In rheumatoid arthritis small joints of hands and feet are involved. Chronic inflammation of these joints occurs. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.

Normally our immune system is made of complex organization of cells and antibodies that destroy invaders of the body, mainly infections. In autoimmune diseases there are antibodies in the blood that target body’s own healthy tissues.

In rheumatoid arthritis inflammation of joint occurs in addition with inflammation in tissues around joint. Other organs in the body also get inflamed and injured. Multiple other organs of body get affected; hence the disease is also called systemic illness or rheumatoid disease. The exact cause of autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It is thought to be genetically inherited.

Normally a bone joint allows smooth movement of body parts. Arthritis results in swelling, pain, stiffness and redness in joints. In chronic cases destruction of cartilage, bone and ligaments occur that result in deformity of joint.

Women are at more risk of having rheumatoid arthritis than men. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age; most common occurrence is between 40 and 60 years. When rheumatoid arthritis occurs in children it is called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. When any family member is affected with rheumatoid arthritis then the risk of having the disease increases.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis come and go, depending on the degree of inflammation of tissues. The disease is said to be active when the body tissues are inflamed, disease is inactive when inflammation subsides. During the inactive period symptoms disappear and the patient generally feels well. During the active phase of disease patient experiences following symptoms:

• Pain in joint.
• Joint becomes tender, inflamed and warm.
• Muscle and joint stiffness in morning and after long rest.
• Joints are affected in symmetrical pattern.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of energy.
• Fever
• Lack of appetite.

Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by signs and symptoms. Blood test is done which shows elevated ESR (that indicated inflammatory condition in body), rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide). X- ray is recommended to check the progression of disease in joints over time.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, heart problems and lung diseases.

Self help for rheumatoid arthritis:

Along with the medicines when self care measures are followed, the signs and symptoms can be reduced to a great extent. Following are self care tips:
• Maintain healthy bodyweight.
• Eat diet rich in calcium and iron.
• Plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Cut down intake of fat and sugar.
• Take rest during pain.
• Walking, cycling and swimming are good exercises.
• Apply heat or cold: warmth helps in relaxing tense and painful muscles. Cold reduces muscle spasm and it may dull the pain.

How homoeopathy can help?

Homoeopathic treatment has a favorable result in rheumatoid arthritis. Homoeopathic medicine does not give the temporary relief but it aims to clear out the disease from the body. Below I am describing few homoeopathic medicines that can be used in treating rheumatic arthritis but one must avoid self medication. It is because homoeopathic prescription is based on complete analysis of symptoms- mental, physical and symptoms of disease.

Arnica: This medicine is given in chronic arthritis. Patient has bruised and sore feeling. Slightest touch and movement increases the pain.

Bryonia: Tearing and throbbing pain that becomes worse by motion. Symptoms get worse in cold dry weather. Applying pressure on affected part and rest gives relief.

Calcarea carb.: joints of knee and hands are involved. Pain gets worse by cold damp weather. Patient is chilly and sluggish.

Aurum met: this remedy is used for wandering pain in muscles and joints. Pain is worse at night. Motion and warmth gives relief.

Ledum pal: arthritis affects lower body and moves upper side. Joints make cracking sound. Cold application gives relief.

Rhododendron: symptoms get worse before a storm and continue till the weather is cleared. Stiffness is marked in early morning and after long rest.

Rhus tox: pain is worse in morning or during first motion and is relieved by continued motion. Warmth relieves pain.

Ruta: this remedy is indicated when overuse of part causes repeated wear and tear and ultimately results in arthritis.

Exercises to do in rheumatoid arthritis:

Persons who have rheumatoid arthritis should exercise as it increases their muscle strength, reduces pain and they are better able to cope with the disease.

• Walking is the most beneficial and easiest form of exercise.

• Yoga.

• Strengthening exercises like lifting weights helps in decreasing pain and increasing muscle strength.

• Hamstring stretch: lay flat on your back and slowly draw one knee close to your chest. Hold for 10 seconds and return to starting position, repeat the step 3-5 times then do the exercise with another leg.

• Chest stretch: stand against a wall; keep your arm at 90 degree with forearm touching the wall. Gently lean forward till u feel stretch at upper portion of shoulder and chest. Hold for 10 seconds and return to starting position. Repeat 3 to 6 times.

• Recumbent bike or elliptical trainer provides low-impact workout. Initially do it for 10 to 15 minutes 2 to 3 days a week.

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