To Evaluate the Efficacy of Homoeopathic Medicine In Management of Osteoarthritis of Knee

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Homoeopathic Medicine in Management of Osteoarthritis of  Knee. Method: Out of 2300 patients attending Out Door Patient Department 100 patient were selected on the basis of inclusion criteria, diagnostic criteria of American college of Rheumatology and regularity in follow-ups. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) scoring system was followed as baseline and during the study at every month follow-ups. Results: The outcome of Homoeopathic treatment was observed on the basis of KOOS scoring system which includes Pain, Symptoms, Activity of Daily Living, Sports and recreational activity and Knee related activity. It was observed that Rhus tox. tops the list among all 6 medicine found to be prescribed in Osteoarthritis of knee joint with 88.64% improvement in pain, 85.71% improvement in Symptoms, 88.09% improvement in Activity of Daily living, 80% improvement in Sports and recreational activity and 75% improvement in Knee related activity. Bryonia precedes Rhus tox., then Calc. fluor., then Causticum then Calc. carb and least was Kali. Carb. Conclusion: If we can take the concept of Individualization at grass root level and understand what pathophysiology occurs at the level of knee joint then it becomes very obvious to learn that Rhus tox. primarily where popliteal muscle tendon was damaged followed by OA changes Bryonia was effective when there is micro trauma or overuse injury to osseous part, ligament or menisci leads to variety of symtoms. Causticum is effective where there is progressive loss of quadriceps muscle strength with damage to popliteal and patellar tendons. Calc. flour showed effectiveness where there is presence of Osteophytes leads to repeated synovitis and calc. carb had osteoporosis. [P Dave, Natl J Integr Res Med, 2018; 9(3):52-59]