Female pattern baldness

Alopecia in women; Baldness - female; Hair loss in women; Androgenetic alopecia in women.

Female pattern baldness involves a typical pattern of hair loss in women, due to hormones, aging, and genes.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A hair grows from its follicle at an average rate of about 1/2 inch per month. Each hair grows for 2 to 6 years, then rests, and then falls out. A new hair soon begins growing in its place. At any time, about 85% of the hair is growing and 15% is resting.
Baldness occurs when hair falls out and normal new hair does not grow in its place. The reason why new hair does not grow in female pattern baldness is not well understood, but it may be related to:

• Aging
• Changes in the levels of androgens (male hormones). For example, after reaching menopause, many women find that the hair on their head is thinner, while the hair on their face is coarser.
• Family history of male or female pattern baldness

Hair loss can occur in women for reasons other than female pattern baldness, including the following:

• Breaking of hair (from treatments and twisting or pulling of hair, or hair shaft abnormalities that are present from birth)
• Certain skin diseases that lead to scarring of the hair follicles
• Hormonal abnormalities, such as too much testosterone, or too much or too little thyroid hormone
• Iron deficiency
• Medications such as chemotherapy and beta blockers
• Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata)
• Syphilis
• Temporary shedding of hair (telogen effluvium) after a major illness, surgery, or pregnancy
• Vitamin deficiency (such as biotin)

Symptoms

Hair thinning is different from that of male pattern baldness. In female pattern baldness:

• Hair thins mainly on the top and crown of the scalp. It usually starts with a widening through the center hair part.
• The front hairline remains
• The hair loss rarely progresses to total or near total baldness, as it may in men

Itching or skin sores on the scalp are generally NOT seen.

Signs and tests

Female pattern baldness is usually diagnosed based on:

• Ruling out other causes of hair loss
• The appearance and pattern of hair loss
• Your medical history

The doctor will examine you for other signs of too much male hormone (androgen), such as:

• Abnormal new hair growth, such as on the face or between the belly button and pubic area.
• Changes in menstrual periods and enlargement of the clitoris
• New acne

A skin biopsy or other procedures or blood tests may be used to diagnose skin disorders that cause hair loss.
Analyzing the hair itself does not accurately diagnose nutritional or similar causes of hair loss, although it may reveal substances such as arsenic or lead.

Treatment

The hair loss in female pattern baldness is permanent, if not treated. In most cases, hair loss is mild to moderate. You do not need treatment if you are comfortable with your appearance.
The only drug or medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female pattern baldness is minoxidil, used on the scalp.

• For women, the 2% concentration is recommended.
• Minoxidil may help hair grow in 20% to 25% of women. In most women it may slow or stop hair loss.
• Treatment is expensive, because you must continue to use the medication. Hair loss starts again when you stop using minoxidil.

In women who do not respond to minoxidil oral spironolactone may be added.

• Spironolactone may help women whose hair loss is caused by too much male hormones (androgens). This drug is not FDA-approved for female baldness.
• It can cause increased potassium levels in the blood, and cannot be used in people with kidney failure or who are pregnant.

Hair transplants remove tiny plugs of hair from areas where hair is thicker, and place them in areas that are balding. This can cause minor scarring where the hair is removed, and carries a slight risk for skin infection. Many transplantation sessions are usually needed, which can be expensive. However, the results are often excellent and permanent.
The use of hair implants made of artificial fibers was banned by the FDA because of the high rate of infection.
Stitching (suturing) hair pieces to the scalp is not recommended. It can result in scars, infections, and abscess of the scalp.
Hair weaving, hairpieces, or a change in hairstyle may disguise hair loss and improve your appearance. This is often the least expensive and safest way to deal with female pattern baldness.

Expectations (prognosis)

Female pattern baldness usually does not mean that a woman has a medical disorder. However, for many women, it may affect self-esteem or cause anxiety. The hair loss is usually permanent.

Complications

Complications are psychological stress and a loss of self-esteem due to change in appearance.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you experience hair loss and it continues, especially if you also have itching, skin irritation, or other symptoms. There might be a treatable medical cause for the hair loss.

Prevention

There is no known prevention for female pattern baldness.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Alopecia Areata (treated by Homeo & Western medical sciences)

Alopecia areata;;;;;; 

Alopecia areata is a condition that causes round patches of hair loss, and can lead to total hair loss.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of alopecia areata is unknown. About a fifth of people with this condition have a family history of alopecia.
Alopecia areata is thought to be an autoimmune condition. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue.
Alopecia areata is seen in men, women, and children. A major life event such as an illness, pregnancy, or trauma occurs before the hair loss in some, but not most patients
Forms of alopecia include:

• Alopecia areata -- patches of hair loss, usually on the scalp, but they also can be in the beard or other areas
• Alopecia totalis -- complete loss of scalp hair
• Alopecia universalis -- total loss of all body hair

See also:

• Female pattern baldness
• Hair loss
• Male pattern baldness

Symptoms

Most of the time there are no other symptoms besides hair loss, but some people may feel a burning sensation or itching.
Alopecia areata usually begins as one to two patches of hair loss, most often on the scalp. It may also be seen in the beard, eyebrows, and arms or legs.
Roundish patches of hair loss are smooth, and may be peach-colored. Hairs that look like exclamation points are sometimes seen at the edges of a bald patch.

• Loss of all scalp hair (alopecia totalis), often within 6 months after symptoms first start.
• Loss of all scalp and body hair (alopecia universalis).

Signs and tests

On occasion, a scalp biopsy may be performed. Several blood tests may be done, because alopecia areata may occur with autoimmune conditions.

Treatment

If hair loss is not widespread, the hair will likely regrow in a few months, whether or not treatment is used.
Even for more severe hair loss, it is not clear whether treatments will change the course of the condition.
Typical therapy may include:

• Steroid injection under the skin surface
• Topical corticosteroids
• Topical immunotherapy
• Topical minoxidil
• Ultraviolet light therapy
• Use of wigs

Irritating drugs may be applied to hairless areas to cause the hair to regrow.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF ALOPECIA;
Natrum muriaticum [Nat-m]
has  the symptoms of easy falling out of the hair; it falls  out  when
touched or combed. This is quite frequently seen in nursing home.
**Carbo  vegetabilis has falling of hair after parturition  or  severe
illness. **Sepia has losing of hair after chronic headaches.
Phosphorus. [Phos]
Bald spots on the head, which are dry and scaly, are characteristic of
**Phosphorus. Dandruff, roots of hair get gray and the hair comes  out
in bunches. **Graphites cures bald spots on the sides of the head. The
head sweats easily. The most important remedy in alopecia areata.
 
***Phosphoric acid.  [Phps]
Falling of hair from general debility.
**Fluoric acid. Falling of hair from syphilis.
As near specific as is possible.
**Arsenicum.  Bald spots near the forehead; the scalp is covered  with
dry scales.
**Vinca minor. Falling of the hair with great itching of the  scalp.

source;http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih

Hair loss

Loss of hair; Alopecia;( Baldness )
considerations;

Hair loss usually develops gradually and may be patchy or all over (diffuse). You lose roughly 100 hairs from your head every day. The average scalp contains about 100,000 hairs.

Each individual hair survives for an average of 4 1/2 years, during which time it grows about 1/2 inch a month. Usually in its 5th year, the hair falls out and is replaced within 6 months by a new one. Genetic baldness is caused by the body's failure to produce new hairs and not by excessive hair loss.
Both men and women tend to lose hair thickness and amount as they age. Baldness is not usually caused by a disease. It is related to aging, heredity, and testosterone. Inherited or "pattern baldness" affects many more men than women. About 25% of men begin to bald by the time they are 30 years old, and about two-thirds are either bald or have a balding pattern by age 60.

• Typical male pattern baldness involves a receding hairline and thinning around the crown with eventual bald spots. Ultimately, you may have only a horseshoe ring of hair around the sides. In addition to genes, male-pattern baldness seems to need the male hormone, testosterone. Men who do not produce testosterone (because of genetic abnormalities or castration) do not develop this pattern of baldness.
• Some women also develop a particular pattern of hair loss due to genetics, age, and male hormones (which tend to increase in women after menopause). The pattern is different from that of men. Female pattern baldness involves a thinning throughout the scalp. The front hairline generally remains intact.

Common Causes

A sudden physical or emotional stress may cause one-half to three-quarters of the hair throughout your scalp to shed (called Telogen effluvium). You will notice hair coming out in handfuls while you shampoo, comb, or run your hands through your hair. You may not notice this for weeks to months after the episode of stress. The hair shedding will decrease over 6 - 8 months.
Cause of this type of hair loss are:

• High fever or severe infection
• Childbirth
• Major surgery, major illness, sudden blood loss
• Severe emotional stress
• Crash diets, especially those that do not contain enough protein
• A number of medications, including retinoids, birth control pills, beta-blockers, certain antidepressants, NSAIDs (including iburpofen) and calcium channel blockers

Some women ages 30 - 60 may notice a thinning of the hair that affects the entire scalp. The hair loss may be heavier at first, and then gradually slow or stop. There is no known cause for this type of hair loss.
Other possible causes of hair loss, especially if it is in an unusual pattern, include:

• Alopecia areata -- bald patches that develop on the scalp, beard, and, possibly, eyebrows. Eyelashes may fall out as well.
• Autoimmune conditions such as lupus
• Burns
• Certain infectious diseases such as syphilis
• Excessive shampooing and blow-drying
• Thyroid diseases
• Nervous habits such as continual hair pulling or scalp rubbing
• Radiation therapy
• Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)
• Tumor of the ovary or adrenal glands

Home Care

Hair loss from menopause or childbirth often returns to normal 6 months to 2 years later.
For hair loss due to illness (such as fever), radiation therapy, medication use, or other causes, no treatment is necessary. The hair will usually grow back when the illness has ended or the therapy is finished. You may want to wear a wig, hat, or other covering until the hair grows back.
Hair weaves, hair pieces, or changes of hair style may disguise hair loss. This is generally the least expensive and safest approach to hair loss. Hair pieces should not be sutured to the scalp because of the risk of scars and infection.

Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor if:

• You are losing hair in an unusual pattern
• You are losing hair rapidly or at an early age (for example, in your teens or twenties)
• You have any pain or itching with the hair loss
• The skin on your scalp under the involved area is red, scaly, or otherwise abnormal
• You have acne, facial hair, or an abnormal menstrual cycle
• You are a woman and have male pattern baldness
• You have bald spots on your beard or eyebrows
• You have been gaining weight or have muscle weakness, intolerance to cold temperatures, or fatigue

What to expect at your health care provider's office

A careful medical history and examination of the hair and scalp are usually enough to diagnose the cause of your hair loss.
Your doctor will ask detailed questions such as:

• Are you losing hair only from your scalp or from other parts of your body as well?
• Is there a pattern to the hair loss, like a receding hairline or thinning or bald areas on the crown, or is the hair loss throughout your head?
• Have you had a recent illness or high fever?
• Do you dye your hair?
• Do you blow dry your hair? How often?
• How often do you shampoo your hair?
• What kind of shampoo, hair spray, gel, or other product do you put on your hair?
• Have you been under unusual stress lately?
• Do you have nervous habits that include hair pulling or scalp rubbing?
• Do you have any other symptoms like itching, flaking, or redness of your scalp?
• What medications do you take, including over-the-counter drugs?

Tests that may be performed (but are rarely needed) include:

• Microscopic examination of a plucked hair
• Skin biopsy (if skin changes are present)

Ringworm on the scalp may require the use of an oral drug, such as griseofulvin. Creams and lotions applied to the affected area may not get into the hair follicles to kill the fungus.
source;http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. 

Fibromyalgia(Fibromyositis; Fibrositis)

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyositis; Fibrositis

Last reviewed: February 14, 2011.

Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome in which a person has long-term, body-wide pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.

Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, depression, and anxiety.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause is unknown. Possible causes or triggers of fibromyalgia include:

Physical or emotional trauma

Abnormal pain response - areas in the brain that are responsible for pain may react differently in fibromyalgia patients

Sleep disturbances

Infection, such as a virus, although none has been identified

Fibromyalgia is most common among women aged 20 to 50.

The following conditions may be seen with fibromyalgia or mimic its symptoms:

Chronic neck or back pain

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Depression

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

Lyme disease

Sleep disorders
Symptoms

Pain in the main symptom of fibromyalgia. It may be mild to severe.

Painful areas are called tender points. Tender points are found in the soft tissue on the back of the neck, shoulders, chest, lower back, hips, shins, elbows, and knees. The pain then spreads out from these areas.

The pain may feel like a deep ache, or a shooting, burning pain.

The joints are not affected, although the pain may feel like it is coming from the joints.

People with fibromyalgia tend to wake up with body aches and stiffness. For some patients, pain improves during the day and gets worse at night. Some patients have pain all day long.

Pain may get worse with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety, and stress.

Fatigue, depressed mood, and sleep problems are seen in almost all patients with fibromyalgia. Many say that they can't get to sleep or stay asleep, and they feel tired when they wake up.

Other symptoms of fibromyalgia may include:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Memory and concentration problems

Numbness and tingling in hands and feet

Palpitations

Reduced ability to exercise

Tension or migraine headaches
Signs and tests

To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you must have had at least 3 months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in at least 11 of 18 areas, including

Arms (elbows)

Buttocks

Chest

Knees
Lower back
Neck
Rib cage
Shoulders
Thighs
Blood and urine tests are usually normal. However, tests may be done to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to help relieve pain and other symptoms, and to help a person cope with the symptoms.
The first type of treatment may involve:
Physical therapy
Exercise and fitness program
Stress-relief methods, including light massage and relaxation techniques.
If these treatments do not work, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant or muscle relaxant. The goal of medication is to improve sleep and pain tolerance. Medicine should be used along with exercise and behavior therapy. Duloxetine (Cymbalta), pregabalin (Lyrica), and milnacipran (Savella) are medications that are approved specifically for treating fibromyalgia.

However, many other drugs are also used to treat the condition, including:

Anti-seizure drugs

Other antidepressants

Muscle relaxants

Pain relievers

Sleeping aids

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an important part of treatment. This therapy helps you learn how to:

Deal with negative thoughts

Keep a diary of pain and symptoms

Recognize what makes your symptoms worse

Seek out enjoyable activities

Set limits

Support groups may also be helpful.

Other recommendations include:

Eat a well-balanced diet

Avoid caffeine

Practice good sleep routines to improve quality of sleep (See: Sleeping difficulty)

Acupressure and acunpuncture

Severe cases of fibromyalgia may require a referral to a pain clinic.
Expectations (prognosis)

Fibromyalgia is a long-term disorder. Sometimes, the symptoms improve. Other times, the pain may get worse and continue for months or years.
Calling your health care provider

Call your health-care provider if you have symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Prevention

There is no known prevention.
References
Abeles M, Solitar BM, Pillinger MH, Abeles AM. Update on fibromyalgia therapy. Am J Med. 2008;121:555-561. [PubMed]
Häuser W, Bernardy K, Üceyler N, Sommer C. Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with antidepressants. JAMA. 2009;301:198-209. [PubMed]
Wolfe F, Rasker JJ. Fibromyalgia. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris ED Jr., et al., eds. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 38.
Wolfe F, Clauw DJ, Fitzcharles MA, Goldenberg DL, Katz RS, Mease P, et al. The American College of Rheumatology preliminary diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and measurement of symptom severity. Arthritis Care Res. 2010;62(5):600-610.

Muscle aches (Muscle pain; Myalgia; Pain - muscles)

Muscle aches
Muscle pain; Myalgia; Pain - muscles

Last reviewed: May 2, 2009.

Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia, the soft tissues that connect muscles, bones, and organs.

See also:

Muscle cramps

Joint pain
Considerations






Muscle pain is most frequently related to tension, overuse, or muscle injury from exercise or physically-demanding work. In these situations, the pain tends to involve specific muscles and starts during or just after the activity. It is usually obvious which activity is causing the pain.

Muscle pain also can be a sign of conditions affecting your whole body, like some infections (including the flu) and disorders that affect connective tissues throughout the body (such as lupus).

One common cause of muscle aches and pain is fibromyalgia, a condition that includes tenderness in your muscles and surrounding soft tissue, sleep difficulties, fatigue, and headaches.
Common Causes

The most common causes are:

Injury or trauma including sprains and strains

Overuse: using a muscle too much, too soon, too often

Tension or stress

Muscle pain may also be due to:

Certain drugs, including:

ACE inhibitors for lowering blood pressure

Cocaine

Statins for lowering cholesterol


Dermatomyositis

Electrolyte imbalances like too little potassium or calcium

Fibromyalgia

Infections, including:

Influenza (the flu)

Lyme disease

Malaria

Muscle abscess

Polio

Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Trichinosis (roundworm)


Lupus

Polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyositis

Rhabdomyolysis
Home Care

For muscle pain from overuse or injury, rest that body part and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Apply ice for the first 24 - 72 hours of an injury to reduce pain and inflammation. After that, heat often feels more soothing.

Muscle aches from overuse and fibromyalgia often respond well to massage. Gentle stretching exercises after a long rest period are also helpful.

Regular exercise can help restore proper muscle tone. Walking, cycling, and swimming are good aerobic activities to try. A physical therapist can teach you stretching, toning, and aerobic exercises to feel better and stay pain-free. Begin slowly and increase workouts gradually. Avoid high-impact aerobic activities and weight lifting when injured or while in pain.

Be sure to get plenty of sleep and try to reduce stress. Yoga and meditation are excellent ways to help you sleep and relax.

If home measures aren't working, call your doctor, who will consider prescription medication, physical therapy referral, or referral to a specialized pain clinic.

If your muscle aches are due to a specific disease, follow the instructions of your doctor to treat the primary illness.
Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor if:

Your muscle pain persists beyond 3 days

You have severe, unexplained pain

You have any sign of infection, like swelling or redness around the tender muscle

You have poor circulation in the area where you have muscles aches (for example, in your legs)

You have a tick bite or a rash

Your muscle pain has been associated with starting or changing doses of a medicine, such as a statin

Call 911 if:

You have sudden weight gain, water retention, or you are urinating less than usual

You are short of breath or have difficulty swallowing

You have muscle weakness or cannot move any part of your body

You have vomiting, a very stiff neck, or high fever
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your muscle pain, such as:

When did it start? How long did it last?

Where is it exactly? Is it all over or only in a specific area?

Is it always in the same location?

What makes it better or worse?

Do other symptoms occur at the same time, like joint pain, fever, vomiting, weakness, malaise, or difficulty using the affected muscle?

Is there a pattern to the muscle aches?

Have you taken any new medications lately?

Tests that may be done include:

Complete blood count (CBC)

Other blood tests to look at muscle enzymes (creatine kinase) and possibly a test for Lyme disease or a connective tissue disorder

Physical therapy may be helpful.
Prevention

Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.

Stretch before and after exercising.

Drink lots of fluids before, during, and after exercise.

If you work in the same position most of the day (like sitting at a computer), stretch at least every hour.
References

ARTHRITIS (JOINT PAIN),Treated by Western Medical Sciences&Homeopathically

ARTHRITIS (JOINT PAIN)

Stiffness in a joint; Pain - joints; Arthralgia

Last reviewed: May 4, 2010.

Joint pain can affect one or more joints.

See also:

Arthritis (inflammation of joints)

Bursitis

Muscle pain
Considerations

Joint pain can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions. No matter what causes it, joint pain can be very bothersome.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes stiffness and pain in the joints. Osteoarthritis involves growth of bone spurs and degeneration of cartilage at a joint. It is very common in adults older than 45 and can cause joint pain.

Joint pain may also be caused by bursitis (inflammation of the bursae). The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion and pad bony prominences, allowing muscles and tendons to move freely over the bone.
Common Causes

Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

Bursitis

Chondromalacia patellae

Gout (especially found in the big toe)

Infectious diseases, including

Epstein-Barr viral syndrome

Hepatitis

Influenza

Lyme disease

Measles (rubeola)

Mumps

Parvovirus

Rheumatic fever

Rubella (German measles)

Varicella (chickenpox)


Injury, including fracture

Osteoarthritis

Osteomyelitis

Septic arthritis

Tendinitis

Unusual exertion or overuse, including strains or sprains
Home Care

Follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause.

For nonarthritis joint pain, both rest and exercise are important. Warm baths, massage, and stretching exercises should be used as frequently as possible.

Anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve pain and swelling. Consult your health care provider before giving aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen to children.
Call your health care provider if

Contact your health care provider if:

You have fever that is not associated with flu symptoms

You have lost 10 pounds or more without trying (unintended weight loss)

Your joint pain lasts for more than 3 days

You have severe, unexplained joint pain, particularly if you have other unexplained symptoms
What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask you about your medical history. The following questions may help identify the cause of your joint pain:

Which joint hurts? Is the pain on one side or both sides?

How long have you been having this pain? Have you had it before?

Did this pain begin suddenly and severely, or slowly and mildly?

Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Has the pain become more severe?

What started your pain?

Have you injured your joint?

Have you had an illness or fever?

Does resting the joint reduce the pain or make it worse?

Does moving the joint reduce the pain or make it worse?

Are certain positions comfortable? Does keeping the joint elevated help?

Do medications, massage, or applying heat reduce the pain?

What other symptoms do you have?

Is there any numbness?

Can you bend and straighten the joint? Does the joint feel stiff?

Are your joints stiff in the morning? If so, how long does the stiffness last?

What makes the stiffness better?

Tests that may be done include:

CBC or blood differential

Joint x-ray

Sedimentation rate, a measure of inflammation

Blood tests specific to various autoimmune disorders

Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended. A procedure called arthrocentesis may be needed to remove fluid from the sore joint.
ARTHRITIS.Homeo  treatment of;
(Gout, Arthritis  dseformans, estc)

#Colchicum. [Colch]
This  is the great old school remedy for gout; every case gets  it  in
some  form; and, strange to say, in the homoeopathic school it is  one
of  the  first remedies thought of, but not every  case  of  arthritic
trouble receives **Colchicum from the careful homoeopathic prescriber.
The typical case calling for **Colchicum is where the swelling is  red
or  pale, with extreme tenderness to touch, a tendency to shift  about
from  joint  to  joint, and pains which are  worse  on  the  slightest
motion.  If the general symptoms of great prostration of the  muscular
system  and abdominal bloating be present **Colchicum is  the  remedy.
Gastric  symptoms and cardiac complications also characterize.  It  is
more  indicated  when the smaller joints, fingers,  toes,  wrists  and
ankles  are affected; the pains are very violent, patient cannot  bear
to  have the parts touched or to have anyone come near  him.  **Arnica
has  this fear that the part my be hit by anyone passing; it has  also
arthritic pains in the foot, worse towards evening; and a red  big toe
joint  which  feels as though it has been sprained, so Arnica  may  be
indicated  well  in  gout.  The  **Colchicum  patient  is  apt  to  be
exceedingly  irritable  and  the  gout is not  apt  to  decrease  this
irritability.   Unless  **Colchicum  be  given  according   to   these
indications  it  will  do  no permanent  good.  The  habit  of  giving
**Colchicum to every case of gout in order to palliate the trouble may
cause it to attack the heart or fly to other parts.
Indeed  in potency it is Homoeopathic to gout, with metastasis to  the
heart.
**Aconite is most useful in acute attacks of gout in the joints of the
feet.  It corresponds only to the onset and if continued for a day  or
two will cure many cases.

#Ledum. [Led]
**Ledum  is  a  useful remedy in gout as well  as  in  many  articular
troubles.  We  have  the symptoms that the ball of the  great  toe  is
swollen,  sore  and  painful on stepping,  drawing  pains  worse  from
warmth, pressure and from motion. It has also gouty nodosities in  the
joints,  it  differs  from Bryonia in having a  scanty  instead  of  a
profuse  effusion; it is, perhaps, better adapted to hot  swelling  of
the  hip  joint  than is **Bryonia. All the pains  of  **Ledum  travel
upwards. **Ledum is also useful after abuse of **Colchicum.
It  may  be  the  first remedy to use  when  the  patient  comes  from
allopathic  hands, having been dosed with large doses of  **Colchicum,
which is a very asthenic remedy, producing great muscular weakness, as
we have seen.
**Ledum, it must be remembered is a cold remedy, and attending all the
symptoms is a general chilliness and lack of animal heat. Another drug
having  gouty nodosities in the joints is **Guaiacum. This remedy  has
tearing pains in the extremities and contractions ;of the muscles.  It
is  also especially useful for gouty inflammation affecting  the  knee
joint.

#Ammonium phosphoricum. [Am-p]
This  is  a  useful remedy in constitutional  gout   where  there  are
nodosities in the joints.
It  is not so much a remedy  for the acute symptoms, but  for  chronic
cases  where  there are deposits of urate of soda concretions  in  the
joints and the hands become twisted out of shape. **Antimonium  crudum
has  gouty  nodes in the joints, but it is easily  selected  from  its
gastric symptoms. Urinary symptoms, strong urine, etc., would  suggest
**Benzoic acid, and much red **Lycopodium, both ;of which may be found
useful in gout. **Staphisagria has a similar application to gout  when
it becomes systematized, as has also **Ammonium phosphoricum.
**Rhododerndron  has  enlargements  of the joints  not  due  to  gouty
deposits, worse during rest and on approach  of a storm.
**Urtica  urens. This remedy is said to cure more cases of  gout  than
any  other.  Under  its  use  pain  and  swelling  subside  and  large
quantities of sand are  passed.
**Picric  acid.  Halbert mentions this remedy as useful  in  arthritis
deformans, and thinks that treating the disease from the  homoeopathic
standpoint will yield best results.

source;http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/ 

Arthritis (joint Inflammation),Treated by Western &Homeo Medical Sciences

Arthritis

Joint inflammation

Last reviewed: February 14, 2011.

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. A joint is the area where two bones meet. There are over 100 different types of arthritis.

See also: Joint pain
Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects a joint, allowing it to move smoothly. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, such as when you walk. Without the normal amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.

Joint inflammation may result from:

An autoimmune disease (the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue)

Broken bone

General "wear and tear" on joints

Infection, usually by bacteria or virus

Usually the joint inflammation goes away after the cause goes away or is treated. Sometimes it does not. When this happens, you have chronic arthritis. Arthritis may occur in men or women. Osteoarthritis is the most common type. See: Osteoarthritis

Other, more common types of arthritis include:

Ankylosing spondylitis

Gonococcal arthritis

Gout

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (in children)

Other bacterial infections (nongonococcal bacterial arthritis)

Psoriatic arthritis

Reactive arthritis (Reiter syndrome)

Rheumatoid arthritis (in adults)

Scleroderma

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Symptoms

Arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. Symptoms can include:

Joint pain

Joint swelling

Reduced ability to move the joint

Redness of the skin around a joint

Stiffness, especially in the morning

Warmth around a joint
Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history.

The physical exam may show:

Fluid around a joint

Warm, red, tender joints

Difficulty moving a joint (called "limited range of motion")

Some types of arthritis may cause joint deformity. This may be a sign of severe, untreated rheumatoid arthritis.

Blood tests and joint x-rays are often done to check for infection and other causes of arthritis.

Your doctor may also remove a sample of joint fluid with a needle and send it to a lab for examination.
Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further joint damage. The underlying cause cannot usually be cured.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Lifestyle changes are the preferred treatment for osteoarthritis and other types of joint inflammation. Exercise can help relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength. Your health care team can help you design an exercise program that is best for you.

Exercise programs may include:

Low-impact aerobic activity (also called endurance exercise)

Range of motion exercises for flexibility

Strength training for muscle tone

Physical therapy may be recommended. This might include:

Heat or ice

Splints or orthotics to support joints and help improve their position; this is often needed for rheumatoid arthritis

Water therapy

Massage

Other recommendations:

Get plenty of sleep. Sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night and taking naps during the day can help you recover from a flare-up more quickly and may even help prevent flare ups.

Avoid staying in one position for too long.

Avoid positions or movements that place extra stress on your sore joints.

Change your home to make activities easier. For example, install grab bars in the shower, the tub, and near the toilet.

Try stress-reducing activities, such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi.

Eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, which contain important vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E.

Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acides, such as cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, and herring), flaxseed, rapeseed (canola) oil, soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts.

Apply capsaicin cream over your painful joints. You may feel improvement after applying the cream for 3-7 days.

Lose weight, if you are overweight. Weight loss can greatly improve joint pain in the legs and feet.

MEDICATIONS

Medications may be prescribed along with lifestyle changes. All medications have risks, some more than others. It is important that you are closely monitored by a doctor when taking arthritis medications.

Generally, over-the-counter medications are recommended first:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually tried first. Take up to 4 grams a day (two arthritis-strength Tylenol every 8 hours). Do not take more than the recommended dose or take the drug along with a lot of alcohol. Doing so may damage your your liver.

Aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can relieve arthritis pain. However, they have many potential risks, especially if used for a long time. Potential side effects include heart attack, stroke, stomach ulcers, bleeding from the digestive tract, and kidney damage.

Prescription medicines include:

Biologics are used for the treatment of autoimmune arthritis. They include etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), abatacept (Orencia), rituximab (Rituxan), golimumab (Simponi), certolizumab (Cimzia), and tocilizumab (Actemra). These drugs can improve the quality of life for many patients, but can have serious side effects.

Corticosteroids ("steroids") help reduce inflammation. They may be injected into painful joints or given by mouth.

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used to treat autoimmune arthritis. They include methotrexate, gold salts, penicillamine, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine.

Immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclophosphamide are used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis when other medications have not worked.

It is very important to take your medications as directed by your doctor. If you are having difficulty doing so (for example, because of side effects), you should talk to your doctor. Also make sure your doctor knows about all the medicines you are taking, including vitamins and supplements bought without a prescription.

SURGERY AND OTHER TREATMENTS

In some cases, surgery may be done if other treatments have not worked. This may include:

Arthroplasty to rebuild the joint

Joint replacement, such as a total knee joint replacement
Expectations (prognosis)

A few arthritis-related disorders can be completely cured with proper treatment.

Most forms of arthritis however are long-term (chronic) conditions.
Complications

Complications of arthritis include:

Long-term (chronic) pain

Disablity

Difficulty performing daily activities
Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if:

Your joint pain persists beyond 3 days.

You have severe unexplained joint pain.

The affected joint is significantly swollen.

You have a hard time moving the joint.

Your skin around the joint is red or hot to the touch.

source;http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/
ARTHRITIS.(Treatment by HOMEO Medicines);
(Gout, Arthritis  dseformans, estc)

#Colchicum. [Colch]
This  is the great old school remedy for gout; every case gets  it  in
some  form; and, strange to say, in the homoeopathic school it is  one
of  the  first remedies thought of, but not every  case  of  arthritic
trouble receives **Colchicum from the careful homoeopathic prescriber.
The typical case calling for **Colchicum is where the swelling is  red
or  pale, with extreme tenderness to touch, a tendency to shift  about
from  joint  to  joint, and pains which are  worse  on  the  slightest
motion.  If the general symptoms of great prostration of the  muscular
system  and abdominal bloating be present **Colchicum is  the  remedy.
Gastric  symptoms and cardiac complications also characterize.  It  is
more  indicated  when the smaller joints, fingers,  toes,  wrists  and
ankles  are affected; the pains are very violent, patient cannot  bear
to  have the parts touched or to have anyone come near  him.  **Arnica
has  this fear that the part my be hit by anyone passing; it has  also
arthritic pains in the foot, worse towards evening; and a red  big toe
joint  which  feels as though it has been sprained, so Arnica  may  be
indicated  well  in  gout.  The  **Colchicum  patient  is  apt  to  be
exceedingly  irritable  and  the  gout is not  apt  to  decrease  this
irritability.   Unless  **Colchicum  be  given  according   to   these
indications  it  will  do  no permanent  good.  The  habit  of  giving
**Colchicum to every case of gout in order to palliate the trouble may
cause it to attack the heart or fly to other parts.
Indeed  in potency it is Homoeopathic to gout, with metastasis to  the
heart.
**Aconite is most useful in acute attacks of gout in the joints of the
feet.  It corresponds only to the onset and if continued for a day  or
two will cure many cases.

#Ledum. [Led]
**Ledum  is  a  useful remedy in gout as well  as  in  many  articular
troubles.  We  have  the symptoms that the ball of the  great  toe  is
swollen,  sore  and  painful on stepping,  drawing  pains  worse  from
warmth, pressure and from motion. It has also gouty nodosities in  the
joints,  it  differs  from Bryonia in having a  scanty  instead  of  a
profuse  effusion; it is, perhaps, better adapted to hot  swelling  of
the  hip  joint  than is **Bryonia. All the pains  of  **Ledum  travel
upwards. **Ledum is also useful after abuse of **Colchicum.
It  may  be  the  first remedy to use  when  the  patient  comes  from
allopathic  hands, having been dosed with large doses of  **Colchicum,
which is a very asthenic remedy, producing great muscular weakness, as
we have seen.
**Ledum, it must be remembered is a cold remedy, and attending all the
symptoms is a general chilliness and lack of animal heat. Another drug
having  gouty nodosities in the joints is **Guaiacum. This remedy  has
tearing pains in the extremities and contractions ;of the muscles.  It
is  also especially useful for gouty inflammation affecting  the  knee
joint.

#Ammonium phosphoricum. [Am-p]
This  is  a  useful remedy in constitutional  gout   where  there  are
nodosities in the joints.
It  is not so much a remedy  for the acute symptoms, but  for  chronic
cases  where  there are deposits of urate of soda concretions  in  the
joints and the hands become twisted out of shape. **Antimonium  crudum
has  gouty  nodes in the joints, but it is easily  selected  from  its
gastric symptoms. Urinary symptoms, strong urine, etc., would  suggest
**Benzoic acid, and much red **Lycopodium, both ;of which may be found
useful in gout. **Staphisagria has a similar application to gout  when
it becomes systematized, as has also **Ammonium phosphoricum.
**Rhododerndron  has  enlargements  of the joints  not  due  to  gouty
deposits, worse during rest and on approach  of a storm.
**Urtica  urens. This remedy is said to cure more cases of  gout  than
any  other.  Under  its  use  pain  and  swelling  subside  and  large
quantities of sand are  passed.
**Picric  acid.  Halbert mentions this remedy as useful  in  arthritis
deformans, and thinks that treating the disease from the  homoeopathic
standpoint will yield best results.have lost weight unintentionally.
Prevention

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent joint damage. If you have a family history of arthritis, tell your doctor, even if you do not have joint pain.

Avoiding excessive, repeated motions may help protect you against osteoarthritis.