Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease that usually presents as bilateral symmetric polyarthritis that affects hands and feet. Any joint lined by a synovial membrane may be affected, however involvement of organs such as the skin, heart, lungs and eyes.
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Researchers think it’s caused by a combination of genetics, hormones and environmental factors. An infection, smoking and physical or emotional stress may be triggers.
It may show symptoms like pain, swelling and tenderness in more than one joint, stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods, Fatigue [extreme tiredness], weakness and or fever. The doctor uses a combination of investigations including blood tests and X-rays.
Oral ayurvedic medicines are given along with therapies with medicated oils / powders / poultices are used to treat such pain, stiffness and swelling. Such Ayurvedic procedures used to treat Rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Abyangam
- Pinda sweda
- Podikizhli
- Udvartana
