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Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that begins with severe pain in the small joints of hands and feet, spreading to the wrists, knees, shoulders, ankles, and elbows. Overlying skin appears red and shiny. This condition affects mostly women, often beginning between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occur at any time. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, accompanied by fatigue, low-grade fever, and poor appetite. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune reaction resulting in a chronic, inflammatory condition affecting the joints and the tissues around them. The joints themselves become painful, swollen, unstable, and then greatly deformed. It varies in severity. Treatment Diet and Nutrition :It is sensible to increase your intake of wholefoods, vegetables, and fiber. Reduce intake of meat, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. A qualified nutritional therapist will check for food allergies or intolerance, such as dairy, wheat, corn, and so on, and will, perhaps, suggest daily supplementation with vitamins C (2g), E (400iu), and B complex, along with calcium pantothenate, selenium (100mg), and zinc (30mg). Hydrotherapy: Cold compresses are useful when the joints are acutely inflamed, followed by alternating hot and cold compresses. Massage :Joints can be massaged with tiger balm, lavender, and camomile oils, and Ruta graveolens cream. Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:Acupuncture -This will be aimed at energy balance, and pain relief.Herbal Medicine Useful herbs include black cohosh, wild yam, willow bark, and licorice. Homeopathy :Specific remedies include Arnica 6c, Bryonia 30c, Rhus tox. 6c, and Ruta grav. 6c, but treatment should always be constitutional. Osteopathy: Treatment will be to address the maintenance of body mechanics.Healing This therapy can be beneficial. Gout Gout is caused by the buildup of crystalized uric acid around the joints, causing severe pain, swelling, and redness around them. It affects mainly the big toe, knuckles, knees, and elbows. An attack may be accompanied by a high fever, and repeated attacks damage bones. Gout is usually an indication that the body is not processing and removing uric acid efficiently. Treatment Diet and Nutrition: Avoid shellfish, sardines, kidneys, and beans, and increase your intake of water. Biochemic tissue salts include Nat. phos and Nat. sulf. Massage: Oils of peppermint, lavender, camomile and geranium may be massaged into the affected area. Ruta graveolens cream may also be used. Self-mobilize the toe by gently pulling it and moving it around. Acupressure: Massage of points relating to the feet will be useful.Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:Herbal Medicine Celery seeds, and wintergreen teas; bladderwrack may be taken internally, or seaweed can be eaten or added to the bath. Burdock and nettle neutralize and eliminate poisons from the body. A poultice of comfrey and marigold may be useful.Chiropractic and Osteopathy Both provide foot mobilization maneuvers to help the condition.
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