Your joint pain could be arthritis. Don’t ignore your joints; take action now

A healthy immune system is necessary to protect and defend the body against diseases and infections. Sometimes this immune system malfunctions and attacks the healthy tissues and organs, these are termed as autoimmune diseases. About 80 autoimmune diseases are known and of these psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis are most common. Over 23 million people worldwide suffer from rheumatoid arthritis where the patient’s immune system attacks its own joints, causing inflammation. The other types of autoimmune arthritis are relatively rare and at times difficult to diagnose. This leads to delayed medical care and permanent joint deformities. 

Around 0.92 % of Indian population suffers from autoimmune arthritis. Though it is a common disorder not many people seek immediate medical treatment or make necessary lifestyle changes for it until the pain dominates much of their daily life. Of the total arthritis cases visiting Home of Homeo, 25 % cases are of autoimmune arthritis.

There has been a steady increase in the number of autoimmune arthritis cases over the past two decades. Studies suggest that the autoimmune process is influenced by genetic as well as environmental factors. Environmental exposure to asbestos, pesticides, gender, race, ethnicity, emotional and mental stress, smoking and obesity are some of the known risk factors for development of autoimmune arthritis. It is important to know that though autoimmune arthritis is a disease predominantly of the joints but about 40% of the patients experience symptoms related to non-joint organs like eyes, lungs, kidneys, skin, blood vessels and heart

Early recognition of the features of arthritis helps prevent irreversible joint damage and disability. With so many different types of arthritis it is important to identify and give your doctor the correct symptom picture and history. As Autoimmune Arthritis affects the body as a whole, fever, weakness and excessive fatigue are a common finding.
Following are the symptoms of different types of arthritis which you need to look out for in case you are suffering from joint pain 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

affects women more than men, smaller joints of hands, feet and wrists are more affected, usually symmetrical that is both right and left joints are affected at the same time, joints are stiff on waking up in the morning and rheumatoid nodules form at site of pressure.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Occurs in people who suffer from an autoimmune skin condition called psoriasis. There are red scaly rashes of psoriasis especially on the elbows, knees and scalp. Psoriatic Arthropathy can affect any joint and is not symmetrical. 

Reactive Arthritis

Occurs in people who have suffered from a Chlamydia, Salmonella or Shigella infection. Patient gives history of urinary tract infection prior to the beginning of joint symptoms. Besides joint pain and swelling it also causes redness in the eyes, burning urination and rashes on the palms and soles.

Ankylosing Arthritis

The spine is affected causing fusion of the joints between the two vertebrae. There are repeated backache episodes with marked stiffness. As there is pain from lower back to the thighs it is often misdiagnosed as sciatica.  Men are more affected than women. Some patients have chest pain and heel pain. Redness of eyes along with pain is occasionally seen. 

Juvenile Arthritis

Most common type of arthritis in children below 16 years of age. Persistent joint swelling, redness and pain of large joints such as knees and ankles. Smaller joints are affected later on. Eye symptoms are seen more commonly in girls affected by Juvenile Arthritis. 

Holistic Care for your arthritis

Homoeopathic treatment is a holistic form of treatment focusing on patient as a whole. Homoeopathic medicines offer personalized constitutional treatment in cases of autoimmune arthritis, where your family history, environmental exposure and other risk factors and triggers are considered before making a prescription. Homoeopathic medicines act on the immune system of the body and help in reducing the inflammation. Common medicines used in treatment of autoimmune arthritis are Natrum Sulph, Chininum Sulph, Ledum Pal, Kalmia, Colchicum. 

Diet for your arthritis

• Folic acid (B9) and Vitamin B12 play a crucial role in healthy balance of the immune system. Folic acid is known to have anti-inflammatory effect. Chick pea or kabuli chana, moong dal, chawli, French beans, Bajra, Spinach, Saag, liver are rich in Folic acid.
• Food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants help reduce the inflammation. Ex: Fish, strawberries, oranges, lemons, spinach, red and yellow bell peppers.
• Include Selenium rich food such as fish, eggs, almonds, sunflower seeds and brown rice aid in reducing the inflammation in autoimmune diseases.
• Include Zinc rich food such as wheat germ, chicken, pumpkin seeds, spinach and mushrooms.
• Vitamin K is important for your bone health and to beat arthritis. Include vitamin K rich foods such as carrots, cashew-nuts, dark green leafy vegetables and okra or bhindi. 
• Reduce processed and packaged foods from your diet.

Lifestyle Changes

Along with regular medication certain changes in your lifestyle will help you lead a pain free life.

•  Regular exercises and movement of every joint especially the small joints.
• Walking in water or water aerobics is highly recommended.
• Stop smoking as smoking can aggravate arthritis.
• Meditation and breathing exercises to manage stress.

The key early diagnosis and treatment. With regular medication and lifestyle changes, you too can lead a pain free life despite arthritis.

References

1. Principles and Practice of Internal Medicine by Sir Tinsley Harrison
2. Homoeopathic Therapeutics by Lilienthal