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. The joint damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) happens usually on both sides of the body. Like if a joint is affected in one of your arms or legs, the same joint in the other arm or leg will probably be affected too. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints that causes a painful swelling which can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. RA affects smaller joints particularly finger joints and joints of the feet and toes. RA affects the people between the ages of 30 and 60.

Causes

• Family history

• Smoking

• Environmental exposures

• Obesity

Symptoms

• 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 (poly-arthritis)

• Symmetrical affection of joints is common

• Small joints of hands and feet; elbows, and ankles are commonly involved

• Skin redness or inflammation

• Round, painless nodules under the skin

• Inflammation of the lung (pleurisy)

• Swollen glands

• Anaemia

Diagnosis of RA

• RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) factor

• X-ray of the joint

• ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

• C-Reactive proteins (CRP)

• CBC (Complete blood count)

Role of Homeopathy

Homeopathy offers better treatment options for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Because they do not just aim at providing temporary relief instead of that they aim at curing and eradicating the inflammation of joints. It focuses on raising the immune system to good health. Plus homeopathic treatments are safe and free from side effects. 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.