INTRODUCTION:
Rheumatism/Arthritis,(RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition involving one or more joints of the body causing pain swelling and stiffness. It is an auto-immune condition wherein the body’s natural defences start to attack itself.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
RA presents with pain stiffness and swelling of small joints of hands and wrists. Symptoms fluctuate in severity from day to day.
pain or aching in more than one joint
stiffness in more than one joint
tenderness and swelling in more than one joint
loss of joint function and deformities
fatigue
low-grade fever
loss of appetite
weight loss pleurisy pericarditis is systemic involvement with minimal joint involvement.
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and It’s important not to ignore your symptoms, even if they come and go. early diagnosis can help to arrest the disease.
RISK FACTORS:
Age. RA is prevalant among adults in their 50s. Risk continues to increase with age.
Sex. female to male ratio is two to three times higher.
Genetics. People born with HLA class II genotypes are more likely to develop RA and the risk of RA may be highest in people with obesity or hazards of exposure to environmental factors like smoking.
History of live births. females who have not delivered are at more risk than who have delivered.
Early life exposure. According to the Centre for disease control and prevention children whose mothers smoked have double the risk of developing RA as adults.
Smoking. studies show that people who smoke cigarettes are at an increased risk of developing RA.
Obesity. Having obesity can increase the risk of developing RA.
Diet. High consumption of sodium, sugar, red meat, and iron is associated with an increased risk of developing RA.
DIAGNOSIS OF RHEUMATISM/ARTHRITIS
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
looking for swelling and redness
examining joint function and range of motion
check for warmth and tenderness in affected joints
examining for skin nodules
testing your reflexes and muscle strength
INVESTIGATIONS:
Xray,ultrasound and Blood tests
Rheumatoid Factor test
Anticitrullinated peptide antibody test (anti-CCP)
Antinuclear antibody test.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
C-reactive protein test.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR RHEUMATISM/ARTHRITIS:
Homoeopathic medicine can help to control the progress and reduce the symptoms regarding joint pain and bone deformities. It focuses on the present persistent and predominant symptoms along with the causation of certain emotional factors predisposing factors etc to analyse and evaluate the case.Once a totality is formed then a carefully thought medicine is selected which is most similiar to the case.Relief in pain swelling and inflammation is expected within first 2/3 weeks of treatment thereby reducing the frequency of flare episodes.Over some time the patient continues to enjoy a good quality of life.
CASE STUDY OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
A 40years old lady came with pains all over her body with restricted movements.she was suffering and had taken treatments from many doctors with partial relief.Patient says I have taken so many treatments that now even my husband says it is enough to stop this all.It is of no use.Her RA test was positive.
Despite taking treatment why this is not stopping?The patient seemed to be very anxious and restless because of her persistent condition.She was all the time only asking why these pains are not going.
On questioning further if there is any conflict with the husband or anyone the patient started laughing that no there is nothing like that. But yes he says stop treatment you are not getting any better.
Analysis and evaluation of the case brought out some striking points to consider. The patient already had shown to many doctors and was not understanding why she is not getting better this was making her more restless and anxious.
RUBRICS SELECTED:
Anxiety driving from place to place.
Anxiety dark in.
Delirium light desire.
REMEDY SELECTED:
CALCAREA CARB 30 AND 200. The patient felt tremendous relief from all pains and is a symptom- free to date.