A case of rheumatoid arthritis treated with homoeopathic medicine: An evidence based case report

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by symmetrical inflammation of small joints, prolonged morning stiffness, and progressive functional limitation. Constitutional homeopathic management adopts an individualized therapeutic strategy that focuses on the patient’s complete symptom profile rather than the diagnostic entity alone. This case report presents a 33-year-old female with a six-month history of pain, swelling, and stiffness affecting multiple small joints, predominantly involving the hands and wrists. The patient experienced morning stiffness lasting nearly one hour, significantly impairing routine activities, with gradual improvement observed as the day progressed. Symptoms were aggravated by rest, exposure to cold, and damp weather paricularly in the morning, and relieved by warm applications. Associated complaints included easy fatigability, generalized weakness, episodic dyspnoea, diminished appetite, and cervical pain radiating to the head. Conventional analgesic therapy offered only temporary symptomatic relief. After evaluating the complete symptom picture, Staphysagria 200C was prescribed as an individualized constitutional medicine. Subsequent follow-ups demonstrated marked clinical improvement, including reduction in joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Laboratory investigations revealed a decrease in Rheumatoid Factor levels from 30.09 IU/ml to 1.05 IU/ml, correlating with the observed clinical changes. Although larger controlled studies are necessary to substantiate these findings, this case highlights the potential benefit of individualized constitutional homeopathic therapy in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.