Rheumatoid Arthritis Early Symptoms and Herbal Remedy
Rheumatoid Arthritis Early Symptoms & Proven Herbal Formula for Joint Pain Before we proceed to discuss rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms and talk about a proven herbal remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, let's define what this condition is and the risk factors. RA is an autoimmune disease that is a chronic and inflammatory condition of the joints and other tissues. It's also a systemic disorder which, sometimes involves rashes, fever, fatigue, anaemia and weight loss. This condition causes aching, throbbing and deformation of the joints resulting in the loss of simple functions that we take for granted, for instance, opening a jar may become challenging and painful. It is estimated that approximately 5 million people in United States and Canada are suffering with RA.
Risk factorsRA is more common in women (as is the case with many other autoimmune diseases) and is two to three times more common in women than men striking on average between the ages of 20 and 50. Although less common before age 20 and after age 50 it does happen. In children the onset of rheumatoid arthritis is acute 20% of the time and accompanied by symptoms that include fever, joint pain, swollen joints, rash, and liver disease.
AutoimmunityAs previously noted, rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be an autoimmune disorder due to the fact that certain immune cells attack the tissues of the body, specifically the synovium (the tissue that lines the joints), causing inflammation. Immune cells called T-cells, B-lymphocytes, and cytokines, which are messenger molecules of the immune system, have been identified by researchers as components of the immune system. The theory is that they play a key role in the inflammatory response. The job of T-cells is to detect pathogens and B-lymphocytes are responsible for the production of antibodies. The cause of inflammation is subject to great debate; some theories claim that a self-attack arises within the body in the absence of external pathogens while others say there must be external pathogens involved, either bacterial or viral. As we speak, there is still not an answer and the debate rages on.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Early SymptomsNot every person develops exactly the same symptoms but the most common rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms include:
Other rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms are:
This condition can affect several joints at the same time. Generally, early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis appear in the joints of the wrists, hands, feet and knees; after the condition progresses, the jaw, shoulders, neck, hip and elbows may become affected as well. Small protuberances may form under the skin in various places such as the elbows, hands, feet, back of the scalp and even in the lungs. Typically these lumps aren't painful. Sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis can have periods of flare-ups as well as periods of relative remission.
How is RA diagnosed?* Blood tests can help identify the presence of an inflammatory process in your body in addition to detecting an antibody called rheumatoid factor. * X-rays of joints can help doctors differentiate between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatments for Rheumatoid ArthritisThere are some treatments and lifestyle strategies that can help alleviate RA symptoms and help sufferers deal more effectively. The ultimate goal is to be able to lead a more productive and enjoyable life. Surgery may be necessary but doctors generally treat rheumatoid arthritis with drugs to help alleviate the symptoms, or slow or halt the progression of the condition. Unfortunately long-term use of medication has dangerous side effects and can negatively impact other systems and organs. The most common drugs used as treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, are: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): aspirin, Advil and Motrin belong to this group. They help relieve pain and inflammation and can be bought over-the-counter. Other, more potent ones, are available only by prescription. Taking NSAIDs on a regular basis can lead to serious side effects such high blood pressure, stomach bleeding and damage to the liver and kidneys. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone (Deltasone) and methylprednisolone (Medrol), reduce inflammation and pain and slow joint damage. They can work to make you feel better fairly quickly but the bad news is that if they are used for long periods of time they lose their effectiveness and, worse, cause serious side effects including bruising, thinning of bones, cataracts and diabetes. Immunosuppressants: these medications suppress your immune system (which is overactive in rheumatoid arthritis) and some of these drugs eliminate cells that are associated with the disease. However, they too can have serious side effects such as increased susceptibility to infection. TNF blockers are known as biologic response modifiers. TNF is a cell protein that acts as an inflammatory agent in rheumatoid arthritis; TNF blockers are used to block the cell called cytokine. This helps to reduce pain, improve morning stiffness and swollen joints. Doctors advise not to take TNF blockers if you have an infection.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diet ConsiderationsWhat about diet? There are some studies that show that certain foods may increase some of the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. You may want to do your own test and see how you feel when you eliminate these foods vs. how you feel when they are part of your diet. Inflammatory foods include cow's milk, cheese, pork, beef, eggs, oranges, oats, rye, coffee, corn, wheat, malt, grapefruit, lemon, tomato, and peanuts. In general, it is wise to avoid refined carbohydrates, sugar, coffee and alcohol and opt for foods such as kale, mustard greens, or broccoli. Choose fish and lamb over beef and use olive oil instead of vegetable oils. All of these are considered alkaline foods that can help keep the body’s pH level balanced. Eating acidic foods, on the other hand, can upset the body's balance and deplete it of alkaline and important minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium, a vital nutrient to maintaining healthy bones. In addition to avoiding inflammatory foods, it is extremely important to keep active. For example, a 30-minute walk four or five times per week can be very beneficial to both your body … and mind!
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