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.
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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 |
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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.
Common
symptoms
during
the
active
stage of
RA are
as
follows:
Joint
swelling,
redness
and
tenderness
Joint
stiffness
Limited
range of
motion
of
joints
Deformities
of hands
and feet
(at
later
stages)
Muscular
pains
Fever
Loss
of
appetite
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
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.
Homeopathy
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.
Homeopathy
is very
strongly
suggested
for all
cases of
Rheumatoid
Arthritis. |
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