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Definition:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that
causes chronic inflammation of the joints. This condition
can also affect the tissues surrounding the joints
(muscles, tendons, ligaments) as well as other organs of
the body (skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs and muscles).
RA is a chronic condition and it tends to last for many
years though there are periods in between when the patient
is without any symptom. RA is a progressive condition and
over a period of time, it causes joint destruction and
functional disability.
Causes:
Scientists largely believe that the tendency to develop
rheumatoid arthritis may be genetically inherited.
It is also suspected that certain infections or
factors in the environment might trigger the immune
system to attack the body's own tissues (Autoimmune
response), resulting in inflammation. In any case, the
autoimmune response causes chronic inflammation of the
joints, that later progresses to joint destruction. Stress
can act a predisposing factor as well as a trigger to
induce acute episodes of the condition.
The disease is three times more common in women as
compared to men. It afflicts people of all races equally.
The disease can begin at any age, but peak incidence is
seen between 40 to 60 years of age.
Symptoms:
The course of RA varies from patient to patient. There are
stages when the disease is active and this is called a
Flare-up. In between the flare-ups are episodes when the
patient is absolutely free from symptoms, such periods are
called Remissions.
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Common symptoms during the active stage of RA are as
follows:
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Joint swelling, redness and tenderness
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Joint stiffness
·
Limited range of motion of joints
·
Deformities of hands and feet (at later stages)
·
Muscular pains
·
Fever
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Loss of appetite
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Usually multiple joints are affected at one time
(polyarthritis)
·
Symmetrical affection of joints is common
·
Small joints of hands and feet; elbows, ankles are commonly
involved
·
Skin redness or inflammation
·
Round, painless nodules under the skin
·
Inflammation of the lung (pleurisy)
·
Swollen glands
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Anemia
Diagnosis of RA:
Following are the common tests done to diagnose RA:
·
RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) factor
·
X-ray of the joint
·
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
·
C-Reactive proteins (CRP)
·
CBC (Complete blood count)
Homeopathic treatment:
RA being a constitutional disease that is auto immune in
nature, calls for constitutional medication. Homoeopathy
offers excellent treatment for the cases of RA, especially
for those who have not developed joint deformities. The
pain control is very effective with homeopathy and this is
without any side effects whatsoever. The treatment can
also have a role to play in controlling the progress of
the condition to some extent and in delaying the onset of
complications. Homoeopathy is very strongly suggested for
all cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis. |
