Hello.

Rhus Tox 30C is a homeopathic remedy that may be an excellent remedy for your condition. The dose is typically 3 pellets under the tongue 2 times per day for the next week and monitor for sympXXXXX XXXXXes. If no improvement, you may need to consider a different remedy.

In addition, I have a few options for you that may help reduce inflammation and pain.
 
1) Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Studies have shown that the combination of these two products helps to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and helps build cartilage. You want to be sure to get 1500mg of glucosamine per day.
 
2) Fish oil. Fish oil, specifically omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) may help because they have anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to reduce pain symptoms. Good brands are Carlson and Nordic Naturals. The essential fatty acids found in fish oil (specifically cod liver oil) are important for optimal joint health as the membrane of every cell in our body is composed of these fats.
 
3) Eliminating Nightshade vegetables (potatoes, tomoatoes, peppers, eggplant, tobacco) may be helpful as these foods tend to be pro-inflammatory and can aggravate pain.
 
4) S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) - A number of well designed clinical trials show that SAMe may reduce pain and inflammation in the joints, and researchers think it may also promote cartilage repair, although they are not clear about how or why this works. In several short term studies (ranging 4 - 12 weeks), SAMe supplements were as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen in adults with knee, hip, or spine osteoarthritis. SAMe was as effectives as these medications in lessening morning stiffness, decreasing pain, reducing swelling, improving range of motion, and increasing walking pace. Several studies also suggest that SAMe has fewer side effects than NSAIDs. Another study compared SAMe to celecoxib (Celebrex), a type of NSAID called a COX-2 inhibitor, and found that over time SAMe was as effective as celecoxib in relieving pain.
Read more: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/s-adenosylmethionine-000324.htm#ixzz1pmi0xZj5
 
5) Boswellia - this herb has been shown to have anti-inflammatory actions without side effects. This may help reduce pain.
 
 6) Bromelain. Taken on an empty stomach, bromelain has some anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve pain without side effects.
 
7) 1) Hypericum 30c is a homeopathic remedy that works very well for pain. Dose = 3 pellets under the tongue 1x per day. If the pain is not relieved within a week, you may consider a different remedy. There is a great website, www.abchomeopathy.com , that can help assist you in selecting a remedy.

8) There is a treatment called SCENAR that is new to the US but works amazingly well. You can read more about it here and find a local practitioner by contacting them : www.scenarhealth.us

The above recommendations have few if any side effects and can be used seperately or in conjunction with each other. I hope you find this information helpful. If you have any other questions, please let me know.

-Dr. John