- Joint Pain and Swelling: The most prominent symptom of RA is persistent pain and swelling in the affected joints. This pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest.
- Morning Stiffness: People with RA often experience stiffness in the joints that lasts for at least 30 minutes or longer after waking up. In severe cases, this stiffness can persist for hours.
- Fatigue: Many individuals with RA experience fatigue, which is a feeling of extreme tiredness or lack of energy that does not improve with rest.
- Redness and Warmth: The affected joints may appear red and feel warm to the touch, a result of inflammation.
- Decreased Range of Motion: As inflammation in the joints progresses, the range of motion in the affected joints may decrease, making it difficult to move them fully.
- Symmetrical Joint Involvement: RA typically affects joints on both sides of the body, such as both wrists, knees, and hands. This distinguishes it from other forms of arthritis that may affect one joint at a time.
- Rheumatoid Nodules: Some people with RA may develop firm lumps under the skin, known as rheumatoid nodules. These are typically found near the elbows, hands, or other pressure points.
- Fever and Loss of Appetite: In some cases, mild fever and loss of appetite will be present with RA due to the body's inflammatory response.
WHAT IS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and eventually joint damage. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the joints, RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, particularly the synovium—the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. Over time, this can lead to joint damage, deformities, and loss of function. RA can affect any joint, but it most commonly targets the hands, wrists, and knees.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
CAUSES
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood, but researchers believe that it is a combination of genetic, autoimmunity, environmental and hormonal factors. Key factors include:
- Genetics: Certain genes, particularly the HLA-DR4 gene, may make individuals more susceptible to RA. Having a family history of RA or other autoimmune diseases can increase the risk.
- Immune System Dysfunction: RA is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In the case of RA, the immune system targets the synovium (the lining of the joints), causing inflammation that can damage the joint and surrounding tissues.
- Environmental Triggers: Factors such as infections, smoking, or exposure to certain chemicals may trigger the onset of RA in genetically predisposed individuals. Smoking, in particular, has been strongly linked to the development of RA.
- Hormonal Factors: Women are more likely to develop RA than men, suggesting that hormonal factors may play a role. RA often begins between the ages of 30 and 60, and women in this age group are at higher risk.
- Age: Although RA can develop at any age, it is more common in adults between 40 and 60 years old. Females are more often affected than males.
- Obesity: Excess weight can increase the risk of developing RA, as fat tissue produces inflammatory chemicals that can worsen the condition.
- Infections: While infections are not the direct cause of RA, some viral or bacterial infections may trigger the onset of the disease in susceptible individuals.
TREATMENT AT SANJEEVANAM
At Sanjeevanam, we offer a comprehensive approach including Ayurveda, physiotherapy, and yoga, which focus on reducing pain, restoring joint functions, controlling inflammations, protection of joints, reducing the progression of illness and enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.
- Ayurveda: Panchakarma treatments such as Virechana (purgation) and Vasthi (medicated enemas) help detoxify the body and improve gut functions. Other Ayurvedic treatments like Snehapanam (drinking medicated ghee), Abhyanga (oil massage), Kayasekam, and Pinda Sweda (herbal bolus massage) help reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation, etc. Internal medications aim to enhance digestion, restore balance to the disturbed doshas, and support the healing process.
- Physiotherapy: Personalized physiotherapy sessions focus on improving mobility, strength, and motor functions, helping patients regain physical independence.
- Yoga: Yoga enhances strength, flexibility, improves posture, balance, and mental well-being, aiding in both physical and emotional recovery.
- Diet: A specially curated diet plan helps in improving the digestive and metabolic functions in the body, creates lightness, and reduces inflammations.
- At Sanjeevanam, the integrated approach of Ayurveda, Yoga, Physiotherapy, and a specialized dietary plan accelerates the achievement of pain reduction and addresses associated complaints. This holistic approach improves the quality of life by utilizing specialized treatments that help patients recover and regain independence in daily activities.
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