Dr. Smriti's Homoeopathic Healing Chinic WhatsApp Us
Dr. Smriti's Homoeopathic Healing Chinic Call Us
Book Appointment
Image

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS is a type of arthritis where your immune system attacks the tissue lining the joints on both sides of your body. It may affect other parts of your body too. The exact cause is unknown.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Homoeopathy can be a great boon for all those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. As Homoeopathic prescription is based upon carefully analysis of the symptoms of the patients, it becomes a system of medicine that understands and treat the patients individualized disease characteristics deeply enough to ensure the complete elimination of the disease from the roots. Homoeopathic medicines regulate the immune system and deactivates the misdirected immune cells. They also help in reducing the inflammation in the joints too. The treatment have a role to play in controlling the progress of the condition to some extent and in delaying the onset of complications.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex chronic disorder and needs to be evaluated properly before any prescription is made. Homoeopathy is based on the principle of individualisation and symptom similarity by using holistic approach.

KNOW YOUR DISEASE

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues.

Image

Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis is what can damage other parts of the body as well. 

SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis affects everyone differently. In some people, joint symptoms develop over several years. In other people, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms progress rapidly. Many people have time with symptoms (flares) and then time with no symptoms (remission).

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

  • Pain, swelling, stiffness and tenderness in more than one joint.
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods.
  • Pain and stiffness in the same joints on both sides of your body.
  • Fatigue (extreme tiredness).
  • Weakness.
  • Fever.

CAUSES OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Normally, your immune system helps protect your body from infection and disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your joints. It can also cause medical problems with your heart, lungs, nerves, eyes and skin. An infection, smoking or physical or emotional stress may be a triggering factor for disease. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Researchers think it’s caused by a combination of genetics, hormones and environmental factors.

RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

There are several risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis. These include.

  • Family history. You’re more likely to develop RA if you have a close relative who also has it.
  • Gender. Women are two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Smoking. Smoking increases a person’s risk of rheumatoid arthritis and makes the disease worse.
  • Obesity . Your chances of developing RA are higher if you have obesity.

COMPLICATIONS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis increases your risk of developing:

  • Osteoporosis. Rheumatoid arthritis itself, along with some medications used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, can increase your risk of osteoporosis — a condition that weakens your bones and makes them more prone to fracture.
  • Rheumatoid nodules. These firm bumps of tissue most commonly form around pressure points, such as the elbows. However, these nodules can form anywhere in the body, including the heart and lungs.
  • Dry eyes and mouth .People who have rheumatoid arthritis are much more likely to develop Sjogren's syndrome, a disorder that decreases the amount of moisture in the eyes and mouth.
  • Infections. Rheumatoid arthritis itself and many of the medications used to combat it can impair the immune system, leading to increased infections.
  • Abnormal body composition. The proportion of fat to lean mass is often higher in people who have rheumatoid arthritis, even in those who have a normal body mass index (BMI).
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome .If rheumatoid arthritis affects your wrists, the inflammation can compress the nerve that serves most of your hand and fingers.
  • Heart problems. Rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk of hardened and blocked arteries, as well as inflammation of the sac that encloses your heart.
  • Lung disease. People with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of inflammation and scarring of the lung tissues, which can lead to progressive shortness of breath.
  • Lymphoma. Rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of lymphoma, a group of blood cancers that develop in the lymph system

DIAGNOSIS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the early signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. There is no one blood test or physical finding to confirm the diagnosis.

During the physical exam, your doctor will check your joints for swelling, redness and warmth. He or she may also check your reflexes and muscle strength.

Blood tests

People with rheumatoid arthritis often have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, also known as sed rate) or C-reactive protein (CRP) level, which may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Other common blood tests look for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.

Imaging tests

Your doctor may recommend X-rays to help track the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in your joints over time. MRI and ultrasound tests can help your doctor judge the severity of the disease in your body.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These self-care measures, when used along with your rheumatoid arthritis medications, can help you manage your signs and symptoms:

  • Exercise regularly. Gentle exercise can help strengthen the muscles around your joints, and it can help reduce fatigue you might feel. Check with your doctor before you start exercising. If you're just getting started, begin by taking a walk. Avoid exercising tender, injured or severely inflamed joints.
  • Apply heat or cold. Heat can help ease your pain and relax tense, painful muscles. Cold may dull the sensation of pain. Cold also has a numbing effect and can reduce swelling.
  • Relax. Find ways to cope with pain by reducing stress in your life. Techniques such as guided imagery, deep breathing and muscle relaxation can all be used to control pain.

The pain and disability associated with rheumatoid arthritis can affect a person's work and family life. Depression and anxiety are common, as are feelings of helplessness and low self-esteem.

The degree to which rheumatoid arthritis affects your daily activities depends in part on how well you cope with the disease. Several steps can be taken like:

  • Take control .With your doctor, make a plan for managing your arthritis. This will help you feel in charge of your disease.
  • Know your limits. Rest when you're tired. Rheumatoid arthritis can make you prone to fatigue and muscle weakness. A rest or short nap that doesn't interfere with night time sleep may help.
  • Connect with others. Keep your family aware of how you're feeling. They may be worried about you but might not feel comfortable asking about your pain. Find a family member or friend you can talk to when you're feeling especially overwhelmed. Also connect with other people who have rheumatoid arthritis — whether through a support group in your community or online.
  • Take time for yourself. It's easy to get busy and not take time for yourself. Find time for what you like, whether it's time to write in a journal, go for a walk or listen to music. This can help reduce stress.

Rheumatoid Arthritis usually starts to develop between the ages of 30 and 60. But anyone can develop rheumatoid arthritis. In children and young adults, usually between the ages of 16 and 40, it’s called young-onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA). In people who develop symptoms after they turn 60, it’s called later-onset rheumatoid arthritis (LORA).

The symptoms of a rheumatoid arthritis flare aren’t much different from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. But people with RA have ups and downs. A flare is a time when you have significant symptoms after feeling better for a while. With treatment, you’ll likely have periods of time when you feel better. Then, stress, changes in weather, certain foods or infections trigger a period of increased disease activity.

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are both common causes of pain and stiffness in joints. But they have different causes. In osteoarthritis, inflammation and injury break down your cartilage over time. In rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks the lining of your joints.

AN OUTLOOK ON RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS - BY DR. SMRITI’S HOMOEOPATHIC HEALING

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may feel like you’re on a lifelong roller coaster of pain and fatigue. It’s important to share these feelings and your symptoms with your doctor. Homoeopathy is strongly suggested for the cases of rheumatoid arthritis as when selected constitutionally they can alleviate the pain and also have a role to play in controlling the progression of the disease. Homoeopathic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is a patient-oriented science and medicines are prescribed on the characteristics of the individual rather than just the symptoms of the disease. . For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homoeopathic doctor in person.