Homoeopathic treatment of pain and stiffness of small joints

INTERVENTION: Intervention1: Individualized homoeopathic medicines in centesimal potencies: Intervention is planned as administering indicated homoeopathic medicines in centesimal potencies, as decided appropriate to the case or condition. In centesimal scale, each dose shall consist of 4 globules (no. 30) of cane sugar, medicated with the indicated medicine (preserved in 90% v/v ethanol) to be taken orally on clean tongue with empty stomach; dosage and repetition depending upon the individual requirement of the cases. Patients will be advised to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or brushing teeth within 30 minutes of taking the globules and will be asked to suck the globules rather than simply swallowing those. All medicines will be procured from a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)‐certified firm. Every case will be advised general management; adequate rest, physical activity and exercise, and will be advised to be present for monthly follow‐ups. Route of administration: oral. Duration of therapy: 3 months. Control Intervention1: Placebo: This arm will receive placebo, indistinguishable in appearance from verum. Each dose of placebo shall consist of 4 globules (no. 30) of cane sugar, moistened with rectified spirit, to be taken orally on clean tongue with empty stomach; dosage and repetition will be depending upon the individual requirement of the cases. Patients will be advised to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking or brushing teeth within 30 minutes of taking the globules and will be asked to suck the globules rather than simply swallowing those. Every case will be advised general management; adequate rest, physical activity and exercise, and will be advised to be present for monthly follow‐ups. Route of administration: oral. Duration of therapy: 3 months. CONDITION: Health Condition 1: M069‐ Rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified PRIMARY OUTCOME: Disease Activity Index 28 (DAS28) scoresTimepoint: Baseline and after 3 months SECONDARY OUTCOME: Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI)Timepoint: Baseline and after 3 months INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Patients having scored 6 or higher according to the ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria for classification of rheumatoid arthritis. 2. Patients of either sex. 3. Age between 18‐65 years. 4. Patients with known but controlled systemic diseases are also eligible for the study. 5. Literate patients; ability to read Bengali and/or English. 6. Patients giving written consent to participate in the study.