What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is chronic, autoimmune disease. There is swelling, pain, stiffness and loss of mobility in various joints of the body.

Who can get affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects about 1.3 million Americans. It usually affects people between the ages of 30 and 50 but can also affect children and the elderly. Women are more likely to get affected than men

What are the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis?

The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is body stiffness in the morning that lasts for more than an hour. This stiffness can occur after any prolonged period of inactivity. There is swelling and pain especially in the joints of the wrists and knuckles, knees, ball of the foot. Swelling can also occur in the cervical spine, jawa, elbows, shoulders, and the small bones of the inner ear. Though not common, small lumps can form under the skin generally near the elbow. There can be fluid retention in the ankles and behind the knee. Rheumatoid arthritis can also be accompanies by fatigue, weight loss and fever.

What causes Rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis can be caused by various factors including an overactive autoimmune response, genetic reasons, infections or hormones. The body has immune cells called B cells and T cells which produce antibodies if any foreign matter is detected. These antibodies trigger inflammation that is the body's natural defense. In rheumatoid arthritis, the B cells and T cells are hyperactive. Bacteria and viruses may trigger the autoimmune system as well. The exact cause of developing rheumatoid arthritis is not known.

How is Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose as its symptoms are often similar to other conditions such as osteoarthritis, infectios arthritis, gout and other diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome. Various blood tests such as Rheumatoid Factor, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test, C-Reactive Protein, Anti-CCP Antibody Test are used to diagnose and determine the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays, Dexa Scans, MRIs and Ultrasound may also be used to detect bone loss.

What are some conventional treatments for Rheumatoid arthritis?

Various drug treatments may be prescribed for Rheumatoid arthritis. These include Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), Biologic Response Modifiers (Biologic DMARDs), Corticosteroids. However all of these drug treatments have been known to have side effects some of which can be pretty severe and can include nausea, vomiting, rash, hair loss, headache, mouth sores, muscle aches, liver and kidney damage. A recent medical article showed that corticosteroids can actually increase pain in the long run.

What are some natural remedies for Rheumatoid arthritis?

• Moderate exercise and physical therapy will greatly benefit people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Walking and swimming, yoga and tai-chi are excellent low impact exercises that help in stretching and easing joints. Avoid high impact exercises such as running.
• Auto immune diseases often occur as a response to stress. Practise deep breathing, massage and other relaxing techniques that can help relieve stress.
• Certain foods like milk, dairy, cereal, wheat, sugar, eggs, beef, pork and codfish have been found to trigger an immune response. It is often recommended that people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis go on an elimination diet. Eat only fruit, vegetables and fish at first. This often helps to reduce symptoms. Then slowly introduce foods into the diet to see which agree and which don't.
• Herbs such as Boswellia and Ashwagandha and Turmeric are well known herbs in Ayurveda used in joint conditions to ease & soothe joints. Formulations like Rumalaya Forte and Rumalaya Gel from Himalaya Herbals are herbal ayurvedic formulations help reduce swelling, provide relief, help improve bone strength and increase joint mobility. They contain herbs such as boswellia, licorice, guggul, five-leaved chaste tree among others that are beneficial in easing joints without side effects.

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References:

The Handbook of Diseases

The Medical Advisor - The complete guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments

Pubmed.org

Himalaya Herbals Company



Herbal remedies for Joints & Muscles

Boswellia
Pure herb which promotes joint mobility

Rumalaya Forte
Relieves occasional pain, ensures joint health

Ashwagandha
Relaxes and Eases joints & muscles