Search Results for: neuropathy

Homeopathic Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a peripheral nerve compression syndrome that involves pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve (also known as the “funny bone” nerve). It is an injury or irritation of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel at the elbow (a space of the dorsal medial elbow which allows passage of the ulnar nerve around the elbow). Homeopathic treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome promises a natural approach towards the treatment of the symptoms.

This is also termed ulnar nerve entrapment and is the second most common compression neuropathy in the upper extremity after carpal tunnel syndrome. It represents symptoms of considerable discomfort and disability and in extreme cases can lead to a loss of function of the hand. The main clinical manifestation of this type of compression is paresthesia (“pins and needles like sensation”) and sensory impairment.

Homeopathic Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Sometimes, surgery may be required to relieve the pressure on the ulnar nerve. This can involve releasing the nerve, moving the nerve to the front of the elbow, or even removing a part of the bone. Therapy is sometimes needed after surgery. Numbness and tingling may improve gradually. It may take many months of recovery after surgery. In some cases, the symptoms of cubital tunnel may not be eliminated even after surgery, particularly so if the symptoms were severe. Homeopathy is highly successful in treating nerve compression conditions including cubital tunnel syndrome. Homeopathy treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome uses medicines that treat the problem in an excellent way. These medicines are very safe to use and do not have any side effects. Aranea Diadema, Plumbum Metallicum, Kalmia Latifolia, Argentum Nitricum, Hypericum Perforatum, and Rhus Tox are the top remedies used to treat cubital tunnel syndrome.

1. Aranea Diadema – For Acute Burning Pain

Aranea Diadem is also known by the name ‘Web of Diadem Spider,’ and is a remedy made from the papal cross spider commonly found inhabiting the old walls and other closed places all over America as well as Europe.
This homeopathic remedy has its sphere of action around the disorders of the nervous system distinguished by neuralgia with unexpected soreness of affected parts. The key symptoms of this remedy include acute burning pain in the nerve. Numbness with a sensation of heaviness are the other symptoms of neuralgia.

2. Plumbum Metallicum – For Various Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Plumbum Metallicum or the ‘common lead’ is a remedy extracted from the Lead Ore mineral. The sphere of action of this remedy revolves around the characteristic mind symptoms affecting the memory and the neurological conditions of the body. Plumbum is given for a variety of symptoms from muscle spasms and trembling to muscle weakness. Plumbum treats the symptoms of pain and numbness most likely caused by muscle weakness.

3. Kalmia Latifolia – For Pain and Numbness

Kalmia is a remedy prepared from the evergreen shrub of Mountain Laurel of the family Ericaceae. It is commonly found in North America and Cuba. The main action of the remedy revolves around various conditions causing neuralgia and inflammations. It is also a good remedy in the treatment of sciatica. The pain in the nerve can be sticking, darting, pressing or shooting in nature, attended by numbness of affected part. Pains are intense and can change places with redness and swelling which is worse from least movement. Other symptoms are a weakness of the fingers with pain along the course of the nerve.

Other Important Remedies

4. Argentum Nitricum

Argentum Nitricum is a useful medicine for the cubital tunnel syndrome when numbness is present specifically along the fingertips of the ring and little finger.

5. Hypericum Perforatum

Hypericum Perforatum is a remedy used to treat an injury/trauma to the elbow or the ulnar nerve leading to symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome. The symptoms include tingling, numbness and burning pain in the affected area.

6. Rhus Toxicodendron

Rhus Tox is a remedy useful in cases where there is a history of overstraining of the elbow from exercise or any other activity ultimately leading to main symptoms of the syndrome.

Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Although the symptoms can sometimes mimic other conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis. But depending upon the duration and progression of the disorder, the primary symptom of cubital tunnel syndrome is an aching in the forearm. Numbness and tingling may also be present in the 4th and 5th digits and the ulnar side of the hand. The ulnar nerve may be enlarged, palpable and tender. On observation, there may be atrophy of the muscles of the hand, which is often observed in patients with an abnormal posture of the hands.
Patients suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome are 3-4 times more likely to develop atrophy than patients suffering from another well-known disorder – carpal tunnel syndrome.
Cubital tunnel syndrome causes pain, loss of sensation, tingling, and weakness. ‘Pins and needles’ like sensation is usually felt in the ring and small fingers. These symptoms are often felt when the elbow is bent for a long period of time.

Causes of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is mainly caused by traction and pressure but can also be caused by ischemia of the ulnar nerve. The main symptoms of pain & paraesthesia in the fourth and fifth finger and pain in the medial aspect of the elbow (proximally or distally) is caused by the compression of the ulnar nerve.
There are a few keynote causes of this ulnar nerve compression. These include:

1. Increased pressure – Direct pressure (like leaning the arm on an armrest) on the nerve can press the nerve, causing the arm and hand to (as we know it) ‘fall asleep.’
2. Overstretching – Keeping the elbow bent for a long time can stretch the nerve. This can most commonly happen during sleep.
3. Location – Sometimes, the ulnar nerve does not stay in its place and can snap back and forth over the bone with the movement of the elbow. Repeated snapping of the nerve can irritate the nerve.

This syndrome can be classified according to primary or secondary causes.
Primary symptoms include anatomical variations such as subluxation of the ulnar nerve (partial dislocation of the nerve).
Secondary symptoms are usually the result of an injury. It can although rarely be caused by intraneural masses like a lipoma or ganglion.

Risk Factors

There are many risk factors that can make a person susceptible to cubital tunnel syndrome. Mechanical factors such as stretching, friction or compression of the ulnar nerve, direct trauma, repetitive elbow flexion/extension, repeated traction, subluxation of the ulnar nerve, metabolic disorders, congenital deformities, anatomical issues, arthritis, and occupational factors, head injuries that result in flexion contractures, age (more commonly affects people older than 40 years), overhead activities, and occupations involving prolonged periods of elbow flexion, such as holding a telephone.
Some people develop cubital tunnel syndrome because of a familial tendency. Diabetes mellitus, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Hypothyroidism also raise the risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome.

Pathogenesis

The most commonly known pathogenetic mechanism is the intermittent traction when the ulnar nerve becomes fixed at a single or several points which limits the free gliding the nerve. Compression of the nerve at the cubital tunnel may occur due to reactive changes at the medial collateral ligament, some adhesions within the tunnel, hypertrophy of the surrounding muscles, or changes in the joint.

Managing the Condition

Inflammation anywhere along the ulnar nerve can cause the nerve to have limited mobility by getting stuck in one place. There are a variety of exercises that can help reduce the intensity of the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome. Exercises like Elbow Flexion and Wrist Extension, Head tilt exercises and Arm flexion in front of the body help stretch the ulnar nerve and encourage its movement through the cubital tunnel. They can help decrease the ulnar nerve pressure and improve mobility. Apart from these exercises, rest should be taken from aggravating activities like leaning on the elbows, playing instruments like guitar, and other harsh manual work. Cold packs can also be applied to reduce pain.

Precautions

Some precautions to help prevent the development of cubital tunnel syndrome are to avoid overstraining by limiting the amount of overexertion to the nerve, wrapping a cloth loosely around the elbow or wearing a splint at night to keep the elbow from bending can help prevent the symptoms from worsening, avoiding leaning on the “funny bone,” and watching your posture during the day to avoid long periods of time with the elbow bent. Patients with a desk job should make more space between the desk and the chest so that the elbows are in a straight posture.

Key Points

1. Cubital tunnel syndrome is a problem of the ulnar nerve which passes through the inside of the elbow through the cubital tunnel.
2. Cubital tunnel syndrome may happen when a person frequently bends the elbows, leans on the elbows a lot, or has an injury to the area. Arthritis, bone spurs, and previous fractures or dislocations of the elbow can also cause it.
3. The most common symptom of cubital tunnel syndrome is numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand on the ring and little finger, especially when the elbow is bent.
4. Homeopathic treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome along with rest can help treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation.

Homeopathic Treatment for Chronic Lyme Disease

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 22 Comments

Lyme disease, also known as ‘Lyme borreliosis’ is a tick-borne, infectious disease which is caused by a bacteria. It spreads from the bite from ticks infected by the bacterium. It is caused by the bacteria (of the type borrelia) known as Borrelia burgdoferi. The bacteria travel through the infected site to the central bloodstream and settle into various body tissues, causing different symptoms within the body. A person can also experience autoimmune activity triggered by this bacterium if Lyme disease is not treated correctly, and it can lead to chronic lifelong symptoms. Homeopathic treatment for Lyme disease helps moderate the immune system and helps reduce the severity of the symptoms caused by the bacteria.

Lyme Disease: Symptoms

Medically, Lyme disease in a person develops in three phases:

First Stage

Early Localized Infection – It occurs within three to 30 days after the bite of an infected tick that transmits the infection. In this stage the, the infection is limited to the area of tick bite on the skin, and it does not spread in the body.

Erythema Chronicum Migrans (EM): It refers to outwardly expanding rash which occurs at the site of the bite of a tick. The rash is red and painless. The rash appears like a bull’s eye which is characterized as the innermost portion which remains dark red and indurated (firmer and thicker), the outer portion remains red, and the area in between both portions is clear. 70 – 80 % of the infected people represent with EM in early infection. 20 – 30 % of people can have Lyme disease without the EM rash.
EM is the hallmark of Lyme disease.

Flu-like Symptoms: The rash is often accompanied by fever, malaise, headache, muscular soreness and swollen lymph nodes.

Second Stage

Early Disseminated Infection – After the onset of local infection, within a span of days to weeks, the bacteria (Borrelia) begin to travel through the bloodstream.
EM rash may start to develop at various other sites of the body (apart from the original tick bite site).

Borrelia lymphocytoma: It is a purple colored lump that develops on the earlobe, nipple or scrotum. This skin condition is found in Lyme disease sufferers of Europe but is absent in North American patients.

Neuroborreliosis: It refers to acute neurological issues that appear in approximately 10-15 % of untreated people. The symptoms include facial palsy (loss of muscle tone of one or both sides of the face), meningitis which can cause severe headaches, a stiffness of neck and sensitivity to light, inflammation of nerve roots of the spinal cord, mild encephalitis which can lead to disturbance in sleep, mood changes or memory loss.

The adverse impact of this disease is the disturbance of the electrical conduction system of the heart leading to an abnormality of heart rhythms such as Atrioventricular block (AV block).

Third Stage

Late disseminated infection – Also termed as chronic Lyme disease or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), t includes symptoms of Lyme disease as a result of the immune response of the affected tissues of the body towards borrelia bacteria. In this stage, the infection spreads entirely throughout the body.
Untreated or inadequately treated Lyme disease patients can develop chronic or severe symptoms after several months of onset of this disease. These symptoms involve many parts of the body including the brain, joints, eyes, nerves, and heart.

Late disseminated infection includes:

Fatigue: The hallmark of chronic Lyme disease is a feeling of tiredness. Muscle aches and constant severe headache often accompany the fatigue. The fatigue can linger for many years. The symptoms can mimic chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia. (1)

Polyneuropathy: Patients experience shooting pains, numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet.

Lyme Encephalopathy: This includes neurologic symptoms. 5 % of untreated patients experience neurologic symptoms that involve insomnia (lack of sleep), cognitive difficulties, personality changes and a general feeling of being unwell, chronic fatigue and lethargy.

Chronic encephalomyelitis: It can be a progressive issue and affected person deal with:

Cognitive difficulties
Migraines
Brain fog
Issues in balancing
Weakness of legs
Bladder issues
Vertigo
Pain in back

Psychosis: A rare occurrence in untreated Lyme disease cases, it refers to an abnormal condition of mind in which a person has false beliefs and sees or hears things that others do not see.
The patient can also experience anxiety and panic attacks along with delusional behavior accompanied by derealisation or depersonalization syndrome (the person feels being detached from oneself or reality).

Acrodermatitis Chronic Atrophicans (ACA): ACA is a chronic skin condition and has been noticed in elderly people in Europe. ACA starts as a reddish-blue patch of discolored skin, mainly on the back of feet or hands. The lesion starts becoming thin and wrinkled over several weeks or months. If not treated properly, it can become hairless and dry.

Lyme Arthritis: Arthritis in Lyme disease mainly affects the knees. In some people, it can involve other joints like elbows, wrists, hips, ankles, and shoulders. There is swelling of the affected joint with pain which is mild to moderate in intensity. There are chances of formation of Baker’s cyst (fluid-filled cyst behind the knee) which can rupture. Joint erosions are also seen in some cases.

Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease

Homeopathic medicines for Lyme disease are selected according to the most prominent symptoms of the disease. These medicines help moderate the immune system and offer a natural treatment for Lyme Disease. There are no side effects of homeopathic treatment and it is safe for use in people of all ages.
The most commonly indicated medicines for Lyme disease in the conventional system of treatment are antibiotics- oral or intravenous, which are often prescribed for several weeks. Side effects related to intravenous antibiotics include lowering of white blood cells and mild to severe diarrhea.
Although some patients may require corticosteroids, painkillers, NSAIDs, and muscle relaxants in acute cases, these medications do not work long-term.
In cases of chronic Lyme disease, continued use of these medicines can give rise to side effects like loss of appetite and digestion issues, lowering of blood pressure, mental symptoms such as poor memory and mental fogginess, body pain and numbness.

Homeopathic Medicines for Lyme Disease

Arsenicum Album – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease with Chronic Fatigue

The homeopathic medicine Arsenicum album is a metal-based remedy which is prepared from Arsenic. Arsenicum album is prepared by isolating arsenic from various metals, such as cobalt, nickel, and iron. Highly diluted arsenic preparations are used to make of Arsenicum album. It is a well-indicated remedy for weakness and body fatigue in Lyme disease. Characteristic of this remedy includes a marked weakness and extreme restlessness. It is also indicated in cases of Lyme disease when there are tearing pains in the limbs, which gets worse during the night and while the person is at rest after exertion. There is a sudden decrease in strength during the second stage of Lyme disease, which is well indicative of this remedy.

Key indications for using Arsenicum Album for Lyme Disease:

– Fatigue
– Extreme Restlessness
– Tearing Pains

Ledum Palustre – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease with Skin Rash

The homeopathic medicine Ledum palustre is prepared from Ledum, also known as marsh tea. Ledum or wild rosemary is a herb which is found in the marshlands all over the United States, Canada, and northern Europe. The fresh herb is dried and then powdered to prepare this remedy. Ledum belongs to the family Ericaceae.
Ledum is known for its antiseptic properties and is useful in preventing infections. Ledum palustre is a well-indicated remedy for insect stings, including tick bites. It is also indicated for a twitching sensation around skin rash. The area of the tick bite is cold to the touch.

Key indications for using Ledum Palustre for Lyme Disease:

– Tick Bite
-Twitching Sensation around the rash

Rhus Toxicodendron – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme disease with Arthritis

The homeopathic medicine Rhus tox is prepared from poison ivy- a vine-like shrub. This shrub is found naturally all over North America and belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. The leaves and stalks of this shrub are collected at night to prepare Rhus Toxicodendron. Rhus tox has given tremendous results in arthritis, especially of knee joints in Lyme disease patients. There is stiffness and painful swelling of the knee joint which becomes better by warmth. It is also indicated for joint problems in the elbows and ankles in some instances of Lyme disease. A tingling sensation in feet and other places of the body is also treated with this remedy.

Key Indications for using Rhus Tox for Lyme Disease

– Knee Joint Arthritis
– Tingling Sensation

Belladonna – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme disease with Constant Headache

The homeopathic medicine Belladonna is prepared from the Belladonna plant. Belladonna plant is also known by other names such as nightshade, devil’s cherry, and Atropa belladonna. It is a herbaceous plant, and it belongs to the Solanaceae family. Belladonna is a perennial plant and is found in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The entire belladonna plant is used to prepare the belladonna medicine. Belladonna is a top graded medicine for migraine in patients of chronic Lyme disease. The headache is pulsating and throbbing in character. There is a feeling of extreme fullness in the head. Noise and light seem to worsen the headache of Lyme disease patients. Cold air, head bath with cold water acts as aggravating (increasing) factor for the migraine. Applying hard pressure on the head helps relieve the pain.

Kali Phosphoricum – Homeopathic medicine for Brain fog in chronic Lyme Disease

Kali phosphoricum is a well-indicated remedy for patients of Lyme disease where there is mental fatigue from overwork. There is dullness of mind, loss of memory, a lack of interest in talking and the person suffers from forgetfulness. The characteristic symptom of using this remedy is a low, nervous condition with sensitivity. The person is easily fatigued.

Aconitum Napellus – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease with Anxiety and Palpitations

The homeopathic medicine Aconitum napellus is prepared from the herb called aconite, also known as Monkshood. The aconite herb belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. The whole plant, leaving the root. is used to prepare Aconitum. This herb is indigenous to the region from the Himalayas to Europe. As a remedy, Aconite is recommended for Lyme disease patients when they suffer from anxiety as a result of chronic effects of this disease. Patients go into a state of mental and emotional shock and experience a fear of death. Panic attacks and shock, restlessness and inconsolable anxiety, tachycardia (heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate) with palpitations, fainting palpitations with tingling in fingers and palpitations from motion and pulse are other symptoms that call for this remedy.

Conium – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease with Vertigo

The homeopathic medicine Conium is prepared from the hemlock plant. This plant is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant and belongs to the Apiaceae family. The plant originally belongs to Europe, particularly Britain, Africa and different regions of Asia. The leaves, roots and flowering stems of the hemlock plant are used to prepare Conium. The curative effects of Conium are seen in cases of Vertigo especially in Lyme disease (in the later stages of the disease).
Vertigo appears as a sensation where the person looking steadily at an object feels like the object is spinning.
Vertigo upon rising, or going down the stairs may be present, along with weakness and an inclination to sleep. There is numb feeling in the brain as if stupefied, which gets worse upon turning over in bed.

Thuja – Homeopathic Treatment for Delusions as a result of Lyme Disease

The homeopathic medicine Thuja is prepared by using the leaves and twigs of the thuja plant. Thuja tree belongs to the Cupressaceae family. Out of five, two species of Thuja trees are found in North America and the remaining three species are found growing in eastern regions of Asia. Thuja is a well-indicated remedy for delusions and has given good results in Lyme disease patients who have fixed ideas and delusions in later part of the disease. Delusions as if a strange person is by the side and delusions as if the body were fragile are present. There is dullness of mind with sadness. The person feels depressed, isolated and alone.

How to Distinguish Lyme Disease from Fibromyalgia?

Both fibromyalgia and Lyme disease can cause fatigue and pain, but there are many differences between them
The cause for fibromyalgia is not clear, but it is related to genetic factors, often triggered by stress (physical or emotional stress), and associated conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Ankylosing spondylitis. Fibromyalgia gives rise to widespread pain and tender points, body fatigue, depression, headache, pain, and cramping in the lower abdominal region.

Lyme disease, on the other hand, is an infectious tick-borne disease caused by the bacteria of borrelia type. After the bite of the tick, the bacteria penetrate into the bloodstream and trigger symptoms inside the body. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a headache, chill, fever, swelling of lymph nodes and a rash called Erythema migrans. As the condition takes the chronic form, there are chances of developing arthritis, nerve involvement leading to numbness or tingling sensation, depression, anxiety, palpitations and short-term memory loss.

Although symptoms overlap between Fibromyalgia and Lyme disease, these diseases are distinguished by the presence of a rash which is a hallmark of Lyme disease (called Erythema Migrans). There is no such rash in fibromyalgia.

Chronic Lyme Disease: Causes and Transmission

The causative agent of Lyme disease is bacteria. The main type of bacteria causing Lyme disease in the United States are Borrelia burgdoferi and Borrelia mayonii. In Europe and Asia, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are the causative bacteria. The primary vector for transmitting the bacteria to humans in Lyme disease is an infected black-legged or deer tick. Ticks which are frequently found on deer carry the bacterium in their stomach and transmit it to humans when they bite. People working in grassy and heavily wooded areas are more prone to get Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is not contagious.

Ticks crawl over your clothes or body for many hours before they get attached to your skin. Ticks are usually found in the scalp, groin or armpits, but they can attach to any part of your body. It takes at least 36 to 48 hours for an infected tick to pass bacteria to the body once it is attached to the skin. Most ticks cause infection in the nymphal stage (immature form of ticks, before larval stage) since they are very small in this stage and feed for a longer duration of time before they are detected.

Lyme Disease: Risk Factors

Exposure to wooded or grassy areas: Deer ticks thrive in wooded areas of Midwest and the northeastern region of the United States. Children and Adults with outdoor occupation working in these areas are at a high risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Not removing ticks properly after exposure: For transmission of bacteria from an infected tick to the human body, the tick needs to be attached to the body for at least 36 to 48 hours. The chances of developing Lyme disease grow low if the tick is removed within two days of exposure.

Lyme Disease: Complications

Lyme disease can cause permanent damage to the joints, brain, nervous system and heart. Significant complications of Lyme disease include increased risk of developing an autoimmune form of arthritis, as a result of chronic Lyme disease (even after the treatment) which includes:
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Peripheral spondyloarthritis

Lyme Disease: Management

Prevention is the most important step when it comes to Lyme Disease. Some preventive measures include:

Use insect repellent and bug sprays.
Use tweezers to remove ticks even if your body is exposed to ticks.

Dealing with Lyme Disease:

Since in the later stages Lyme disease takes the autoimmune form, the best way to manage chronic Lyme disease is by boosting your immune system.

Sleep and Management of Emotional Stress:

Stress triggers inflammation and disturbs the hormonal balance of the body. One should get enough sleep (at least 6 to 8 hours per day) and avoid stress to improve body functioning.

Foods to Eat

Consume anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and antioxidant-rich foods like green leafy vegetables and berries.
Foods rich in probiotics (like yogurt) help to reduce the progression of Lyme disease.

Supplements
Supplements to improve cell functioning include:

Vitamin D3 – It helps to boost the immunity, and so supplements rich in vitamin D3 should be a part of the daily diet.

Omega -3 Fatty Acids – These fatty acids play an anti-inflammatory role and improve cognitive functions. Fish-oil supplements should be taken daily.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Foot Pain

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 129 Comments

Foot pain refers to pain anywhere from toes to the back of the heel and can be felt in the soles or top or side portion of the feet. Pain in the foot may affect ligaments, tendons, fascia, bone and joint. Foot pain can be caused by various reasons. The major among these is arthritis (inflamed joints). It mainly includes rheumatoid arthritis (joint inflammation from autoimmune process), osteoarthritis (degeneration of joints from wear and tear) and gout (inflamed joints due to high uric acid levels), injury, sprains and strains. Another cause can be bone spurs that are sharp, pointed bony outgrowths on the feet that mainly present in the heel, causing severe pain while stepping, standing, walking and running. Further causes are Achilles tendinitis, peripheral neuropathy and plantar fasciitis. Achilles tendinitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon (a tendon that connects the calf muscle in the back of the leg to the heel). The cause behind Achilles tendinitis is excessive stress and strain on the Achilles tendon. Peripheral neuropathy results in pain, numbness and tingling in the feet from damage to peripheral nerves. The pain is burning, sharp and stabbing in nature. The condition mainly results from diabetes, alcoholism and nerve trauma in the feet. Plantar fascia is a tissue connection between the toes and heel at the bottom of the feet. The main symptom is heel pain and inflammation that worsens in the morning before while taking a few initial steps, from standing and rising from a seat. Another cause can be corns that are thick, hard skin points from repeated friction and pressure.

Homeopathy offers a large number of effective medicines to deal with foot pain. Foot pain cases respond wonderfully to homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines provide complete treatment in foot pain, whether of recent or chronic origin. These along with managing pain in the feet help to relieve any attending stiffness, swelling, redness, numbness, tingling in the feet effectively. The pain killers usually prescribed in mainstream medicine can be habit forming and also have side effects from prolonged usage, while homeopathy does not cause any adverse effects and does not create any dependency.

Homeopathy can handle cases of foot pain that arise from different causes like arthritis, high uric acid, bone spurs, injury, inflammation of tendons and fascia, bony outgrowths and pain of nervous origin (peripheral neuropathy). All these cases respond very well to homeopathic medicines.

Homeopathic medicines offer complete cure in foot pain cases rather than temporary relief. It goes to the root cause of the problem and gives complete recovery. The results vary from case to case as per the cause and intensity of the problem.

Homeopathy uses natural medicines for foot pain treatment. These medicines are made from natural substances and do not cause any harmful effects. These are safe to use among persons of all age groups.

Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines for Foot Pain

The top 6 homeopathic medicines recommended for foot pain are Rhus Tox, Colchicum, Arnica, Aranea Diadema, Pulsatilla and Phosphorus.

1. Rhus Tox – Top Homeopathic medicine for foot pain

Rhus Tox is one of the highly recommended medicines for managing foot pain. In cases needing it. the pain is worse in the morning after rest. The symptoms improve with activity and motion. Along with pain, there is stiffness in the feet. The feet feel tense and heavy when sitting. It is also indicated to manage cramping in feet with the urge to walk about. Rhus Tox is a well-indicated medicine for feet pain from arthritis, strains, sprains and inflamed achilles tendon.

When to use Rhus Tox?

Rhus Tox is well indicated medicine for foot pain that gets worse in the morning after rest and better from movement.

How to use Rhus Tox ?

It can be used twice or thrice a day in 30 C potency but for high potency, kindly consult a homeopathic doctor.

2. Colchicum – For Foot Pain Due To Gout

Colchicum is a wonderful homeopathic medicine for foot pain due to gout. Colchicum shows great results in gout of the big toe and heel. The affected part is swollen and very painful. The pain worsens with the slightest touch and motion.

When to use Colchicum?

Colchicum is a great choice of medicine to manage foot pain located around the heel and big toe from gout with worsening of pain from touch and motion.

How to use Colchicum?

In the beginning, its 30C potency is safe to start with that can be used once or twice a day.

3. Arnica – To Manage Foot Pain From Inflamed Joints (Arthritis) And Injury

Arnica is a topmost remedy for managing foot pain that arises from arthritis and injury. The pain is worse from slightest touch. The pain is also worse in evening. Along with pain, burning may be felt in feet. The feet feel tired after walking.

When to use Arnica?

Arnica is leading medicine for feet pain that arise from arthritis and injury with worsening of pain from slightest touch.

How to use Arnica?

Though this medicine may be used in different potencies, it is best to begin with 30C potency twice or thrice a day. Higher potencies can be considered afterward but only under the supervision of a homeopathic expert.

4. Aranea Diadema – For Foot Pain From Bone Spurs

Aranea Diadema is an effective homeopathic medicine for foot pain from bone spurs. It is a top grade medicine for boring, digging kind of pain from bone spurs in the heel. The pain is worse on moving the feet in the beginning, but gets relieved after continued movement. Numbness in the heel may alternate with the pain.

When to use Aranea Diadema?

This medicine suits well cases of heel pain from bone spurs with prominent boring, digging pains worse from starting a movement of feet and better from continued motion.

How to use Aranea Diadema?

This medicine can be taken once or twice a day in 30C power.

5. Pulsatilla – For Foot Pain From Plantar Fasciitis

Pulsatilla is helpful homeopathic medicine for foot pain from plantar fasciitis. It is highly valuable where pain in the heel gets worse when rising from the seat. It is also indicated when heel pain gets worse while taking the initial few steps when beginning to walk. Next there is swelling of feet with shooting pains from touching the feet and also from its movement.

When to use Pulsatilla?

Pulsatilla is highly suggested to manage foot pain in plantar fasciitis when pain locates around the heel gets worse while rising from the seat and taking the first few steps when starting to walk.

How to use Pulsatilla?

It acts most wonderfully in 30C potency that can be taken one to two times a day.

6. Phosphorus – For Foot Pain From Peripheral Neuropathy

Phosphorus is a prominent medicine to manage foot pain from peripheral neuropathy. It is prescribed when a tingling sensation, formication (sensation of insects crawling on or under skin) accompanies the pain in foot. The feet may be icy cold in cases where Phosphorus is required. Swelling of feet in the evening may occur. Stinging pain in feet may attend to it.

When to use Phosphorus?

This medicine can be used when foot pain occurs from peripheral neuropathy with pain, tingling and formication sensation in the feet.

How to use Phosphorus?

It is advised to use Phosphorus once or twice daily.

Homeopathic Medicines for Diabetes – A supportive Role

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 399 Comments

Homeopathic Remedies for Diabetes Mellitus

Having high blood sugar levels over a long period is an indication of Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus. Frequent urination and increased thirst and hunger are the basic symptoms of Diabetes. This metabolic disease is a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or body cells not responding properly to the insulin produced. Diabetes can assume serious proportions and complications, and results in life-altering body changes. Shifting to a diabetic diet is essential for the treatment of Diabetes, along with exercise and weight reduction in most cases. Homeopathic medicines for diabetes can only provide supportive role – these medicines are not a substitute for the conventional allopathic medicines . The Homeopathic medicines for diabetes mellitus are made of natural substances and are free from side effects.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Diabetes Mellitus

Abroma Augusta:One of the Best Homeopathic medicines for Diabetes with loss of flesh and weakness

Abroma Augusta is the top natural Homeopathic medicine to treat Diabetes Mellitus. Its use is highly recommended in those patients who are losing flesh and suffer from extreme weakness due to Diabetes Mellitus. The patients who can greatly benefit from this Homeopathic medicine have an increased thirst with dryness of mouth. They also have an increased appetite and the urination is very frequent day and night. Excessive weakness is felt after urination. Homeopathic medicine Abroma Augusta is also of great help in treating sleeplessness in a person with Diabetes. Another sphere in which this Homeopathic remedy yields good results is skin complaints like boils and carbuncles in a diabetic patient. Burning sensation in the whole body is a prominent general symptom that can be found in persons requiring Abroma Augusta.

Phosphorus- One of the best Homeopathic medicines for Diabetes with Weakness in Vision

Phosphorus is a natural Homeopathic medicine of great help for treating Diabetes Mellitus, though its use depends completely on the constitutional symptoms of the patient. Homeopathic medicine Phosphorus is a remedy of great help for weakness of vision in a diabetic patient.

Syzygium Jambolanum: Top Homeopathic medicines for reducing sugar levels

Syzygium Jambolanum is among the best natural Homeopathic remedies for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. It acts promptly and efficiently in decreasing the sugar levels. Excessive thirst and excessive urination are always present in the patient. Homeopathic medicine Syzygium Jambolanum also gives wonderful results in treatment of long-standing ulcers in a diabetic patient.

Phosphoric Acid: One of the Homeopathic medicines for Diabetes with extreme weakness

Phosphoric Acid is an excellent natural Homeopathic remedy for extreme weakness, either mental or physical, in a diabetic patient. Such patients feel exhausted all the time. They have a weak memory and are forgetful. Some sort of history of grief may be found in patients requiring this Homeopathic medicine. For numbness of feet in patients of Diabetes Mellitus, Phosphoric Acid is the best Homeopathic remedy.

Gymnema Sylvestre: Homeopathic Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus with weight loss

Gymnema Sylvestre is a natural Homeopathic medicine of great help for patients of Diabetes Mellitus who are losing weight with weakness and exhaustion. In such patients, this Homeopathic remedy works as a tonic resulting in improvement of overall health. With Homeopathic medicine Gymnema Sylvestre,the patient puts on weight and feels energetic.

Best Homeopathic Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus

Homeopathic medicines for Diabetic Retinopathy (damage to eyes due to Diabetes)

Homeopathic medicines Phosphorus, Arnica, Belladona and Lachesis are equally good natural remedies to deal with eye complaints in diabetic patients. The most suitable Homeopathic medicine out of these is selected on the basis of symptoms described by each patient.

Homeopathic medicines for Diabetic Nephropathy (kidney damage due to Diabetes)

Natural Homeopathic medicines that can be very beneficial in the treatment of kidney damage are Lycopodium, Arsenic Album and Serum Anguillae. A complete case history is taken to select the suitable Homeopathic medicine out of these to deal with the kidney complications in diabetic patients. Homeopathy offers a small supportive role only in this condition and that too in early stages.

Homeopathic medicines for Diabetes with Neuropathy (nerve complaints like numbness in hands and feet)

To deal with the problem of numbness in feet and hands due to Diabetes,natural Homeopathic medicines Phosphoric Acid, Sulphur and Helonias are considered the best.

Homeopathic medicines for skin ulcers in diabetic patients

Skin ulcers is a very common complication in patients of Diabetes Mellitus. The diabetic skin ulcers are mostly formed on the feet. Natural Homeopathic medicines Syzygium Jambolanum and Secale Cornutum are excellent remedies to deal with ulcers in diabetic patients.

Homeopathic medicines for constipation in diabetic patients

For treating constipation in diabetic patients, Homeopathic medicines Carlsbad, Lac Defloratum and Natrum Sulph top the list. Which of these Homeopathic remedies best suits you is decided after taking note of the individual symptoms.

Homeopathic medicines for weak memory in diabetic patients

To improve the weak memory in patients of Diabetes Mellitus, Kali Phos, Nux Vom and Phosphoric Acid are the natural Homeopathic medicines of great help.

Homeopathic Medicines for Diabetes Mellitus with extreme weakness

The best natural Homoeopathic medicines to improve the general health of diabetic patients with extreme weakness are Arsenic Album, Phosphorus, Phosphoric Acid and Carbo Veg. Any one of these Homeopathic remedies can be of great help depending upon the individual symptoms of the patient.Homeopathic Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus can also be very effective in treating Erectile Dysfunction, which can be one of the serious consequences of longstanding Diabetes.

Homeopathic Treatment for Disc Prolapse

By Dr. Vikas Sharma MD 1,334 Comments

What is disc bulge?

Disc or more appropriately intervertebral disc refers to the pad of fibro cartilage lying between vertebras. Vertebras are bone in the back stacked one above the other, 33 of them in all. Each intervertebral disc lies between two vertebrae or in other words, separates two vertebrae. There are 23 intervertebral discs in total. These cartilaginous pads act as shock absorbers whenever excessive stress or strain is put on the spine. An intervertebral disc has two parts – thick outer fibrous ring called annulus fibrosus and inner gel-like material called nucleous pulposus. Disc bulge refers to bulging out of the intact disc from its normal space. Although disc bulge can arise in any part of the spine, it is most common in the lumbar and cervical spine. A person may have single or multiple disc bulges at varying levels in the spine.

Can Homeopathy treat disc bulge?

Disc bulge can be treated with excellence under the Homeopathic mode of treatment. Mild to moderate cases of disc bulge have a good chance of complete recovery with Homeopathic medicines. In severe cases of disc bulge, symptomatic relief can be expected with Homeopathic medicines. In such cases, symptoms of back pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in limbs can all be managed successfully. Among the most well indicated Homeopathic medicines for disc bulge, the major ones are – Rhus Tox, Hypericum Perforatum, Colocynthis, Magnesium Phos and Paris Quadrifolia.

What causes disc bulge?

Various factors can cause a disc bulge. The first among them is age. With advancing age, the discs start to lose their elasticity and lubricating fluid and become brittle, making them bulge out. Injury to the spine can also cause a disc to bulge as also repetitive bending of the back. Lifting heavy weights is another major risk factor. Being overweight also puts a person at a higher risk of disc bulge.

How do I know I have cervical disc bulge?

The first visible symptom of a cervical disc bulge is pain in the neck. The pain may travel to the shoulders, arms and down to the hands and fingers. When a disc bulge pinches upon a nerve, it leads to numbness, tingling, formication in the upper limbs. Weakness of upper limbs may also be present.

What are the symptoms of lumbar disc bulge?

A person having lumbar disc bulge may not experience any symptom at all. Where symptoms do show up in lumbar disc bulge, the first among them would be pain in the lower back. The next symptom that is likely to arise from a lumbar disc bulge from nerve pinching is pain in the lower back that radiates down the lower limbs. The pain radiating from lower back to the lower limbs is termed as sciatica. Sciatica can be right or left sided. Numbness, tingling, weakness of the lower limbs are yet other accompanying symptoms.

What does disc bulge diagnosis involve?

Investigation to confirm disc bulge includes MRI of the back. It will reveal the exact location of the disc bulge and the nerves that are affected.

Does a disc bulge always cause pain?

No, it is not mandatory for all disc bulge cases to feel pain. Many persons have disc bulge without even knowing that they do as they never experience any symptoms.

Is disc bulge the same as disc herniation?

No, disc bulge and disc herniation are not the same. Disc bulge simply refers to bulging out of the intact disc from its normal space. In disc herniation, there is a crack in the outer fibrous layer of disc that makes the gel-like material inside the inter vertebral disc ooze out.

Which part of the spine is most likely to suffer a disc bulge?

Although disc bulge can arise in any part of spine, it is most common in the lumbar and cervical spine.

I have numbness, tingling in hands. Could it be due to cervical disc bulge?

Yes, cervical disc bulge can cause numbness and tingling in hands. These symptoms arise due to pinching of the nerve from disc bulge in the cervical region. However, similar symptoms may arise due to other medical conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy as well. Further investigation would be required to confirm disc bulge.

I have had lower back pain for a few months. Should it be investigated for disc bulge?

Disc bulge is one of the major causes leading to lower back pain. However, it is not the only cause of lower back pain. It can arise due to several other reasons including degeneration of the disc, muscle sprain, muscle spasm in the back, osteoarthritis, spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis.

I have been advised surgery for lumbar disc bulge. Can it be avoided with Homeopathic medicines?

Yes, Homeopathic medicines offer great alternative to surgery in treating lumbar disc bulge. Mild, moderate disc bulge cases show complete recovery with Homeopathic medicines. Severe disc bulge cases, too, can be symptomatically managed with Homeopathic mode of treatment.

Can Homeopathic medicines completely cure disc bulge?

Yes, disc bulge can be cured with Homeopathic medicines. However, the results vary as per the severity and intensity of the case. Depending upon the severity of the case, either complete cure is possible or Homeopathic medicines can provide symptomatic relief from disc bulge.

FAQs – Homeopathic medicines for disc bulge

Which Homeopathic medicines are most effective in treating disc bulge?

Homeopathic medicines Rhus Tox, Paris Quadrifolia, Colocynthis and Magnesium Phos rate among the most effective for treating disc bulge.

Which Homeopathic medicine can I take for my neck pain from cervical disc bulge?

Neck pain from cervical disc bulge can be treated very efficiently with Homeopathic medicine Rhus Tox.

My MRI shows disc bulge at C5-6 and C6-7 level, with pain in neck and numbness in the hands. Which Homeopathic medicine would you advise?

Paris Quadrifolia is the best choice of Homeopathic medicine for treating pain in the neck and numbness in hands from cervical disc bulge.

Which Homeopathic medicine is indicated for treating tingling in upper limbs in a cervical disc bulge case?

Kalmia Latifolia is the prominently indicated Homeopathic medicine for tingling in the upper limbs from cervical disc bulge.

I have had lower back pain for a few months and my MRI shows disc bulge at L4-L5 level. Can Homeopathic medicines help me?

Yes, Homeopathic medicines can treat your lower back pain from disc bulge at L4-L5 level. Rhus Tox and Aesculus Hippocastanum remain the most effective and reliable Homeopathic medicines for treating lower back pain from disc bulge.

Which Homeopathic medicine would you suggest for pain in lower back radiating down the right leg (sciatica) in a lumbar disc bulge case?

Among the wide range of Homeopathic medicines for treating right-sided sciatica from disc bulge, the most beneficial is Magnesium Phos.

Is there a Homeopathic medicine for treating lower back pain radiating down the left lower limb (left sided sciatica) from disc bulge?

Yes, Homeopathy offers a wide range of medicines to treat left-sided sciatica arising from disc bulge. The most significant among these is Homeopathic medicine Colocynthis.

In case of sciatica attended with numbness from disc bulge, which Homeopathic medicine will work?

The most appropriate Homeopathic medicine for treating sciatica attended with numbness from disc bulge is Gnaphalium Polycephalum.

Can Homeopathic medicines treat disc bulge resulting from injury?

Yes, Homeopathic medicines can significantly treat disc bulge arising from injury. In my clinical practice, Homeopathic medicines Hypericum Perforatum and Rhus Tox have shown great results in such cases.

I have developed disc bulge in the lumbar region from lifting heavy weight. Which Homeopathic medicine will help?

For your lumbar disc bulge arising from lifting heavy weight, Rhus Tox is the most suitable Homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathic Medicines for Disc Bulge

Rhus Tox – Top Homeopathic medicine for disc bulge in cervical or lumbar spine

Rhus Tox is one of the top grade Homeopathic medicines for disc bulge cases. Rhus Tox offers great help in disc bulge in the cervical and lumbar region. The key symptom signalling use of Rhus Tox is severe pain in the neck or lower back as per the region of disc bulge. The person who needs Rhus Tox may feel relief in pain with pressure or from massage. Others may feel better with movement or while walking. Another indicative feature for using Rhus Tox is worsening of lower back pain while sitting and while at rest. Rhus Tox is also very useful for disc bulge arising from lifting heavy weights or from injury.

Paris Quadrifolia – Excellent Homeopathic medicine for cervical disc bulge with pain in neck and numbness in upper limbs

Paris Quadrifolia is an excellent Homeopathic medicine for treating cervical disc bulge. The chief guiding feature for selecting Paris Quadrifolia is pain in the neck and numbness in upper limbs. Numbness may be felt in the arms, hands or fingers. Pain in the neck may travel down the arms. Feeling of weight in the neck and across the shoulders is another attending feature.

Kalmia Latifolia – Wonderful Homeopathic medicine for cervical disc bulge with tingling sensation in upper limbs

For cervical disc bulge with tingling, pricking sensation in the arms or hands, Kalmia Latifolia is a most reliable and effective Homeopathic medicine. Weakness in the hands may also arise. Pain from neck travelling down the arms is a key symptom where Homeopathic medicine Kalmia Latifolia will show best results.

Aesculus Hippocastanum – Significant Homeopathic medicine for treating lower back pain from lumbar disc bulge

Aesculus Hippocastanum is a very significant Homeopathic medicine for treating lower back pain from disc bulge. The pain in lower back may radiate to hips. The person needing Aesculus Hippocastanum may feel the pain worsen from walking or stooping. Rising from a sitting position is also very difficult for persons requiring Aesculus Hippocastanum. There is the sensation as if the back might break.

Magnesium Phos – Well indicated Homeopathic medicine for lumbo sacral disc bulge with right-sided sciatica

Magnesium Phos is a prominently indicated Homeopathic medicine for lumbar sacral disc bulge, especially where accompanied by right-sided sciatica. The person needing Magnesium Phos feels pain in the lower back radiate down the hip, leg and down to the foot on the right side. The nature of this pain may be shooting, sharp, stitching or cutting type. The person needing Magnesium Phos may feel relief from applying pressure on the painful area.

Colocynthis – Excellent Homeopathic medicine for lumbar disc bulge with left-sided sciatica

Colocynthis is an excellent Homeopathic medicine for treating lumbar disc bulge where the main compliant is left-sided sciatica. The major symptom is pain in the lower back extending down the hip, leg and foot on the left side. The character of the pain may be cramping, shooting, lightening and shock-like or tearing in nature. Pressure and warm applications may relieve the pain. Lying on the left side may also provide relief.

Gnaphalium Polycephalum – Best Homeopathic medicine for treating lumbar disc bulge with sciatica and numbness in lower limbs

Gnaphalium Polycephalum is a very suitable Homeopathic medicine for disc bulge where sciatica, attended with numbness in lower limbs, is the chief symptom. Pain in the lower back radiates down the lower limbs along the course of the sciatic nerve. The person may feel better by flexing the thigh on abdomen.

Hypericum Perforatum and Rhus Tox – Homeopathic medicines for treating disc bulge from injury

For disc bulge resulting from injury, Homeopathic medicines Hypericum Perforatum and Rhus Tox come highly recommended. Hypericum Perforatum is given in case of violent, sharp pain in the lower back following injury. Walking and stooping is impossible and cause violent pain. It is also indicated for pain shooting up the spine and down the limbs. The person who needs Hypericum Perforatum may also have neck pain. The neck may be extremely sensitive to the touch from cervical disc bulge following injury. Movement of arms worsening neck pain is also a sign that Hypericum Perforatum is the choice of Homeopathic medicine. Hypericum Perforatum is also the medicine to use for tingling and burning in the limbs from a pinched nerve in the back. Homeopathic medicine Rhus Tox is indicated for disc bulge of both cervical as well as lumbar region. In case of cervical disc bulge, it is useful when neck pain gets better with heat or massage. In case of lumbar disc bulge, Rhus Tox is considered if the lower back pain gets better with movement or hard pressure.

Lifestyle measures can help better manage disc bulge

Some basic lifestyle measures, if adopted, will be of great help in managing the disc bulge complaint:

Avoiding lifting heavy weight
Avoid bending the spine; if need be, consider bending on the knees instead of waist
Exercise to strengthen the back and maintain flexibility
Avoid sitting for long hours and jumping
Lose that excess weight
Take proper sleep
Meditate, do calming exercise to keep stress away