Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic medical condition that causes your immune system, which usually protects you, to attack healthy parts of your body. This condition mainly affects your joints and can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. In contrast to some other Arthritis conditions which impact only one joint or part of the entire body, RA affects the same joints on either side of your body, which includes both hands, both knees or both wrists. This symmetry distinguishes RA from other types of Arthritis.
If RA is left untreated, it can eventually damage cartilage, the adaptable tissue that cushions your joints and helps them move smoothly. As the cartilage wears off, you might begin to see your joints deforming, leading to reduced movement and significant pain. RA may also impact other body structures apart from bones like the skin, lungs, eyes, heart and blood vessels.
It's important to understand the causes and symptoms of RA as it may impact your everyday life. Early diagnosis and treatment can help control symptoms and prevent serious joint damage. If you suspect you have signs of RA, consult an Ayurvedic expert promptly to manage the condition better.
Common Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a complicated condition without any definitive cause, although several factors can increase the risk of this autoimmune condition. Scientists think it's a mix of environmental and genetic factors which trigger the immune system to attack joints.
Following are the most common causes and risk factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Genetics: There's a genetic component to RA. Individuals carrying specific genes like the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) category II genotypes are considered more vulnerable to developing the condition when exposed to environmental triggers.
Environmental Factors: Some environmental factors including cigarette smoke, air pollution and silica dust exposure may increase RA risk. These substances might trigger the immune system in ways that cause joint inflammation.
Infections: Many scientists think that certain viral or bacterial infections cause RA in individuals with a genetic predisposition to the illness. The theory is that these microbes may trigger an immune response that attacks the body's own tissues.
Hormones: Hormones may also play a role in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Women are at a greater risk of developing RA than men, indicating that hormonal factors may influence progression of the disease. Also, pregnancy may lead to temporary improvements in RA symptoms, and flare-ups may develop post-childbirth.
Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for RA, especially in genetically susceptible individuals. It may worsen the condition and reduce the effectiveness of treatment.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) involves many different symptoms which may vary from mild to severe, based on the individual. Recognising the signs early may aid in timely diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of RA are not just confined to the joints, reflecting its status as a systemic disorder that can affect the whole body.
The most noticeable signs & symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are:
Affected joints may be painful or sore to the touch. This is often one of the primary symptoms of RA.
Inflammation may lead to swelling in the joints. This swelling is generally more severe compared to what you would see from a typical injury.
Stiffness in joints can be characteristic of RA and may be especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity, lasting for several hours.
The skin over affected joints may be red and warm due to inflammation beneath.
Unlike other kinds of Arthritis, RA generally affects the same bones on each side of the body at the same time, like both knees or both wrists.
People with RA may complain of feeling tired and lacking energy, often before other symptoms appear.
A fever, usually mild, may accompany RA onset or a flare-up.
Destruction of joint tissues may lead to decreased range of motion and function as RA progresses.
RA could also affect other body parts (eyes, heart, lungs, and skin) and cause multiple other symptoms.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures designed to rebalance your body and improve emotional well-being.
Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness-Practices: These calming activities support mental health and overall wellness.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Therapies like Panchakarma and various massage therapies detox the body and maintain emotional health.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert recommendations on changing your eating habits and lifestyle choices for improved health.
Ayurvedic medicines may offer relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) by addressing the underlying causes and balancing the body’s energies. These treatments are believed to reduce inflammation, cleanse the body and boost the immune system to manage RA symptoms.
These are some potent Ayurvedic herbs that are believed to help with the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Boswellia Serrata (Shallaki): This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and is believed to relieve joint pain and swelling. It helps decrease the leukotrienes, which are responsible for inflammation.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Turmeric consists of curcumin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. It helps reduce joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): An adaptogenic herb that is believed to relieve stress and provide energy, while also reducing inflammation and joint pain.
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale): Ginger is another anti-inflammatory agent that may help relieve RA symptoms, like joint pain and inflammation.
Triphala: Triphala is a classic Ayurvedic formula made from Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki that detoxifies the body and improves digestion, which is important in RA management.
Guggulu (Commiphora Mukul): Guggulu helps in relieving pain and inflammation. It also helps in the detoxification of the joints.
Castor oil (Ricinus Communis): Applied topically or orally consumed, castor oil is believed in Ayurveda to reduce inflammation and pain in affected joints.
Common triggers of Rheumatoid Arthritis are stress, weather changes and poor diet. Managing these may help decrease flare-ups of the disease.
Yes, Ayurveda recommends a diet low in inflammatory foods (processed foods) and high in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids to control symptoms.
Gentle exercises such as yoga or walking are suggested to help keep the joints flexible and strong without damaging them further.
The typical basis for diagnosis of RA is based on the assessment of symptoms, medical history, physical examination of joint health and evaluation of dosha imbalance.
Ayurvedic treatments, including natural herbs and detox therapies may help address the underlying cause of RA, provide relief from the symptoms of RA and improve quality of life by balancing the body's doshas.
Yes, stress may worsen RA symptoms by promoting inflammation. As per Ayurveda, stress can be managed with meditation and relaxation.
Panchakarma therapy detoxifies the body and can relieve RA symptoms by removing toxins from the body and restoring dosha balance.
Yes, in children under 16 years, RA is called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. The symptoms are similar but can impact growth and development in kids.
Yes, people often report stiffness in joints for several hours in the morning (another early indicator of RA).
Herbal pastes containing anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric and ginger are believed to relieve joint pain and stiffness associated with RA.
Ayurveda recommends herbal medicines and lifestyle changes to people with RA. One recommendation also includes intake of warm milk with turmeric before bed to get better sleep.
