Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatism is essentially any condition that affects the joints and the connective tissue, and ranges from spondylitis and osteoarthritis to rheumatic fever and psoriatic arthritis. The term is very general, and has therefore fallen out of use among doctors and other medical professionals, who choose to use the more specific name of each condition instead. It is however still used colloquially, where it is usually taken to mean rheumatoid arthritis. This form of arthritis is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, and primarily causes inflammation and damage of the joints. It specifically attacks the membrane that lines the joints, causing swelling and pain, and eventually the joints themselves become damaged and deformed. Rheumatoid arthritis can however also affect other internal organs, such as the membrane covering the lungs, the pericardium that is the sac that holds the heart, and even the eyes.
The exact cause of arthritis is not clear, but it seems to be an autoimmune condition. There seems to be a genetic factor at work, but there are also strong indications that smoking can cause rheumatoid arthritis in people who have a predisposition to the condition.
Many people rely upon medication to relieve pain of rheumatoid arthritis and prevent the condition from deteriorating. While this is an important part of treatment, home remedies and lifestyle measures play an equally important role, and in some cases, they may be all the treatment required. Diet and exercise are probably the two most important things. Exercise should of course be mild, so as to avoid stressing the joints excessively. Regular exercise can however build up the muscles around the joints, thus providing support and reducing fatigue. Swimming is ideal, as it involves smooth movements and the body is supported by the water to a great extent. However, be sure to consult your doctor before beginning any exercise routine, and remember never to exercise a joint that is already inflamed or painful. As for your diet, a usual healthy diet comprising of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain is highly recommended. In addition, fish such as salmon and herring are thought to be beneficial, as they are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation.
Although exercise is important, unnecessarily straining your joints is certainly bad. You should therefore allow your joints some rest when they are inflamed. Applying a warm or cold compress also helps tremendously – different people find that different things work for them, and you will need to try both to find out which one works for you.
