What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is an autoimmune disease triggered by the body’s immune system. When this happens, the body begins to attack healthy cells and tissues in the body. The result is inflammation or swelling in the affected areas.

The condition affects a person in more ways than one. The condition is likely to affect the skin, nerve tissue, salivary glands, blood vessels, bone marrow, lungs, and heart.

For example, if the joint of one leg is affected, the joint of the other leg will also be affected. Therefore, RA can be differentiated from other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.

In a joint with rheumatoid arthritis, the lining of the joint damages tissue. This damage can last longer and lead to deformations.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

With rheumatoid arthritis, signs and symptoms develop in periods called relapses or exacerbations. Other times the symptoms go away, this is called a period of remission.

Typically, you may notice:

• Tender, hot and swollen joints
• Stiff joints that get worse in the morning and after inactivity
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

Initially, RA tends to affect only one joint. The joints that connect the fingers to the hands and the toes to the feet are the most affected. As the signs spread to other parts, wrists, elbows, hips, and shoulders, the pain may radiate to different areas.

However, it can also happen that your joints are affected and you have no clues to diagnose RA.

When To Consult A Doctor

Seek immediate help from your doctor if you experience discomfort and swelling in your joints.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when a weakened immune system attacks the lining of the membranes and tissues that attach to the joints.

Due to this immune system attack, inflammation can lead to the hardening of the synovium, a soft tissue that lines the inner surface of the joints. This is even more damaging because the cartilage and bone inside the joints are damaged.

However, researchers are doubtful about the exact cause of the inflammation. Many studies have confirmed that it is a source of genetic influence.

But that doesn’t imply that genes cause rheumatoid arthritis; however, they make you vulnerable to infection by viruses or bacteria that can trigger the disease.

Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can make you susceptible to other medical problems, such as heart, eyes, skin, nerves, and lungs.

Risk Factors In Rheumatoid Arthritis

Factors that may increase your threat of RA include:

• Gender:

Rheumatoid Arthritis is more common in women than in men.

• Age:

Although rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, most cases occur in middle age.

• Smoking:

If you have a genetic predisposition to developing the disease, smoking further increases your risk. In fact, smoking makes you vulnerable to many other diseases that increase your risk of RA.

• Overweight:

Obese people have a slightly higher risk of RA.

• Family history:

For those who have a family member who has had rheumatoid arthritis, the risk is higher.

However, in breastfeeding women, the risk of RA is usually delayed.

Complications in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis causes many physical conditions that can affect your quality of life.

• Premature Heart Disease:

People with RA tend to have a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes. To delay your risk of heart disease and other complications, your doctor may ask you to stop drinking alcohol and smoking.

• Osteoporosis:

A treatment designed to help you get rid of rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can weaken your bones and make you vulnerable to fractures.

• Lung Diseases:

People with rheumatoid arthritis have inflammation that can cause scar tissue to form in the lungs.

• Dry Eyes And Mouth:

People with RA are at higher risk of developing Sjögren’s syndrome, a disorder that causes dry eyes and mouth.

• Rheumatoid Nodules:

These tissue bulges most commonly occur around pressure points, for example, the elbows. However, there are no limitations as to where they occur in the body.

• Infections:

As the immune system fails during rheumatoid arthritis, you are prone to various infections.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

If rheumatoid arthritis damages the wrists, the inflammation can compress the nerve in the hand and fingers.

• Lymphoma:

It is a group of blood cancers that develop when you have rheumatoid arthritis.

Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Hereditary?

RA is not considered an inherited condition, but research has confirmed the existence of RA in family lines. The cause may be genetic, environmental, or both.

If you have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis, tell your doctor. Learn about the signs and risk factors that may affect your risk of developing RA. Early opinion or diagnosis can make a big difference in treatment and recovery.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian practice that involves a holistic approach to treating medical conditions including rheumatoid arthritis. Called Amavata disease, which means worsening of Ama and Vata can lead to inflammation.

Therefore, the heart of Ayurvedic treatment is to focus on calming the doshas to help restore mobility. The purpose is to revitalize Asthi and Majjadhatu will help strengthen the nervous system and the brain.

Ayurveda principles, diet, and lifestyle changes were explained long ago in Ayurveda to treat RA with methodologies like Panchakarma, Langhanam, etc.

Ayurvedic treatment at Prakruti Raksha Arthritis Clinic ensures permanent health recovery as the focus is on full body detoxification.