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Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms |
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs when your body's immune
system attacks and destroys the tissues that make up your joints. The joints become
swollen, stiff, and painful. In later stages, the joints can become deformed. Other areas
of your body can also be affected, including your lungs, heart, blood vessels, and eyes.
About 1 percent of the U.S. population suffers from RA. Typically, it strikes between the
ages of 30 and 60, but it can occur at any age.Symptoms of Rheumtoid ArthritisStiffness, swelling, and pain in and around certain joints, especially after not moving for a while (for example, when waking) Affected joints typically include hands, fingers, wrists, ankles, feet, elbows, and knees. Generally, if a joint on the right side of your body is affected, the same joint on the left side is also affected. Feeling tired and run-down with swollen lymph glands, a low fever, little or no appetite, and weight loss Appearance of small bumps under the skin near the affected joints What Causes It? Medical researchers do not know why RA develops. Genes may play some as yet unknown role. It also is possible that a change in the body, such as an infection or hormonal shift, can trigger its development. What to Expect at Your Provider's Office Your health care provider will assess the swelling and pain in each joint and will likely ask you to demonstrate how well you can use that joint. During the physical examination, your provider will take your temperature and check your lymph nodes and spleen for swelling. Your provider may order X-rays and blood and urine tests. In some cases, a small amount of fluid may be taken from the affected joint for examination. These tests help rule out other causes of your symptoms and confirm a diagnosis of RA. Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis symptomsDrug Therapies Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms The following drugs are used to treat Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
Complementary and Alternative Therapies Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms The goal of therapy is to decrease inflammation and preserve joint function. Treatment is long term. Suplements Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms
Nutrition
Herbs to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots.
Devil's claw and three to five of the above herbs can be mixed as either tincture 30 to 60 drops three times per day, or 1 cup tea three times per day. Homeopathy Some of the most common remedies used for rheumatoid arthritis are listed below. Usually, the dose is 12X to 30C every one to four hours until your symptoms get better. Rhus toxicodendron for arthritis that feels worse in the morning, in damp, cold weather, or before a storm Bryonia alba for arthritis that feels better with pressure, feels worse with any movement, or cold weather Ruta graveolens for arthritic pains that feel worse after exertion, feel better after resting, especially with a history of strains or sprains Calcarea carbonica for arthritis that is associated with weakness Acupuncture May decrease pain and joint inflammation, and slow progress of Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms Massage May be helpful in relieving Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms symptoms and increasing mobility |