Arthritis (joint inflammation) that develops following an infection in another part of the body is referred to as reactive arthritis. In most cases, it is infections of the urinary tract, genitals or bowels that trigger reactive arthritis. The joints mainly involved in reactive arthritis include the knee, ankle, and feet. Reactive arthritis usually develops within two to four weeks of an infection. Some of the prominent medicines for the homeopathic treatment of reactive arthritis include Rhus Tox, Euphrasia Officinalis, and Cantharis Vesicatoria.
Homeopathic Treatment of Reactive Arthritis
Homeopathy carries an excellent scope to treat reactive arthritis. Homeopathy boosts the self-healing mechanism of the body to fight with the infection and ensure natural healing in reactive arthritis. Various medicines can be used to treat reactive arthritis, but none of them is specific. The medicines are selected as per the symptom presentation in every individual case of reactive arthritis. The use of these medicines is based on their characteristic features.
1. Rhus Tox – Natural Medicine for Joint Pains in Reactive Arthritis
Rhus Tox is an effective medicine for treating joint pains in cases of reactive arthritis. Stiff, swollen, hot, painful joints indicate the use of medicine Rhus Tox. In most cases needing Rhus Tox, warmth over the joints tends to give relief. In some cases, massaging the affected joint also provides relief. Another characteristic feature for using Rhus Tox is joint pains that get worse at rest and get better by motion.
2. Euphrasia Officinalis – Effective Medicine for Eye Problems in Reactive Arthritis
Euphrasia Officinalis is a medicine for treating eye symptoms that may occur because of reactive arthritis. The key features to use Euphrasia are red, inflamed eyes with discharges. Itching in the eyes is also marked. Other features include a sand-like gritty sensation in the eyes, burning, and pain in eyes. In some cases, pain in eyes and sensitivity to light may also be present.
3. Cantharis Vesicatoria – Medicine for Reactive Arthritis with Urinary Symptoms
Cantharis Vesicatoria is a natural medicine for reactive arthritis with marked urinary symptoms. Pain and burning with urination are the most characteristic features to use Cantharis. The burning in urethra may be present before and after urination. A constant urge to pass urine is present. The stream of urine is thin. Sometimes urine may be scanty and passed drop by drop. Blood in the urine may be present in some cases.
4. Sulphur – Natural Remedy for Reactive Arthritis with Skin Symptoms
Sulphur is a prominent medicine for reactive arthritis with skin symptoms. Skin rash with intense itching calls for the use of this medicine. In most cases needing Sulphur, the itching tends to get worse in bed or towards evening/night time. Sometimes, bleeding and a burning sensation appears when the skin is scratched. The affected area of the skin becomes sore and painful to touch. Washing the skin also tends to worsen the skin complaint.
5. Merc Sol – Medicine for Treating Mouth Sores in Reactive Arthritis
Merc Sol is a well-indicated medicine for treating mouth sores in reactive arthritis. There appears pain in the sores on touching or while eating. A burning sensation in the sores along with mouth inflammation is present. Increased production of saliva, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a bad, offensive, fetid odor from the mouth may also be present along with the above symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors of Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis develops as a reaction to an infection in the body. A bacterial infection, mainly of the urinary tract, bowels or genitalia remains the reason for reactive arthritis. There are various bacteria that can lead to reactive arthritis, the most common being shigella, chlamydia trachomatis, salmonella, and Clostridium difficile. People between the age of 20 years to 40 years are at most risk to develop reactive arthritis. Males are at high risk to develop reactive arthritis as compared to females. People who have a positive gene HLA-B27 are also at an increased risk for reactive arthritis.
Symptoms of Reactive Arthritis
The symptoms of reactive arthritis include pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. The most commonly involved joints are knee, ankles, and feet. In addition to this, the sacroiliac joint of the pelvis may also be involved. Apart from joints, urinary symptoms may be present. The urinary symptoms mainly include painful urination, burning with urination, frequent urination, and blood in urine. Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis) with pain, itching, redness, and discharge from the eye is also present. Skin rash and sores in the mouth may also appear along with the above symptoms.
