Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto-immune disease that causes inflammation of the joints.
This inflammation is chronic in nature and does not subside on its own.
It causes destruction of the joint tissue.
Age - Above 40yrs
Sex - More in female

Symptoms

1. The joints become swollen and red.
2. There is pain in the joints.
3. Stiffness in joints which is more in the morning or after rest for some time.
4. There may be fever in some patients which persists for a long time.

Causes

Although the exact reason is still unknown.
An auto-immune disease.
What is auto-immune.
When the immune system of the body starts giving an abnormal response. The immunity of the body is meant to defend the body from external harmful agents. Such agents may be infectious like bacteria or virus or any microbe. In some cases, the immune system of the body starts attacking one’s own body instead of defending it. The immunity of the body attacks the joints and the synovial membranes lining the joints. Over a period of time, the cartilage of the joint is destroyed. Even the bone is damaged. The ligaments and tendons become weak and are unable to bear the weight of the body or undertake normal daily activities. ,

The following factors

have been noted-
- Women are more prone to have Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Family history of having RA
- Smoking also increases chances of having RA
- Obesity can be another factor.

Homeopathic treatment

Homeopathy offers a much better treatment option for people suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis.

I am giving here which are commonly prescribed

*Causticum 200*

1. This is the remedy for Rheumatoid Arthritis where there are deformities in the joints.
2. The patient get weakness over a period of time, with muscles losing their strength gradually.
2. The pt tends to be restless at night and there is more restlesness in the legs
3. There may be contractions in the tendons causing severe pain and deformities.
4. The pains are usually tearing and drawing.
5. There is numbness and loss of sensation in the hands and other parts of the body.
6. The muscles of the forearm and hands become weak and make it difficult to grip anything firmly.
7. The ankles seem to be weak and cannot bear the weight of the body.
8. The gait may be unsteady and one even tends to fall while walking.
9.The pains are better by warmth and more so from the warmth of bed.

*Caulophyllum 30*

1. This medicine is primarily a woman’s remedy.
2. It affects the small joints much more as compared to the larger joints of the limbs.
3.  Rheumatoid Arthritis of the fingers of the hand and toes of the foot.
4. The pains are erratic or flying in nature ie they change their position every now and then.
6.  The pain is severe and drawing in nature.
7. The wrist joints ache and there is cutting pain on closing the hand.

*Colchicum 30*

1. . It is more suited to the chronic rheumatic states.
3. It tends to affect all tissues like periosteum, synovial membranes and muscular tissues too.
3. The parts is inflamed with the redness, heat and swelling.
4. The pains are tearing in character and get worse in the evening and at night.
5. The patient cannot afford to get
6. There is the sensitivity of the joints.
7. There is a feeling of pins and needles in the hands and fingers.
8.There is stiffness in the joints with feverish feeling.

*Ledum Pal 30*

1.  The rheumatism begins in the feet and later on spreads upwards to other joints of the body.
2.  The patient feels cold and chilly but still cannot tolerate warmth of his bed.
3. The small joints of the foot are more commonly affected with shooting pains.
4. The ankle and the great toe are swollen.
5. The pains are worse at night and better from cold or putting the feet in coldwater.

*Bryonia 30*

1.  Almost all joints and the serous membranes of the joints causing swelling and pain.
2. The pains are stitching in nature and are aggravated by motin and feels better when at rest.
3. The joints are red and swollen with tearing and stitching pains.

*Guaiacum 30*

Guaiacum is useful in chronic forms of rheumatism when the joints
have become distorted by the concretions.

*Rhus Tox 200*

1. Aggravation after exposure to wet, especially when one is overheated and perspiring.
2. The Rhus patient finds relief from moving about.