but swelling in bilateral knees with pain was the same as the last follow-up. She also complained of pain in her thumb for 15 days.

During her follow-up on 9th January 2024, she informed us that overall she is 30-40% better. Pain, stiffness, and swelling in bilateral knees reduced; pain and stiffness in the right thumb absent, but pain in the left thumb started 1 month ago.

After taking the last batch of medicines, she informed that she is 50-60% better. Pain and stiffness in bilateral knees have reduced significantly, swelling was absent, and pain in both thumbs was also relieved.

Clinical Insight:

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative joint disease with irreversible structural changes. Homeopathy offers a supportive approach, focusing on slowing disease progression and relieving symptoms rather than curing the pathology.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in providing sustained symptomatic relief in osteoarthritis.

Throughout treatment, Mrs. P.G. experienced significant improvement in pain, stiffness, and mobility, validating the role of homeopathy in managing age-related joint conditions.

• Case study written by Dr. Mitali Singh, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom)