Individualised Homoeopathic Management of Chronic Right Knee Osteoarthritis with Radiological Degenerative Changes in a 55-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report

Abstract

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a chronic degenerative joint condition commonly associated with pain, stiffness, swelling, crepitation and limitation of movement. This case describes a 55-year-old woman with chronic right-sided knee pain associated with swelling, tenderness and radiologically documented degenerative changes. Surgery had been suggested by an allopathic consultant because of reduced synovial fluid and persistent symptoms.

Case Presentation

A 55-year-old homemaker presented with right knee pain for approximately two years, progressively aggravated over the preceding year. The pain was associated with swelling, tenderness and crepitation and was aggravated by walking, climbing stairs, standing and exertion. She described a dragging pain extending from the right hip towards the knee. Sitting and rest provided relief. X-ray examination demonstrated degenerative changes in the right knee joint. She also had diabetes mellitus and hypertension for approximately two years and was overweight.

The case-taking revealed significant emotional stress related to family conflicts, particularly difficulties involving her daughters-in-law and an ongoing family-related court case. She described sadness, grief, insecurity, fear and lack of confidence in dealing with family members. She preferred company and social gatherings and frequently overthought family problems.

Homoeopathic Assessment

The case was repertorised using the presenting physical and mental characteristics. The constitutional assessment included the patient's emotional state, family-related stress, generalities and characteristic musculoskeletal symptoms. Lycopodium was considered constitutionally, while Calcarea fluorica was considered in relation to the degenerative joint pathology, according to the prescribing rationale recorded in the case.

Outcome

During follow-up, progressive reduction in swelling and knee pain was documented. By June and August 2026, the patient reported feeling better, with no swelling around the knees and improvement in general well-being. The case was followed longitudinally with repeated clinical assessments.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the importance of comprehensive case-taking, including physical generals, characteristic modalities and mental/emotional factors, in an individualised homoeopathic prescribing approach. The observed improvement is reported as a case outcome and cannot by itself establish treatment efficacy or causation.