D ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, as well as in other organs in the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis is typically a progressive disease that cause joint destruction and functional disability.
The disease can begin at any age, but it most often starts after 40 years of age and before 60 years of age.
In rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joints are usually inflamed in a symmetrical pattern (both sides of the body affected).
CAUSES
The cause is unknown.
The tendency to develop rheumatoid arthritis may be genetically inherited.
Environmental factors play some role in causing rheumatoid arthritis.
For example, smoking tobacco increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
SYMPTOMS
Swelling
Pain
Stiffness
Fatigue
loss of energy
lack of appetite
low-grade fever
Joint aches
Deformity of joints
SYMPTOMS of Osteoarthritis
The main symptom is acute pain which is a sharp aching one.
Swelling
Joint stiffness
Crepitus (a crackling noise on moving the joint)
Joints such as at the fingers hard bony enlargements are formed namely
Heberden's nodes on the distal interphalangeal joints and
Bouchard's nodes on the proximal interphalangeal joints
OA at the toes leads to the formation of bunions.
Primary osteoarthritis:
Primary osteoarthritis is mostly related to aging.
With aging, the water content of the cartilage increases, and the protein makeup of cartilage degenerates.
Eventually, cartilage begins to degenerate by forming tiny crevasses.
In advanced cases, there is a total loss of cartilage cushion between the bones of the joints.
Repetitive use of the worn joints over the years can irritate and inflame the cartilage, causing joint pain and swelling.
Loss of the cartilage cushion causes friction between the bones, leading to pain and limitation of joint mobility.
Inflammation of the cartilage can also stimulate new bone outgrowths (spurs, also referred to as osteophytes) to form around the joints.
DIAGNOSIS
Blood tests for
Rheumatoid factor (RA factor)
ANA(Antinuclear antibody) test
Sedimentation rate and
C-reactive protein tests
X-rays
Bone scanning is a radioactive procedure used to demonstrate the inflamed joint.
TREATMENT
Corticosteroids
In cases with severe joint deformity, surgery may be necessary.
HOMEEOPATHIC THERAPEUTICS
ACTAEA RACEMOSA: The mainly affected joints are big joints
Excessive muscular soreness is present
Restlessness, stiffness and cramping pains are present
Aggravated from sewing, type writing and during menses
Relieved by rest
ACTAEA SPICATA: Has more affinity towards small joints
The joints start aching and swelling after a slight exercise
Extreme tender to touch
Pains are violent and are worse by touch and movement
KALMIA: Caused due to exposure to cold
Specially right side is affected
There is sensation of numbness, coldness and weakness in the limbs
Joints are hot, red, painful and swollen
Pains suddenly go from one joint to another
COLCHIUM: Pain in the elbow joint, forearm, ligaments of finger joints and of great toes
Flying and tearing type of pains
Patient screams with pains when touched
Better by rest and lying down
PULSATILLA: Weeping disposition is the main feature
Pains comes gradually and disappear suddenly
Pains are accompained by chilliness
Aggravated from hot application and lying on painless side
Relieved by pressure, cold application.
Dr Guptha, Director for the medical coding services and medical coding training
