Introduction Causes See a doctor if Don'ts Prevention Homoeopathic treatment

Types of Arthritis Symptoms Do's Investigations Self-help

Arthritis is an inflammation of a single or multiple joints and it can occur due to varied number of reasons. It is not a single disease. There are over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions and some of these are very common. Men, women, children and people of all racial and ethnic groups are affected by arthritis.

1. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA):
   RA tends to affect people over 40 years of age and is 2-3 times more common in women than men. It may occur in children, particularly between 2-5 years of age. RA is characterized by inflammation and pain in the small joints of the hands as well as in the wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles, knees and the small joints of the feet. RA is frequently accompanied by general fatigue and sleeplessness. It can also cause systemic changes in other parts of the body like the heart, lungs, eyes, nerves and muscles. The discomfort of RA develops over weeks and months and tends to be chronic in nature. The pain is usually most severe on awakening in the morning. In women, the pains may be aggravated during the menstrual period. In older people, it may eventually cause the hands and feet to become deformed as the muscles weaken, tendons shrink and ends of bones become abnormally enlarged. Symptoms usually last for 5 years or more and then stabilize or decline. With early treatment, the likelihood of permanent disability can be reduced in some sufferers.
2. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or Still's disease:
   Rheumatoid Arthritis affecting children is known as Stills disease or Juvenile RA. This is characterized by chronic fever and anaemia. This disease can also have secondary effects on the heart, lungs, eyes and nervous system. Arthritic episodes in children younger than five can last for several weeks and may recur, although the symptoms tend to be less severe in recurrent attacks. Treatment is inclusive of physical therapy and exercises to keep the growing bodies active. Permanent damage from this disease is rare and most affected children recover from the disease fully without experiencing any disabilities.
3. Infectious arthritis:
   In this type of arthritis, the larger joints of the upper and lower limbs as well as the joints of fingers and toes are affected. Infection usually occurs as a complication following injury or another disease. Infectious arthritis is less common than arthritic conditions that come on with age. Because the symptoms may be masked by primary injury or illness, infectious arthritis may go unnoticed and if left untreated, can result in permanent disability.
4. Osteoarthritis:
   

   It is a degenerative type of arthritis where pain and inflammation of the joints results from systematic loss of bone tissue in the joints. It is the most common form of arthritis, particularly in the elderly. It affects the load-bearing joints like hips, knees and spine. In osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage at the ends of bones in joints gradually wears away. The inner bone surfaces become exposed and rub together. The cartilage and bone cannot repair themselves sufficiently to keep up with the damage. In some cases, bony spurs may develop at the edges of joints causing damage to muscles and nerves, pain, deformity and difficulty in movement. In many people, the onset of osteoarthritis is gradual and has no serious debilitating effects, though it can change the shape and size of bones. In other people, bony growths and deformed joints may cause painful muscle inflammation or nerve damage, along with significant changes in posture and mobility.

Scientists have not yet fully understand what exactly causes the various forms of arthritis. They are studying risk factors to determine why some people develop the disease and others do not. However some of the common causes associated with the different types of arthritis have been given below:

• Autoimmune disorder
• Tends to be genetic in nature

• Bacteria or virus
• The infection of the joint usually follows another disease such as a staphylococcal infection, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea or Lyme's disease

• Aging
• Wear and tear of body's load-bearing joints, often as a result of intense athletic activity
• Misuse of anabolic steroids, especially in athletes
• Genetic predisposition to degenerative bone disorders

• Rheumatic fever
• Gout
• Psoriasis
• Intestinal diseases like Crohn's disease
• Heredity
• Obesity
• Injury
• Stress

Gradual pain and progressive stiffness without any noticeable swelling, chills or fever during normal activities- these are an indication of onset of osteoarthritis.

Painful swelling, inflammation and stiffness in the joints of the upper and lower limbs, wrists, elbows, ankles, small joints of fingers or toes; pain that is worse especially in the morning on awakening (morning stiffness)- these are indicative of rheumatoid arthritis.

If there is fever, joint inflammation, tenderness and sharp pains, sometimes accompanied by chills and associated with an injury or another illness, it indicates infectious arthritis.

In children, intermittent fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, anaemia or blotchy rash on arms and legs may indicate juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Other associated symptoms may be seen such as swelling, pain, a general feeling of stiffness and restricted movements especially in the morning, red shiny skin over the joints, deformity of the joint, numbness, loss of appetite, low grade fever and a general sense of being unwell.

1. The pain and stiffness come on quickly, whether from an injury or an unknown cause- it may indicate the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
2. The pain is accompanied by fever- it may indicate infectious arthritis.
3. There is pain and stiffness in the arms, legs or back after sitting for short periods or after a night's sleep- it may indicate the development of osteoarthritis.
4. A child develops pain or rash on armpits, knees, wrists and ankles or has fever, chills, poor appetite and weight loss- the child may have Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

• Take rest until inflammation subsides and the injured tissues heal
• Apply local heat from a heating-pad or moist heat in the form of a hot bath to alleviate the pain
• Controlled application of deep heat and ultrasound (infrared) can soothe the affected joint
• Use physical aids like canes and walkers
• Exercise to rebuild mobility and strength

• In an acute attack, avoid excess activity and stretching of joints
• In case of people suffering from osteoarthritis, drugs like sleeping pills, tranquilizers and pain killers should be cut down upon

• In case of rheumatoid arthritis, blood samples usually show the presence of antibodies called Rheumatoid Factors (RF)
• In case of osteoarthritis, X-rays will reveal shrunken joints or calcification at the ends of bones
• In case of infectious arthritis, a sample of synovial fluid from the affected joint usually confirms the diagnosis

• On waking, do not rush into the routine, but start gradually and slowly
• Exercise regularly, but avoid vigorous and heavy work. Yoga can be very helpful
• Maintain optimum weight for your height and built
• A complete diet, largely vegetarian diet with plenty of salads, fruits and lightly cooked vegetables is recommended
• Cherries or dark red berries are recommended by some to stimulate the production of collagen essential to cartilage repair
• Take vitamin A, C, E and zinc supplements
• Cut down on dairy products, grains, nuts and eggs which are known to cause allergy
• Avoid unpasteurised milk and use goat's milk if possible
• Avoid acid fruits such as lemons and strawberries, tomatoes, salt, sugar (use honey instead); excessive stimulants like tea, coffee and alcohol
• Avoid red meat but chicken and fish can be taken in moderate amounts
• Always consult the doctor for any medication. Do not self medicate at any point of time

• People with weakened, badly deformed fingers from rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from specially designed utensils and door and drawer handles
• People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis should try cocoa, brazil nuts, primrose oil and green lipped mussel extract
• People suffering from weakness in the legs and arms from osteoarthritis can use special bathroom fixtures like elevated toilet seats and tub rails
• People suffering from osteoarthritis should sleep on a firm mattress and take several short rest periods during the day

Homoeopathy considers arthritis as a constitutional problem and treats it accordingly. The scope of improvement of various kinds of arthritis with Homeopathy varies somewhat but overall the scope is very good. RA cases (in adults and children) respond well to treatment especially in the early stages. The medicines can reduce the frequency, duration and severity of the attacks and can delay the onset of complications. In advanced stages where deformities of the joints have occurred, Homeopathy can help to ease the pain. In cases of osteoarthritis, the disease progress can be slowed down and significant pain relief can be achieved. Infectious arthritis can be treated well with homeopathy and the medicines help to control the infection as well prevent the complications of the disease. To relieve acute pain and joint stiffness in any kind of arthritis, the remedies and self-help measures should be tried together. Overall the scope of treatment of arthritis with Homeopathy is good and it is definitely suggested in all cases of arthritis.