When we think of arthritis, we are usually taken to thoughts of the elderly. This is not always the case though as children can also be susceptible, such as in juvenile arthritis. Homeopathy has traditionally been used for pain and inflammation and is well placed when it comes to juvenile arthritis pain relief.
Juvenile arthritis usually occurs in children below 16 years of age with arthritis of unknown origin causing joint pain and inflammation. Any joint may become inflamed but the most commonly affected are the knees, hips, hands and feet. Any number of joints might be affected from just one to several.
The one positive note is that the prognosis is quite positive that they won’t carry this over to adulthood. But of course we have homeopathy that can help eradicate it even sooner!
Some of the most common signs and symptoms are:
- fatigue and a general lack of energy, fevers, loss of appetite or weight, and feeling unwell
- joint pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, redness and warmth
- skin rashes
So from this list combined with the individual characteristics of how it is showing up mentally/emotionally/physically in their body, we can match to a remedy or two…
Belladonna
Belladonna comes up for the fever, joint warmth with redness especially if it came on abruptly. Feels better with cold application.
Arnica
Arnica has soreness all over the body and worse for cold. It has an interesting keynote of having symmetrical joint pains.
Bryonia
Bryonia has excruciating stitching pains which are worse slightest motion and they prefer heat and pressure.
Kalmia
Kalmia has a sudden onset of severe acute arthritis and has pain with terrible stiffness and cracking joints. has a keynote of moving from joint to joint and is better by hot bathing.
Rhus Tox
Rhus Tox is always worse on waking, first movement and continued motion. It is better by warm application.
Of course this list of remedies is not exhaustive and will depend on the individual symptoms. As the above remedies are for more of an acute pain reliever, long-term care is needed to get to the core with deeper acting remedies. If you would like more info on a treatment plan you could book in for a free 15-minute consultation
Note: There are many homeopathic remedies that may help with juvenile arthritis. It is imperative to match the childs individual presentation of the pain and not of the disease. Matching the changes such as more emotional, or feeling chilly when usually hotter and many other characteristics, all can help with pinpointing the best match for your child.