Management of Osteoarthritis of Both Knee Joints with Causticum, Law of Palliation- A Case Report

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by focal loss of hyaline cartilage with proliferation of new bone and remodelling of joint contour. It is one of the leading causes of disability. OA primarily affects articular cartilage, bone, synovial membrane, capsule and ligaments. It is more common in women than in men and the prevalence increases with age. This article illustrates the clinical application of homoeopathic law of palliation. The law of similars is the fundamental law of palliation. This is a case of a 52-year-old male patient who presented with complaints of tearing pain in both knee joints, especially of left knee with severe burning sensation in knees. On thorough case taking and analysing the case, the homoeopathic medicine Causticum was prescribed in 200th potency orally, as dry dose. The remedy was selected based on totality of symptoms and symptom similarity. The severity of the symptoms was assessed using The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), both before and after the treatment. The scores got reduced after administering our medicine and the patient was symptomatically relieved. Even though Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, it is possible to prevent the progression of pathology, and avert further deformities through our medicines by following the homoeopathic law of palliation.