To study the efficacy of Rhus tox in management of cases of osteoarthritis of knee joint

Abstract

Background: Arthritis and rheumatism are among the commonest forms of chronic disease and, with an aging population, are set to become commoner still. Strictly speaking, arthritis means disease of the joints, while rheumatism is disease of the soft connective tissues which support and move the joints. There are many problems with current conventional treatment of arthritis and rheumatism. Although the new generation of NSAIDs is safer, they are only glorified painkillers, which do not affect the basic disease process. Similarly for rheumatoid arthritis, a range of powerful drugs is available but all of these have long and alarming lists of side effects. Thus the main aim of this research study is to prove the efficacy of Homoeopathy in managing cases of Osteoarthritis without any side-effects. Methods: 30 cases were selected fitting the case definition. Age group of 45-79 years was chosen for the study. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were laid down. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Kellgren and Lawrence system of classifying the severity of knee-osteoarthritis were used to assess the severity and outcome. Results: All the results were tabulated. Graphical presentation was made of all the observations. Scores before and after treatment was compared. It was found that there was vast difference in scores before and after treatment. Conclusions: Rhus tox was found to be effective in managing cases of Osteoarthritis of Knee Joint.