Chronic inflammation of the joints can be caused by many conditions ranging from synovitis, bursitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and overexertion or strain of the joint. Of these conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are of the greatest concern since they are chronic degenerative diseases characterized by persistent joint inflammation.
Signs & Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common chronic inflammatory and degenerative joint condition characterized by specific signs and symptoms that differs from other joint conditions.
- Affects mainly the small joints of the body especially the fingers.
- Morning stiffness – joints feel tight or difficult to move upon waking but slowly eases with repeated motion.
- Joint swellings may occur typically looking like a ‘balloon joint’.
- Pain can vary from mild discomfort to moderate tight joint pain to excruciating pain.
- Nodules of the joint and joint deformities may occur.
These symptoms vary in intensity depending on the progression of the disease until it becomes severely painful, causes joint deformities and affects motion.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body’s immune cells ‘attack’ the joint linings causing inflammation (pain, redness, swelling). With time, this chronic inflammation causes degradation of the joint lining and possible erosion of the bones of the joint.
While there is a strong genetic link to autoimmune disorders, the familial cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still debatable.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation (pain and swelling).
- In more severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, corticosteroids like prednisone may be administered daily in low dosages.
- Another effective treatment is anti-folate and anti-metabolite drugs like methotrexate that imay inhibit immune cell activity.
Natural Approach to Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Many natural remedies, herbal and homeopathic, have been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with varying levels of success in managing the condition. These remedies may be effective for the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis but does not stop the progression of the disease.
- A homeopathic anti-inflammatory complex with the remedies Rhus toxicdendron 6CH to 30CH, Ruta graveolens 6CH to 30CH, Mag phos D6 and Arnica montana D6 to 6CH may be effective in reducing the ‘tight pain’ and joint stiffness in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis.
- A herbal immune modulator may assist with regulating the activity of the immune cells that are responsible for causing the joint inflammation.
- Topical applications, creams and gels containing capsicin may be helpful in temporary relief of joint inflammation.
- A herbal anti-inflammatory remedy containing herbs like Salix nigra (willow bark) may be useful in reducing the joint inflammation. Salix nigra is the source of modern day aspririn but lacks the side effects of gastrointestinal irritation.
- Using topical massage applications like Arnica oil should be avoided entirely as it can aggravate the inflammation further.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, always consult with your medical practitioner to confirm the diagnosis and start with treatment immediately. It is not advisable to discontinue your current treatment or commence with alternative therapies for rheumatoid arthritis without the supervision of a medical practitioner.