Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that leads to chronic inflammation of the joints. Although inflammation around the joints and inflammatory arthritis are key characteristics of RA, the disease can also cause inflammation and damage in other organs throughout the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) typically starts gradually, with symptoms such as fatigue, morning stiffness lasting more than an hour, widespread muscle aches, loss of appetite, and weakness. Joint pain eventually develops, and when a joint remains inactive for a period, it can become warm, tender, and stiff. Inflammation of the synovium, the lining of the joint, leads to increased fluid production, causing joint swelling. RA often affects joints on both sides of the body, including the wrists, knees, elbows, fingers, toes, ankles, and neck. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease & is a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also produce diffuse inflammation in the lungs, membrane around the heart (pericardium), the membranes of the lung (pleura), and white of the eye (sclera), and nodular lesions, most common in subcutaneous tissue. Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, autoimmunity plays a pivotal role in both its chronicity and progression.
In some patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammation leads to the destruction of the cartilage, bone, and ligaments, causing deformity of the joints. Damage to the joints can occur early in the disease and be progressive. Moreover, studies have shown that the progressive damage to the joints does not necessarily correlate with the degree of pain, stiffness, or swelling present in the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition characterized by intermittent episodes of intense disease activity, known as flares. For some individuals, RA remains constantly active and may progressively worsen over time, while others experience extended periods of remission, during which symptoms are absent. The impact and progression of RA can vary significantly from person to person and may fluctuate daily. Approximately 1% of the global population is affected by RA, with women being three times more likely to develop the condition than men. It affects people of all ethnicities and regions, typically presenting in those aged 30 to 50, though it can also occur in children, teenagers, and older adults. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a related condition that affects younger individuals.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis typically causes inflammation in multiple joints in a symmetrical pattern, affecting both sides of the body equally. Early symptoms can be subtle, often beginning with minor joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Commonly affected areas include the wrists, fingers, knees, feet, and ankles. Joint symptoms may include:
- Morning stiffness that lasts for more than an hour, with joints feeling warm, tender, and stiff after periods of inactivity.
- Joint pain often experienced in the same joints on both sides of the body.
- Progressive loss of range of motion and potential joint deformities over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis typically causes inflammation in multiple joints in a symmetrical pattern, affecting both sides of the body equally. Early symptoms can be subtle, often beginning with minor joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Commonly affected areas include the wrists, fingers, knees, feet, and ankles. Joint symptoms may include:
- Morning stiffness that lasts for more than an hour, with joints feeling warm, tender, and stiff after periods of inactivity.
- Joint pain often experienced in the same joints on both sides of the body.
- Progressive loss of range of motion and potential joint deformities over time.
Diagnosis
There is no single definitive test to confirm the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While many patients with RA will show abnormal results in some tests, others may have normal test outcomes. Key lab tests that often aid in diagnosing RA include:
· Rheumatoid factor test
· Anti-CCP antibody test
Additional tests that may be conducted to support diagnosis and assess disease activity include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- Joint ultrasound or MRI
- Joint X-rays
- Synovial fluid analysis
- Ayurveda Perspective & Management of Rheumatoid arthritis
According to Ayurveda, Rheumatoid arthritis can be compared to “Ama vata“. It has been described as
” Sa Kashtaha Sarvarogaanaam yadaa prakupito Bhavet |
Hastha paada shiro gulpha trika jaanu uru sandhishu ||
Karoti sarujam shopham yatra doshaha prapadyate |
Sa desho rujate atyatham vyaviddha iva vrishchkaihi || “
This means” If the disease “ama vata” (rheumatoid arthritis) gets aggravated, it becomes most difficult disease comparatively to others. The joints of hands, feet, ankles and elbow, low back, knee, and hip become inflamed and painful. The pain in the affected joints resembles the pain of a scorpion’s sting.”
A detailed description of the causative factors, pathophysiology, symptoms, treatment principles and diet & lifestyle modifications for treating ‘Amavata’ have been clearly explained in Ayurveda, thousands of years back.
Cardinal symptoms of Amavata
- Vriscik damsha vata vedana (Morning pain severe in nature)
- Sanchari Vedana (shifting pain)
- Stambha (stiffness of joints)
- Jwara (Increase temperature)
- Karmahani (loss of movements)
- Sandhi Vikruti (joint deformity)
- Kshudhamandya (Loss of appetite)
Prognosis
In cases where a disease with early onset and a single dosha prominence is treated promptly and the recommended lifestyle modifications are strictly followed, it can potentially be cured. However, if the disease becomes chronic and affects multiple systems, it may become incurable. When complications arise, the disease can pose serious health risks and potentially threaten life. In Ayurveda following are the lines of treatment in Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis):
- Langhanam (Fasting)
- Sodhana chikitsa (Purification of the body)
- Shamana chikitsa (Treatment for subsiding the symptoms)
Langhana (fasting) – It is done by means of complete absence of food, or by giving green gram / rice / barley soups.
Shodhana – It is done through Panchakarma therapy. Usually, treatment is long term and various procedures are done according to the patient condition and presentation. Therapies like Snehapanam, Vamanam, Manal kizhi, Virechanam, Podikizhi, Elakkizhi, Pizhichil, Vaitharana / Kshara basti, Navarakizhi etc are done to get the maximum results.
Shaman Chikitsa – It is done by using very effective and time-tested Ayurveda formulations like kashaya, asavarista. Choorna, vati, taila, Rasoushadi etc.
Apart from these three, strict diet regimen and life style changes are advocated.
At AYURDHAM, we offer a highly effective treatment approach for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Ama Vata), rooted in Ayurveda and supported by years of experience and dedication. If patients seek treatment in the early stages of the disease and adhere strictly to our guidelines, including dietary restrictions, a complete cure is possible. In chronic cases, while a complete cure may not be achievable, our treatment can help manage the disease effectively and reduce reliance on allopathic medications.
