Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear of joint linings, RA is characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues, particularly the synovial membranes lining the joints. This results in joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling.

RA can lead to physical disabilities as the disease progresses, causing joint deformities and impairing mobility. It commonly affects the hands, wrists, feet, and knees, but can also involve other joints throughout the body. In addition to joint symptoms, RA can also affect other organs and systems, leading to fatigue, fever, and general malaise.

Treatment for RA aims to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and prevent further joint damage. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are also important components of management, helping to improve joint function and prevent disability.

It’s crucial for individuals with RA to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs, considering factors such as disease severity, overall health, and lifestyle. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential to manage symptoms and minimize the impact of RA on daily life.

The causes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are multifactorial. Genetic factors play a role, as certain genes increase susceptibility. Environmental factors, such as smoking, obesity, infections, and trauma, can trigger RA in genetically predisposed individuals. Hormonal factors, immune system dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, vitamin D deficiency, altered gut microbiome, epigenetic modifications, abnormal immune response, cytokines, autoantibodies, and changes in gut permeability are also implicated in the development and progression of RA.

Usually, people tend to confuse Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) and perceive them as the same. These two are the most prevalent types of arthritis. So it is very important to differentiate for proper diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Arthritis primarily means inflammation of the joints.

While OA primarily affects specific joints, it results in localised symptoms. RA can impact the system or body as a whole, resulting in widespread symptoms. Both diseases have symptoms including stiffness and discomfort in the joints, but RA typically exhibits feverish symptoms, weakness, etc. RA and OA affect joints, but in OA, it mostly affects individual joints and major joints and is not symmetrically affected. While RA affects joints symmetrically and it affects small joints and multiple joints. OA mainly comes from age-related wear and tear of the joints, while in RA, it is when the body’s immune system gets affected and attacks our body. In contrast to RA, which damages the lining of the bones when the immune system attacks it by releasing certain enzymes, osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by cartilage destruction from constantly rubbing against one another.

It is advisable to see a doctor if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, limited mobility, fatigue, loss of appetite, morning stiffness lasting for hours, joint deformity, rheumatism episodes, joint redness, tenderness, warmth, and symmetrical joint involvement. Timely medical evaluation is important for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and management of RA to prevent further joint damage and improve overall quality of life.

It is advisable to see a doctor if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, limited mobility, fatigue, loss of appetite, morning stiffness lasting for hours, joint deformity, rheumatism episodes, joint redness, tenderness, warmth, and symmetrical joint involvement. Timely medical evaluation is important for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and management of RA to prevent further joint damage and improve overall quality of life.

Sanjeevanam, a renowned Ayurvedic wellness center in Kerala, offers effective treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). With a team of experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists, Sanjeevanam provides personalized treatment plans that incorporate herbal medications, Panchakarma therapies, specialized diet, and lifestyle modifications. While Sanjeevanam has gained a positive reputation, it’s important to consult with medical professionals to determine the most suitable treatment approach for your specific condition.