Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a form of arthritis that can occur in people who already suffer from psoriasis. Here, ‘psoriatic’ refers to psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease in which red patches form on the skin covered with silvery-white scales/flakes, and arthritis means inflammation of the joints. It is estimated that 30 percent of people who suffer from psoriasis tend to develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis develops from an autoimmune activity characterized by accidental damage to the joints by immune cells (immune cells that help fight any infection in the body), along with excessive production of skin cells. According to recent research, a high level of TNF (tumor necrosis factor) is observed in the joints and the involved skin area. Genetic and environmental factors (some viral or bacterial infections) contribute to the body’s autoimmune response, resulting in psoriatic arthritis. Those with psoriasis, or a family history of psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis, are at high risk of suffering from psoriatic arthritis. People between the ages of 35 and 55 are at risk, although any group can be affected.
In most cases, psoriasis starts first, after many years, followed by joint inflammation, while in some people the opposite happens, meaning that psoriasis arthritis occurs before a person is affected by psoriasis.
Psoriatic arthritis leads to symptoms such as painful, swollen joints, redness, heat and tenderness (pain to touch). Stiffness (worsened in the morning or after periods of inactivity/rest) also occurs in the joints. There is limited movement of joints. Joint inflammation can occur suddenly or gradually and from case to case one or more joints can be affected. The joint involvement can be unilateral (one-sided) or bilateral (both-sided). The joints commonly affected are the hands, feet, neck, wrist, ankle, lower back, knees and the sacroiliac joint (it is a joint between the iliac crest of the hip bone and the sacrum, a triangular bone at the bottom of the spinal column). The fingers and toes may become swollen, this condition is called sausage digit or dactylitis. If the joints are left untreated, they can become permanently damaged. Nails and eyes can also become infected in some cases. Pits can form on the nails, along with crumbling of the nails and loosening of the nail bed. Eye inflammation in the form of uveitis can occur. The symptoms may disappear for a short period of time. Various complications can occur, including permanent joint damage, especially to hands and fingers, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart problems.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathic medicines provide a very natural, safe and effective treatment for psoriatic arthritis. Homeopathic medicines stop the further progression of joint inflammation and relieve its symptoms. The homeopathic approach involves moderating the immune system and preventing further joint inflammation and damage. Homeopathic medicines effectively treat symptoms such as pain, swelling and stiffness of joints. Homeopathic medicines for psoriatic arthritis are prescribed in each individual case based on the symptoms. It is recommended that any case of psoriatic arthritis be assessed by a homeopathic doctor and avoid self-medication.
Homeopathic Medicines for psoriatic arthritis
1. Rhus Tox – Best Remedy
Rhus Tox is a top recommended drug to treat cases of psoriatic arthritis. Through its action on the joints, it helps reduce joint pain and stiffness. It is indicated if the complaint increases at rest and movement occurs in the affected part. Relief occurs after continuous exercise and also with warm application to the affected joint. In addition to the above symptoms, heat and swelling are clearly visible in the joints. Rhus Tox is also highly recommended to treat cases of lower back pain.
2. Bryonia – For pain in joints, neck and lower back
Bryonia is an effective drug for treating joint pain, neck pain or lower back pain. It is used when joint pain worsens with mild movement. It can be administered to any of the joints involved. The pain gets better after rest. Those who experience this pain have red joints, which are also swollen and the area feels warm to the touch. Bryonia is equally effective for neck pain and lower back pain, which worsens with movement and improves with rest. In such cases, the back pain becomes worse due to standing, bending and turning in bed, among other movements and walking. In addition to the pain, stiffness is also felt in the neck and lower back.
3. Actaea Spicata – For minor joint infections
This medicine is most suitable for the treatment of joint inflammation in small joints. It gives wonderful results when there is pain in small joints such as the hand, wrist, fingers, ankle and toes. The joints are also swollen. There is aggravation of the pain by movement and touch.
4. Guaiacum – For neck pain and stiffness
This medicine works well in cases involving neck joints. There is marked pain in the neck. The pain may extend from the neck to the back of the head and shoulders. Stiffness is also felt in the neck, especially on one side, and may travel down the back on that side.
5. Caulophyllum – For relieving minor joint pain
This medicine is well indicated if there is varying pain in small joints. For those who need it, joints of hands, feet, fingers, toes, ankles and wrists are involved. The pain keeps shifting from one joint to another. It can sometimes pass from one joint to another every few minutes. The affected joints also become stiff. Along with pain, restlessness is felt at night.
6. Apis Mellifica – For swollen, painful knee joint
Apis Mellifica is beneficial for pain and swelling in the knee joint. Shooting and stabbing pain is mainly felt in the knee. A burning sensation is also felt in the knee. The knee becomes sensitive and tender to the touch.
7. Kali Carb – For lower back pain
Besides Rhus Tox and Bryonia, it is another useful medicine for lower back pain. It appears to be effective if the pain is worsened by standing or walking. It is also useful if the pain worsens in the early morning hours around 3am. The pain from the lower back can radiate to the hips. It feels like the back is broken. Weakness in the lower back and legs is also felt.
8. Aesculus – For arthritis affecting the sacroiliac joint
The use of Aesculus is considered for hip pain and low back pain due to the inflamed sacroiliac joint. Stiffness is also felt. Walking and bending increase the pain. The pain from the hip can radiate to the thighs. There is a feeling as if the lower back would break, along with a feeling of weakness in the back.
9. Arnica – For painful, sensitive joints (pain when touched).
Arnica is a well-known medicine for cases where joints are painful and sensitive (painful to the touch). There can be pain in any joint of the body and also in the back. Its use is also very applicable when pain begins in the joints of the lower extremities, followed by joint pain in the upper extremities.
10. Causticum – For treating cases with joint deformity
Causticum is indicated for the treatment of advanced cases where joint deformity has occurred. Although it cannot reverse the deformity, it can help prevent further progression and relieve symptoms. It is helpful in controlling the pain and stiffness in the deformed joints. Those who need it usually have tearing joint pain that gets better with warm applications.