This document discusses the objective signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and its homeopathic management. It defines rheumatoid arthritis as a persistent inflammatory synovitis typically involving peripheral joints in a symmetrical distribution. It describes the potential for synovial inflammation to cause cartilage destruction, bone erosion, and changes in joint integrity. It outlines various symptoms of chronic polyarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis such as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. It discusses specific joint involvement and deformities that can occur. It also mentions potential extra-articular manifestations and discusses several homeopathic remedies that may be useful in managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, including Guaiacum officinale, Kali iodatum, Salicylic acid,
3. The potential of synovial
distribution is to cause cartilage
destruction and bone erosions and
subsequent changes in joint
integrity is the hallmark of the
disease.
-Harrison’s Principle of internal medicine.
5. Insidiously development of
fatigue, Anorexia, Generalised
weakness and Vague
musculoskeletal symptoms.
Gradual involvement of
joints in symmetric
fashion.
-Harrison’s Principle ooff iinntteerrnnaall mmeeddiicciinnee..
6. •Pain in affected joints aaggggrraavvaatteedd
bbyy mmoovveemmeenntt,, is the most
common manifestation of
established RA.
•MMoorrnniinngg ssttiiffffnneessss of greater than
1hr. duration is an almost
invariable feature of
inflammatory arthritis.
7. •Synovial inflammation causes
swelling tenderness and limitation
of motion.
•RA most often causes ssyymmmmeettrriicc
aarrtthhrriittiiss with characteristic
involvement of certain specific
joints such as pprrooxxiimmaall
iinntteerrpphhaallaannggeeaall aanndd
mmeettaaccaarrppoopphhaallaannggeeaall jjooiinnttss..
8. •Synovitis of wrist joint is a nearly
uniform feature of RA and may lead
to limitation of motion, deformity
and median nerve entrapment
(carpal tunnel syndrome)
9. •Synovitis of the elbow joint
often leads to flexion
contracture.
•Knee joint is commonly involve
with synovial hypertrophy
chronic effusion and
ligamentous laxity.
10. •Pain and swelling behind the knee
may be caused by extension of
inflamed synovium into Popliteal
space (Baker’s cyst).
11. •Inflammation from the synovial
joints and bursa of the upper
cervical spine leads to atlantoaxial-sublaxation.
This usually present as
pain in the occiput but on rare
occasion lead to compression of
spinal cord.
-Harrison’s Principle
of internal medicine.
12. •Radial deviation at the wrist with
ulnar deviation of digits often with
palmar sublaxation of the proximal
phalanges (“Z” deformity).
13.
14. •Hperextension of the proximal
interphalangeal joints with
compensatory flexion of the distal
interphalangeal joints.
(swan neck deformity.).
15. •Flexion deformity of the
proximal interphalangeal joints
and extension of distal
interphalangeal joints.
(boutonniere deformity).
16.
17. •Hyperextension of the first
interphalangeal joint and flexion
of the first metacarpophalangeal
joint with a consequent loss of
thumb mobility and pinch.
-Harrison’s Principle of internal medicine.
21. •Clinical weakness and atrophy of
skeletal muscle are common.
•Muscle biopsy may show type 2 fibre
atrophy and muscle fibre necrosis.
22. •Rheumatoid vasculitis-
Rheumatoid vasculitis can cause
Polyneuropathy and Mononeuritis multiplex,
cutaneous ulceration and dermal necrosis digital
gangrene and visceral infraction.
•Cutaneous vasculitis usually presence as crops
of small brown spots on the nail beds, Nail fold
and digital pulp.
•Large ischemic ulcers, especially in the lower
extremity develop.
28. GGuuaajjaaccuumm ooffffiicciinnaallee::
Chronic inflammation and
degeneration of bones, which are
sore and cannot bear the slightest
touch.
-ALLEN T. F., A Primer of Materia Medica
29. Pharmacy
Common name: Guai. (Guaj.) Guaiacum
officinale. Resin of Lignum Vitae. Gum guaiacum.
Natural order: Zygophyllaceae.
Preparation: The gum-resin of Lignum
sanctum or Lignum vite, a large tree growing in W.
Indies. Tincture of the gum-resin.
Historical dose: Tincture and all potencies,
tincture to sixth potency.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
30. History
Guaiacum, which is one of Hahnemann's anti-psorics is
best known as a remedy in gout and rheumatism and as
a diuretic, but latterly it has also taken a place in old-school
therapeutics as a remedy for tuberculosis.
Guaiacum was first recommended by Brinton in the
Lancet in 1857 for quinsy, was given in full doses and
produced a crisis of sweat and profuse urination.
Ozanam gave it in the 1c, 2c and 3c dilutions and found
that he got the curative effects without crisis, which was
an unnecessary effect of the drug. Guai., says Ozanam,
seems to combine the properties of Bell., Apis and Bar-c.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
31. Homeopathic provings have
developed and defined the sphere of its utility in all
these respects and many more. It acts on mucous
membranes, muscles, joints and bones and causes
contraction of tendons with resulting deformity.
Gouty nodosities on joints.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
32. KKaalliiuumm iiooddaattuumm
Chronic inflammation of the knee;
pains agg. at night, could not
remain in bed.
-ALLEN T. F., A Primer of Materia Medica
33. Pharmacy
Kali-i. Kali iodatum. Potassium iodide. Kali
hydroiodicum. Solution. Trituration.
Historical dose: Trituration and all potencies, crude drug
in small material dosage. When strictly homeopathically
indicated, as in acute respiratory disorders the third
potency or higher potencies.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
34. HHoommeeooppaatthhiicc::
Kali-iodatum acts prominently on fibrous and connective tissues, producing
infiltrations, edema.
Kali-i. has glandular swellings. Purpura and hemorrhagic diathesis. Diffused
sensitiveness, of glands, scalp, etc. Rheumatism in neck, back, feet, especially
heels and soles, worse cold and wet. Iodide of Potassium in material doses acts
in the different forms of fungoid disease (thrush, ringworm, etc.) offer
simulating syphilis and bacterial diseases like tuberculosis.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
35. SSaalliiccyylliiccuumm aacciidduumm
Continued treatment with moderate doses
prevents new attacks in chronic arthritis, the
tophi decrease and cease to be inflamed; and
even a case may be possible without the least
danger of metastasis to the heart, lungs, brain or
stomach.
--BBOOEERRIICCKKEE WW..,, PPoocckkeett MMaannuuaall ooff HHoommeeooppaatthhiicc MMaatteerriiaa MMeeddiiccaa
36. Pharmacy
Sal-ac. Salicylic acid. Found in Spiraea blossoms,
Gaultheria.
Prepared from Phenol. Trituration.
Historical dose: Trituration and all potencies.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
37. History
Salicylic acid is found in nature in the leaves and barks of Willows, in Oil
of Wintergreen (Gaultheria), which is one of the chief sources of its
supply, and is obtained synthetically from Carbolic acid. Like Carbo-ac. it
has been largely used as a disinfectant, and as it is supposed to be non-poisonous
it is used for mixing with and so preserving foods.
Mac Lagan of London and Senator of Berlin, introduced it into medicine
as a remedy for rheumatism. Over-dosings led to the discovery of its
power to set up the phenomena of Meniere's disease, auditory nerve
vertigo, gastric disturbances and delirium.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
38. Homeopathic:
The symptoms point to its use in rheumatism, dyspepsia and
Meniere's disease. Sal-ac. has a specific relation to rheumatism,
but the massive doses given in allopathic practice have been
attended with so many unpleasant symptoms of vital
depression, fainting, flatulent dyspepsia and delirium.
Prostration after influenza, also tinnitus aurium and deafness.
Hematuria. In ordinary practice it is used as an acute rheumatic
remedy. In homeopathy it is useful in Meniere's disease.
Roaring and ringing in the ears. Deafness with vertigo. Effects
of suppressed foot sweats.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
40. Pharmacy:
Common name: Sil. Silica terra. Flint. Silex. Silicic anhydride. Silicon
dioxide. Trituration of pure, precipitated silica.
Historical dose: All potencies, Sixth to thirtieth potency.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
41. History:
Outside homeopathy Flint as an internal remedy is practically unknown. Hahnemann introduced it
into medicine and it was his method of attenuating insoluble substances that enabled him to discover
its powers. Silica forms one of the most important remedies for chronic diseases.
A large proportion of the earth's crust is composed of Silica. Sea sand (Silica marina) is mainly
composed of it. The spicules of many sponges are made up of Silica. Silicates are taken up by plants
and from them Silica is often deposited on the surface or in the interior of their stems. The strength of
straw is due to Silica. Equisetum generally contains as much as 18 per cent. of Silica to the fresh plant.
Flint supplies the "grit" of the earth's crust of plant life and to a large extent of animal life also. "Want
of grit, moral or physical," is a leading indication for Sil. in homeopathic practice. The action of Sil. on
the connective tissues may end in new growth as well as in suppuration and ulceration.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
42. About the Silicea Farrington says:
We are now ready to take up the effects of the drug. First, on cellular tissue
Silicea has long been known as a valuable drug, because of its affinity for
cellular tissue. It produces inflammation of this extensive tissue of the body,
going on to suppuration, and suppuration, too, which is rather indolent or
sluggish in type, not necessarily malignant, but tending to perpetuate itself
and become chronic. The termination of the Silicea cellulitis, then, is in
suppuration, which is persistent, in ulceration which is persistent, or in
induration.
-FARRINGTON E. A., Clinical Materia Medica
44. Pharmacy:
Cadm-i. Cadmium iodatum. Historical dose: Trituration and all potencies.
History
Grimmer says this remedy is a powerful anti-syphilitic as well as anti-psoric and anti-sycotic.
All the Cadmiums cover the three miasms of Hahnemann. Cadmium iodatum has
an aggravation from extreme heat, as well as from extreme cold. As a rule, this patient
becomes less chilled than when under the influence of other Cadmiums due to the iodine
component of the remedy.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
46. Pharmacy:
Common Name: Phyt. Phytolacca decandra. Poke
root. Poke weed. Virginian Poke. Pole-root. Red Ink Plant.
Garget Weed.
Natural Order: Phytolaccaceae. Tincture of fresh
root dug in winter. Tincture of the ripe berries. Tincture of
fresh leaves. Solution of the resinous extract, Phytolaccin.
Historical dose: Tincture and all potencies, tincture to third
potency.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
47. RRhhuuss ttooxxiiccooddeennddrroonn
¤ Chronic inflammation of
articular structures, especially
when resulting from blows,
strains, etc.
HERING C., Guiding Symptoms ooff oouurr MMaatteerriiaa MMeeddiiccaa
48. Pharmacy
Common Name: Rhus-t. Rhus
toxicodendron. Poison oak. Rhus
radicans. Tincture of fresh leaves
gathered at sunset just before flowering
time.
Historical dose: All potencies, sixth
to thirtieth potency. The 200c and higher
antidote to poisoning from the plant.
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
49. Alloxanum:
Chronic rheumatism (non-inflammatory)
of the hip.
-JULIAN O. A., Materia Medica of New Homeopathic
Remedies
50. Pharmacy:
Allox. Meoxalylurea. Alloxanum. It takes the form of rhomboid crystals soluble in alcohol and
insoluble in water. The anhydrous crystals are dark yellow in color, the hydrogenized crystals are
colorless. Historical dose: All potencies, 4c to 30c.
History:
Alloxan was discovered accidentally by Dum and his collaborators in 1943. The toxicological
action can be seen at the level of the pancreas, the kidneys, the liver, the lungs and in the blood.
The Homeopathic proving of Alloxan was undertaken by Templeton on two occasions, in 1949
on six provers, when the potencies 6c and 30c were tried out and in 1951 on nine provers and
seven controls. -MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
52. Pharmacy:
Saroth. Sarothamnus scoparium. Spartium scoparium.
Cystisus scoparius. Broom. Leguminosae family. The
mother tincture is prepared from the flowers which contain a
small amount of spartein, (10%), scoparoside and tyramine.
Historical dose: Tincture and all potencies, 2x to 30c.
53. SSttaapphhyyssaaggrriiaa
Rheumatic pain like drawing and
stiffness at its union with shoulder on
bending neck forward; right pain like a
drawing in nape and between scapula
mornings preventing motion of arms on
rising,
-ALLEN T. F., Hand Book of Materia Medica and Homoeopathic Therapeutics
54. JJaaccaarraannddaa ccaarroobbaa
Several cases of muscular rheumatism
characterised by a peculiar soreness and
stiffness of muscles in the morning agg. by
any motion.
-CLARKE J. H., Dictionary of Practical
Materia Medica
Morning soreness and stiffness of
muscles; agg. motion. Gonorrhoeal
rheumatism.
--VVEERRMMEEUULLEENN FF..,, CCoonnccoorrddaanntt MMaatteerriiaa MMeeddiiccaa
55. GGeettttyyssbbuurrgg AAqquuaa--
Subacute and chronic rheumatism.
Sensation of rigidity, agg. motion. Esp. in lumbar region and joints of hips,
shoulders and wrists.
More in morning.
Stiffness of muscles on moving.
-VERMEULEN F., Concordant Materia Medica
56. SStteellllaarriiaa MMeeddiiaa
Morning agg.. Sharp, shifting, rheumatic pains
in all parts very pronounced. Rheumatism,
darting pains in almost every part; stiffness of
joints; parts sore to touch; agg. motion.
Chronic rheumatism.
-VERMEULEN F., Concordant Materia Medica
57. AAqquuaa ppeettrraa
Hardening of tendons, contractures of
muscles and tendons; rheumatic
complaints, arthritis, slowly progressing
paralysis;
- RICHARDSON-BOEDLER C., Psychic causes of Illness: Applying Homeopathy and Bach flowers
therapy to Psychosomatic illness
58. Bacillus 7 (paterson)
Rheumatoid arthritis shoulders, elbow,
wrists. Relaxed fibrous tissue with
tendency to the formation of "rheumatic
nodules".
- MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
59. Eucalyptus globulus
Rheumatic; agg. at night, walking or
carrying anything. Nodular swellings
over metacarpal and metatarsal joints.
- VERMEULEN FF..,, CCoonnccoorrddaanntt MMaatteerriiaa MMeeddiiccaa
60. Lithium carbonicum
Rheumatic, throughout , shoulder-joint,
arm and fingers and small joints
generally.
Nodular swellings in joints.
-VERMEULEN F., Concordant Materia Medica
61. Robinia pseud-acacia,
Cramps, pinching, burning, and arthritic
pains in the groins and thighs.
Swelling of the feet, with redness, heat,
and arthritic pains.
Rheumatic, arthritic, and bone pains.
-ALLEN T. F., Encyclopedia of Pure Materia Medica
62. Fraxinus excelsior
Rheumatic arthritis and in
intermittents.
This remedy has been employed as a
specific for gout by European
peasants.
-BLACKWOOD Alexander L. A Manual of Materia
Medica Therapeutics and Pharmacology.
63. Gaultheria procumbens
It is also useful in articular rheumatism
both of the acute and subacute varieties,
as well as in gouty arthritis and chorea
in children.
-BLACKWOOD Alexander L. A Manual of Materia
Medica Therapeutics and Pharmacology.
64. Methylenum coeruleum
In several obstinate cases of rheumatic
arthritis a two-grain tablet was given twice a
day after meals, resulting in great
improvement, arresting the process,
improving the nutrition and leading to an
increase of the bodily weight.
-BLACKWOOD Alexander L. A Manual of Materia
Medica Therapeutics and Pharmacology.
65. Arbutus andrachne (strawberry tree)
* A remedy for eczema associated with gouty
and rheumatic symptoms.
* Arthritis; especially larger
joints.
-BOERICKE W., Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica.
66. Tylophora indica
Rheumatic pain,
rheumatoid arthritis
-CHATTERJEE T. P., My Random Notes on Some Homoeo-Remedies
67. Mephitis putorius
|| Rheumatic pains from hips
to feet; arthritic pain in
heel.
-HERING C., Guiding Symptoms of our Materia Medica
68. Aristolochia clematitis
Arthritis in women with the menopause.
Rheumatism (non-inflammatory) of the knee,
with congestion of the veins.
-JULIAN O. A., Materia Medica of New Homeopathic Remedies
69. Bellis perennis
Muscular and articular rheumatism.
Post-traumatic haematoma.
Arthritic, neuralgic, myalgic conditions
Post-traumatic and rheumatic myalgic pains.
-JULIAN O. A., Materia Medica of New Homeopathic Remedies
70. Bunias orientalis
Bouts of rheumatoid arthritis with swollen
joints.
Bouts of fever in the child suffering from poly-arthritis,
adenoma, splenomegaly, and illness
affecting the general condition.
-JULIAN O. A., Materia Medica of New Homeopathic Remedies
71. Caulophyllum thalictroides
Rheumatism associated with hormonal
changes: Menses, menopause, after
childbirth.
MORRISON R., Desktop Companion to Physical Pathology
72. Cichorium intybus
In the diseases of soft tissue rheumatism
and rheumatoid arthritis of a psychosomatic
origin
-MURPHY R., Homeopathic Remedy Guide
73. Salix lasiolepis
Related species of Salix vitellina,
homeopathically prepared from the bark, have
been used in the treatment of rheumatism
(Salix nigra, Salix purpurea),
-RICHARDSON-BOEDLER C., Psychic causes of Illness: Applying
Homeopathy and Bach flowers therapy to Psychosomatic illness
74. Calcarea caustica
Calcarea caustica has many rheumatic pains. It may
be indicated in rheumatic conditions, polyarthritis
and rheumatoid arthritis, particularly if the jaws and
their articulation are involved, and especially if Rhus
toxicodendron or Thuja have failed.
-VITHOULKAS G., Materia Medica Viva
75. Lac vaccinum
Short rheumatic pains in knee and tarsal
joints when walking
-ALLEN H. C., The Materia Medica of Some Important Nosodes